Not every Sofar show happens in a cozy living room or rooftop garden. Sometimes, the stage is a 7th-century cave, a tenth-century temple, or the mountain range that inspired John Denver. These ancient venues remind us music isn’t just heard, it’s experienced. Who said history had to be boring?
Underground caves in Nottingham, UK
Talking about digging deeper to find new, exciting venues for a concert, the team at Sofar Nottingham took it literally and went underground. There is a wide network of caves and tunnels stretching beneath the city of Nottingham. It dates as far back as the 7th century when the early inhabitants discovered that the soft sandstone can be easily carved into underground shelters. And you won’t find a live music concert in a space like this every day. We’re sure the reverb there was excellent.
A Temple in Chiba, Japan
Music is a sacred language, and the spirit of reverence is palpable at this Sofar performance at the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita City, just outside Tokyo (and super close to Tokyo Narita airport). Treasured objects, hushed rooms, and sonorous sounds make this a nearly transcendent experience in a very special place. And after the show, there’s plenty more to see, with a whole tenth-century temple complex to explore.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales, UK
The hills are alive with the sound of… Sofar artists. No, really. In May 2024, over 250 hikers took on epic trails—some as long as 7 hours—for a Sofar show like no other, with Snowdonia’s 500 million-year-old (and breathtaking) peaks as the backdrop. Thanks to Columbia’s #HikeFest, this off-grid gig turned “getting there” into half the adventure.
Red Horse Inn, Greenville, SC, USA
Magic is to be had at the Red Horse Inn. Nestled in upstate South Carolina, this venue showcases incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which date back to a time before trees were even a thing. (John Denver taught us all that, right?) And if that’s not enough to tempt you, the wine bar is home to Finn, a friendly pet pig. While Finn might not be a Sofar artist, he’s sure to steal the show!
