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Our Venues

🧷 These venues were foundational to Jacksonville’s punk and hardcore scene:

  • Einstein A Go-Go (Jacksonville Beach)
    A cornerstone of the ’80s punk scene, known for hosting numerous underground acts.​

  • 7:30 Club (Riverside)
    Operated by Ray McKelvey, this venue was a hub for punk shows in the ’80s.​(no title)

  • Blighted Area (Jacksonville Beach)
    A key venue from 1980–1986, instrumental in the early hardcore scene. ​(no title)

  • Manapaders (Arlington)
    Another significant spot from the ’80s, hosting numerous punk events. ​Reddit

  • Metropolis (Downtown) Opened up in the 90s by Ed Wilson who brought in his friend Larry over to tend the bar. They hosted punk acts from all over.

  • The Milk Bar (Downtown)
    Active in the late ’90s, it featured punk and ska acts like Less Than Jake and The Bouncing Souls. ​Concert Archives

  • Spikes Doghouse (Arlington)
    Active in the 90’s.

  • Rain Dogs (Five Points)
    A bar and venue that regularly featured punk and indie performances. ​Yelp+3Culture Trip+3jaxexaminer.com+3

  • Freebird Live (Jacksonville Beach)
    Though primarily a rock venue, it hosted punk and alternative bands until its closure in 2016. ​

  • 1904 Music Hall (Downtown)
    A larger venue that expanded its bookings to include punk and metal shows. ​jaxexaminer.com+1Reddit+1

  • Nighthawks (Riverside)
    A short lived venue that has became a pillar of the punk scene, hosting both local and touring bands. ​jaxexaminer.com

  • Burro Bar (Downtown, formerly London Bridge)
    Though now closed, it was known for its eclectic shows, including punk performances. ​

  • The Pit (Riverside)
    Tim’s first warehouse where he showed movies and let bands play.
  • Across The Street (Murray Hill)
    Dive bar with small stage but known for live music.
  • Voodoo Lounge (Downtown)
    Great bar with a small stage but large crowds.
  • The Armory (San Marco)
    Bands played whereever they could.
    • Park Place (Riverside)
      Gay bar that hosted bands in the 80s. 

    💀🎸 Current & Recent Punk-Friendly Venues

    These venues continue to support punk and alternative music in Jacksonville:

      • Jack Rabbits (San Marco)
        An intimate venue known for hosting both local punk bands and touring acts. ​jaxexaminer.com

      • Shantytown Pub (Springfield)
        A small venue renowned for its energetic punk shows and tight-knit community. ​Reddit+1jaxexaminer.com+1

      • Harbor Tavern (Southside)
        Known for booking established local acts and being a staple in the punk scene. ​jaxexaminer.com+1Reddit+1

      • Underbelly (Downtown)
        A venue with a diverse range of genres, including punk, offering an intimate setting. ​

    🌴 St. Augustine Punk Venues

    While not in Jacksonville proper, these venues in nearby St. Augustine have been integral to the regional punk scene:

    • Shanghai Nobby’s
      A quaint venue with a long history of punk and metal shows. ​jaxexaminer.com+1Reddit+1

    • Planet Sarbez
      A bar/restaurant hybrid that hosts punk shows, known for its relaxed atmosphere and killer grilled cheese. ​jaxexaminer.com+1Reddit+1

    What venues did we miss? Let us know in the community. This site is for us, help make it great. 

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