Live music, but make it nautical. We’ve staged Sofar shows on historic ships, seaside terraces, and even floating tiki bars (with the occasional thunderstorm). From the Galician coast to the Toronto Harbor, these stages prove you don’t need solid ground for solid sound.
1. Empire Sandy | Toronto, CA
All aboard the Empire Sandy! This classic schooner can be found setting sail in the Toronto Harbourfront– a view in itself. For over 30 years, the Empire Sandy has been Canada’s largest sailing Tallship, and now an epic Sofar stage. Enjoy the majestic cruise into Lake Ontario with live music, fresh air, and unforgettable views of the Toronto skyline. Need we say more?
2. Aquarium Finistrerrae | Coruña, ES
High or low tide, you’re still steps from the tide pools, waves, and an abundance of sea life at Spain’s Aquarium Finsterrae. Step outside for salty air, a walking path to an outdoor aquarium pool (often occupied by families of seals!), and a terrace that doubles as a Sofar stage with a stunning backdrop of the Galician coast. Come for a Sofar show, and stay for the three hundred (and counting) marine species.
3. World Ocean School | Boston, US
While we avoid picking favorites, Sofar Boston has us convinced we haven’t lived until we’ve seen a Sofar Show aboard the Denis Sullivan. The ship is part of Boston’s World Ocean School and serves as a vessel for educating hundreds of students about Great Lakes schooners and maritime history. While you do have the opportunity to walk the ship’s plank, we hope you catch a Sofar show before you sleep with the fishes!
4. Tonga Room | San Francisco, US
If boats are too much for your motion sickness or staying docked is a requirement, look no further than the Tonga Room. Tucked inside San Francisco’s iconic Fairmont Hotel, the Tonga Room is not your average tiki bar– featuring an indoor ‘lagoon’ and sporadic ‘thunderstorms’ with tropical rain, we can’t promise you’ll stay dry. As for the stage? A boat floats through the central lagoon with artists aboard, providing ambiance and entertainment.
5. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers | London, UK
A commute on the Thames isn’t just for getting across London; the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is an alternative for those who want to take the scenic route. While available as a daily commuter ferry, the Thames Clippers also boasts river guides and, yes, Sofar shows. Live music and London lights are a guaranteed good time.
Ready to explore venues like these IRL? Find a Sofar show near you.
