Eight Virginia Music Towns

There's plenty to sing about when it comes to Virginia's music scene. Here are eight towns to start planning a musical getaway in the Commonwealth, whether you're looking for big-name acts or the roots of music history.  

RICHMOND

Virginia’s capital has long been known for its underground punk scene, but the city has blossomed into a music town fit for all types of genres. Every night of the week in Richmond, some type of live music is going on—from the major artist coming to The National to the up-and-coming act playing at small clubs like The Camel and Richmond Music Hall.

Where to Stay: In the heart of the Arts District at Quirk Hotel, or steps from Brown's Island and the Allianz Amphitheater at Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown

Where to Jam: Top venues include The National, Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, and outdoor concerts on Brown's Island. You'll also see big names at the Altria, Dominion Energy Center, and The Broadberry. 

Don't Miss: Live music nights at breweries. Check calendars, choose your brewery stops wisely, and stay mobile and you may catch several acts in one night around the Scott's Addition neighborhood. 

Events We Love: The annual Folk Festival is a can't-miss for global music — and it's free! The 2nd Street Festival has filled the streets of Jackson Ward with iconic tunes for decades. In the spring, the Friday Cheers concert series on Brown's Island is a tradition locals love. 

Keep planning your trip to the River City with our complete guide to visiting Richmond. 

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Known as the home of the Dave Matthews Band, Charlottesville is a go-to destination for fans of the indie-rock scene. Numerous venues along the city’s Downtown Mall have live music most nights of the week.

Where to Stay: Choose a hotel that's located conveniently near the Downtown Mall, where much of the music happens, like The Doyle Hotel or The Omni Charlottesville. 

Where to Jam: Venues like The Jefferson Theater, The Paramount Theater, and the Ting Pavilion bring in the big name acts while places like The Southern Cafe & Music Hall hosts the bands you haven’t heard of yet, but surely soon will. Charlottesville is also home to the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena, which is known to host the major superstars from Rolling Stones to Justin Timberlake.

Don't Miss: A visit to IX Art Park, a draw for the artistic community in Charlottesville and site of an immersive art experience, The Looking Glass. You'll often find live music and special events filling the park with melodies. 

Events We Love: The Thursday Evening Sunset Series at Carter Mountain Orchard — a cider, sunset, and vibes. If you're on the Downtown Mall in the summer, check for Fridays After Five, the free concert series at Ting Pavilion. 

Don't miss anything when you visit Charlottesville — check out our complete guide. 

VIRGINIA BEACH

Virginia Beach is home to 20,000 seat Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, which hosts some of the biggest names in the music industry. The amphitheater has played host to many music festivals, including Crüe Fest, Lilith Fair, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, and Vans Warped Tour. There's also The Dome by Rutter Mills, a reimagining of a classic venue right near the oceanfront.

Where to Stay: If you're looking for funky (but still comfortable), Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront is centrally located and right on the water. For luxury and proximity to The Dome, check out the boutique hotel The Sitio.

Where to Jam: If smaller acts are your thing, check out Beach Street USA, which produces concerts and events at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or the Bunker Brewpub, which hosts up-and-coming acts regularly. 

Don't Miss: A meal and listening experience at Rose's, a hi-fi cocktail bar with all the vibes and a menu to match the melodies. 

Events We Love: Annual events like the Neptune Festival in September and Jackalope Festival in June are free and feature music all weekend long in addition to a bevy of other events, from massive sandsculpting competitions to feats of extreme sports. 

Use our complete guide to visiting Virginia Beach to help plan your coastal getaway. 

BRISTOL

Known as "The Birthplace of Country Music," Bristol was the location of the first country music recordings made for national distribution. Today, country music murals and monuments line Bristol's State Street. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum provides a forum for live performances and also features collections of musical instruments and memorabilia from country music legends Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, and Tennessee Ernie Ford. 

Where to Stay: Round out your musical vacation to Bristol with a stay at the Sessions Hotel, a music-themed hotel just a few blocks from downtown Bristol and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. 

Where to Jam: Bristol is a major city along The Crooked Road, which means there are dozens of places around and just outside of town to take in some tunes. Cross State Street into Tennessee to see a show at the historic Paramount, or catch a show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 

Don't Miss: If you stay at The Bristol Hotel, you'll get complimentary admission to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. 

Events We Love: The city rocks each September during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, a massive music party honoring Bristol's legacy as the birthplace of country music. 

Here's our complete guide to visiting Bristol to help you plan your trip. 

GALAX

A visit to Galax offers all the bluegrass you could ever want, plus quaint downtown shops and outdoor adventure. Enjoy a hike in the morning and take in the sounds of Appalachia by night. There's a reason Galax is known as the Old-Time Music Capital of the World. 

Where to Stay: Opt for a scenic stay in the mountains and rent a cabin or camp at near the southern end of New River Trail State Park. 

Where to Jam: Stop by the historic Rex Theater for a show or find a weekly jam session for casual musical fun. 

Don't Miss: Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge Music Center has free live music each afternoon that it's open. 

Events We Love: Galax is home to the world's oldest and largest Old Fiddlers' Convention, which brings in thousands of visitors to listen to old time country and bluegrass music. 

FLOYD

Floyd is home to world-famous live music and is a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's the iconic events and historic traditions, but there's also a funky town worth exploring any time of the year. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Floyd will put you comfortably in the heart of town. Score a room with a back porch so you can take in the mountain music before you retire. 

Where to Jam: The city is home to the famed Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, with local and visiting musicians creating a wonderful venue for music, food, and dancing.

Don't Miss: Pop into the Floyd Center for the Arts for art exhibits, performances, and a gift shop to snag a souvenir. 

Events We Love: Every year, the FloydFest music festival brings in thousands of fans from across the state.

For more Floyd fun, check out our three-day guide to Floyd. 

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria draws in both locally-known musicians as well as the chart-toppers. The world-famous Birchmere Music Hall has housed top musicians Johnny Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Ray Charles. With its proximity to Washington DC, Alexandria brings in crowds of people to experience a great night of music.

Where to Stay: Old Town is the place to stay in Alexandria, with top restaurants, charming shops, and riverside fun. Check out hotels in the neighborhood. 

Where to Jam: It's been called America's Legendary Music Hall, and for good reason — the Birchmere is still the place to see famous names and up-and-coming iconic acts. For classical music fans, there's also Schlesinger Concert Hall. 

Don't Miss: The bars up and down King Street in Old Town Alexandria come alive with music acts every weekend.

Events We Love: Bluegrass Jam Nights on the first Wednesday of every month at Port City Brewing Company. 

Use our complete Alexandria guide to fill out your itinerary. 

HARRISONBURG

Restaurants in Harrisonburg bring a vibrant nightlife scene to the city's downtown and many host live local music each week.

Where to Stay: Stay close to downtown at the elegant Hotel Madison or the Victorian-style Joshua Wilton House. 

Where to Jam: Places like the Clementine Cafe and The Little Grill give a chance for Virginia artists to make their mark. Major acts appear at the nearby James Madison University Convocation Center thanks to JMU's University Program Board.

Don't Miss: Get your musical theater fix at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. 

Get more Harrisonburg hot spots with our complete guide. 
 

Keep exploring Virginia's music scene with a journey down The Crooked Road, or check out our favorite family-friendly music festivals.