THE BARTLETT
228 W. Sprague
An intimate all-ages venue next door to nYne with a dialed-in sound system that showcases the best of every performer who takes the stage. Can get a little sweaty when the room's packed, but there's a small patio out front if you need to cool off.
During Volume: The schedule features killer singer-songwriters both nights, while Saturday includes Photo Ops, who remind us a lot of Band of Horses in the best of ways.
NYNE BAR & BISTRO
232 W. Sprague
An always popular, welcoming venue — calling itself "Spokane's equality bar" — with high ceilings, efficient staff, big windows and a garage-style glass door that opens to an inviting patio. A nice place to post up for a while or to get some food. Turns into a dance party at the end of the night.
During Volume: Friday's the place to be for R&B fans with Parisalexa, MistaDC and Allen Stone sitting in with Blake Braley, and Saturday includes local super group Super Sparkle.
MOOTSY'S
406 W. Sprague
Spokane's quintessential dive bar with great beer, devoted regulars and a small stage area that allows you to get up close and personal with performers. Gets packed during the festival, but it's always the backup to some of the weekend's most epic moments. Pro tip: Get there early enough and you can set up in the upstairs lounge with a great view of the mayhem below.
During Volume: Friday features some heavier rock and metal, while Saturday closes out with dark electronic music from BITWLF and BLVK CEILING.
THE PIN
412 W. Sprague
An expansive second-floor, all-ages venue with a main stage big enough to host some of Volume's hardest rocking bands and a big bar to keep everyone properly hydrated.
During Volume: Friday is all about rock (starting with Deer, Oh, Rose and closing out with local faves Indian Goat), and Saturday is the place to be for punks and metalheads (with the likes of Gag and The Body).
WASHINGTON CRACKER BUILDING
304 W. Pacific
The uber-cool renovated commercial building is home to Overbluff Cellars wine and transforms into one of the hottest all-ages stages come Volume time. An airy patio looks out on the elevated BNSF tracks, and in the basement, when wine and beer aren't quite enough, there's Hogwash Whiskey Den.
During Volume: Both nights are stacked with can't-miss stuff; Friday closes out with headliner electronic act Black Marble (though Froth is going to kill it earlier); Saturday, meanwhile, is the place for hip-hop, start to finish, with Jango closing things out.
THE BIG DIPPER
171 S. Washington
The landmark all-ages music venue has a storied history of hosting some of Spokane's most exciting up-and-coming acts and is run by Dawson and Dan Hoerner (former lead guitarist for Seattle emo icons Sunny Day Real Estate). The lights and sound quality are top-notch, and sight lines are great thanks to tiers leading to the stage.
During Volume: Friday features some high-energy rock groups (including Pit and Fun Ladies), and Saturday's got experimental outfit The Spirit of the Beehive and a little alt-country with Nicholas Merz & the Humblers.
RED ROOM
521 W. Sprague
A deep, long bar with lots of old-school wood and brass, high ceilings, private booths and big, epic sounds coming from the stage. Pay no mind to the Jimmy'z awning over the front door; you're in the right place.
During Volume: Friday is your destination for soul and danceable hip-hop (including Seattle's Marshall Law Band and locals Kung Fun Vinyl), and Saturday features rock (with Portland's Stranger Ranger) and groovy tunes of funk hip-hop group SUS.
BERSERK
125 S. Stevens
A new hangout for the cool kids that first opened its doors last year just in time to host Volume. Hip artwork, pool tables, pinball machines, polished concrete and talented bar staff make it a must.
During Volume: Friday starts off with some synth punk (from the catchy dee-em to the primal screams of Seattle's Control Test), and Saturday ends with what is sure to be one huge party led by Flee the Century.
BABY BAR
827 W. 1st
True to its name, it's tiny, with bands performing in the connected burrito-counter space. Hip, dark, with red velvet curtains in back and black velvet paintings on the walls. Beloved by hipsters and old dudes alike for long pours, great cocktails and cheap beer. All ages until 9 pm.
During Volume: Both nights close out with DJs after solid doses of pop, punk and rock (including a couple new projects, Big Raffle and Ex-Pets, from longtime local musicians).
RIVER CITY BREWING
121 S. Cedar
The local brewery, under new ownership, recently invited the public back to a tasting area in the brewery with a bar occupying one corner of the commercial space. But during Volume most of the action will be their parking lot with the festival's only outdoor stage.
During Volume: Friday's stacked with toe-tapping Americana, bluegrass and country, and Saturday features the laid-back vibes of Killer Whale.
LUCKY YOU LOUNGE
1801 W. Sunset
The new kid on the club block is a welcome addition to the Spokane music scene. It's a spacious, inviting room with a large bar on one side and a stage on the other, with some tiered steps making for great sight lines of the action on stage. If you need a pause, take a peek at the downstairs bar that turns into a dance party late night.
During Volume: Friday really has it all, from country (Silver Treason) and a singer-songwriter (Windoe) to rock (Spiral Stairs), while Saturday has heartfelt pop performer Emma Lee Toyoda and local hero Allen Stone.
