At their core, Sofar shows are sustainably driven, maximizing the use of pre-existing spaces rather than creating entirely new venues! From backyards to boats to museums, Sofar hosts concerts in unique spaces when they would otherwise be empty or underutilized.
To make an even greater impact, we make a significant effort to partner with spaces that are already devoted to sustainable practices—like rooftop gardens or vertical farms. This Earth Day, we want to celebrate some of the most sustainable venues in which we’ve ever hosted a Sofar show.
Sustainable Venues in Europe
The Arc (London, UK)
Located in East London’s Shoreditch, The Arc features a collection of 100 sustainably designed homes designed by award-winning architects, in addition to commercial spaces where we’ve hosted Sofars.
The Arc is a fully electric building, with carbon emissions 30% lower than multi fuel-operated buildings. Surplus energy from each apartment’s underfloor heating and cooling system is recycled for use in other apartments in the building. Plus, The Arc features a rooftop garden and uses recycled water for irrigation.
We’ve hosted 25 shows here, including recent shows that featured A30 and Sabrina Song.
Crossrail Place (London, UK)
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is the crown jewel of the Canary Wharf part of London. Built on the Meridian line, the Garden’s flora are arranged according to the hemisphere they’re from.
The space is part of the greater Canary Wharf development, which features electricity purchased from renewable sources, a plastic free ethos and zero waste initiative, planting projects, and food distribution services.
We’ve hosted 11 shows here, including recent shows with Stone Jets and BrokenPen.
PLATF9RM (Brighton, UK)
A space for community gatherings and events, PLATF9RM in Brighton is a multi-use hub for sustainable practices and charity work. Some highlights include a meal donation service and events where you can rehome your clothes, shoes, and trinkets. Oh! They also have a beehive. Who doesn’t love that?
We hosted a show here just last week, featuring Sarah Ann Rée and Ochre.
Sustainable Venues in North America
Greentown Labs (Boston, MA)
What does a climate-focused startup incubator look like? Chances are it looks a lot like Greentown Labs in Boston. Greentown features climate action startups in industries such as agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing.
We hosted shows here back in 2022, featuring Caleb McCoy, DAMOYEE, Jill McCracken, and more.
Cook’s Garden (Venice, CA)
Cook’s Garden in Venice is a community hub, connecting local produce with chefs and mixologists in the area. They’re committed to maintaining a minimal carbon footprint by employing sustainable organic growing and regenerative soil management; they also educate people in the neighborhood about the benefits of growing your own food.
We hosted shows here last spring, featuring intrnet boyfriend, Margot MacDonald, and Shelby Natasha.
Farm.One (Brooklyn, NY)
Another green space (literally) is Farm.One in Brooklyn: a chic hub of urban farming innovation, complete with an incredibly photogenic vertical farm. They host community events, offer farm tours, and host the occasional Sofar. Just a couple days ago, we held a show here featuring Angie Pastor, Heavenbeatbox, and almost sex.
Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago, IL)
We covered Garfield Park Conservatory in our round-up of historic venues, and we thought it deserved inclusion in our list of sustainable venues too. Garfield Park’s mission is to connect people with the power of nature. Our mission is to connect people with the power of music, so you could say Sofar and Garfield Park go hand-in-hand.
We hosted a Sofar here in 2021, which featured D. Lylez.
Grow + Gather (Denver, CO)
Grow + Gather found its home in a renovated historic auto shop: a poetic spot for this urban farm. They’re committed to creating a local, sustainable and creative food experience for all.
We’ll be hosting some Sofars in their rooftop greenhouse over the next few months, including a show on June 1. Stop by if you can!
Green Spaces (Denver, CO)
Green Spaces is Denver’s sustainable hub for coworking, creativity, collaboration, and community. It’s a place where sustainability and culture meet technology and business. And also music: we have a few upcoming shows at Green Spaces in May and June!
Sustainable Venues All Over
Backyards and Gardens
The first ever Sofar was in our founder Rafe’s home, and he’s since hosted countless Sofars in his backyard. That ethos has spread to other backyards and gardens, all over the world.
You can even watch Sofars from rooftops:
Want to see a show in a sustainable venue near you? Check out what’s coming up!
