Huge music venue opens in Fairfax
There’s a huge new space to enjoy live performances not too far from Mason District. Earp’s Ordinary moved into a 10,000-square-foot space at the end of 2023 with room for 290 patrons on Main Street in the City of Fairfax.
The stage is much bigger than the one in Earp’s old space, and there’s a better sound system, says owner Michael DeMarco.
The former location, also in Fairfax, could only seat 50 to 60 people and mostly catered to singer-songwriters, DeMarco says. Now, he’s able to book larger bands and even national acts.
“There aren’t that many places in Northern Virginia to see live music,” he says. “Not too many people want to go to D.C. It’s a pain to get there and park.”
Earp’s Ordinary is hosting a bluegrass festival for the entire month of February, with at least two bluegrass bands every Friday and Saturday night. Frank Solivan, a nationally known mandolin player will appear on Feb. 10 with some members of his band, Dirty Kitchen.
Earp’s Ordinary serves upscale bar food, such as burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. DeMarco plans to introduce more entrees as the kitchen gets fully staffed. There’s free parking in a garage a block away and plenty of street parking.
“I’ve always been interested in opening a larger music venue,” says DeMarco, who’s retired after working in the oil and gas industry for 30 years. “Some people think I’m crazy,” he says. But his brother has a music management company, so that has been a big help.
is named for the original Earp’s Ordinary, a tavern and store on the corner of what is now Chain Bridge Road and Main Street in the late 1700s. It served as a waystation for people heading west out of Washington.
The proprietor was Caleb Earp who was the great great great uncle of Wyatt Earp, the deputy sheriff of Tombstone, Ariz., who took part in the legendary gunfight at the OK corral.
20 responses to “Huge music venue opens in Fairfax”
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We love Earp’s. Friendly staff, excellent food and wonderful local family owned business !
Please send more info on bands you are having, the hours open as well as menu Please. Also I’m an artist and curator in fairfax city and wondered if you would do performance art as well as art shows?
Love this new venue! And so great to have such a great stage nearby. We’ve now caught music there a few times… great music and staff was super friendly.
What the address????
How can i book a band to play there?
I’m confused with folks asking for additional info on the venue, a link is provided. In 10 seconds, I found answers to almost all of the questions posed. Are folks that lazy/incompetent to click on the link?
I get what your saying but there is no link on the version I just read
First sentence, “Earp’s Ordinary” is a link to their website.
some don’t realize when it’s blue it’s usually a link
This is a fabulous venue.. thanks MR D!!
I wish them nothing but success….I love it more JD
Congratulations!
Sounds great, I’m excited and looking forward to visiting for a good evening out!
I’ll be checking as you expand various genres of music.
Is this the downstairs location that was the bar called the Library back in the 80’s?
Yes, it is. It was also Icons, Planet Nova, and a duckpin bowling alley.
Great new venue right here in Old Town Fairfax. I’ve been to the prior location listen to some fun tunes there and looking forward to seeing new location which is right next to the new Commonwealth Brewery. Things are happening in Old Town.
Looking forward to seeing THE WATCH this Friday 1/26 in the new venue! Congratulations to Earps team!
There isn’t a single act listed on the schedule who can sell hard tickets. And as far as the # of venues, do some research.
Would love to have artists from Hawai’i perform. There’s a large group of Polynesians living in the DMV that would surely be interested and the Hawai’i State Society of Washington D.C. advertises all local Polynesian events to their members. I’m not a fan of standing in a mosh pit so if there’s seating for everyone, I’m in!
Let’s hear it for the Hawai’i State Society’s Ukulele Hui!!
That sounds like fun!