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.

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. Venues like the Jefferson Theater, Paramount Theater and the Ting Pavilion bring in the big name acts while places like the Southern Café and 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.

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. 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. 

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. Bristol is also a major city along The Crooked Road.

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. 

Galax

A visit to Galax offers everything from quaint downtown shops to hiking and Old Time Bluegrass Music festivals. Stop by the Historic Rex Theater for a show or find a weekly jam session for casual musical fun. It is also home to the largest Old Time Bluegrass Fiddler's 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. 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. Every year, the FloydFest music festival brings in thousands of fans from across the state.

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. And the bars up and down King Street in Old Town Alexandria come alive with music acts every weekend. With its proximity to Washington DC, Alexandria brings in crowds of people to experience a great night of music.

Harrisonburg

Restaurants in Harrisonburg bring a vibrant nightlife scene to the city's downtown and many host live local music each week. Places like the Clementine Café and the Little Grill Collective 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.