The Union
Although Athens, Ohio has had a thriving music culture for decades, drawing in both internationally known bands and just-starting student groups, outside of university owned venues and house shows, there is only one true music venue within the city limits: The Union.
Located at 18 W Union St. in Athens, the building has been used as a concert and event hub as well as a bar since the 1960’s, though it’s modern era goes back to the rebuild after a 2014 fire that tore through businesses along Union Street.
Hundreds of bands have performed on the stage of The Union, across a vast array of musical genres. But the Union is much more than a concert venue. It is a gathering spot and community space for many in Athens.
A pedestrian walks on the sidewalk outside of The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 30, 2025.
Jacob Hartman serves customers at the upstairs bar at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 24, 2025. Hartman recently got promoted from barback to bartender.
Setlists of past concerts hang on the upstairs wall at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 27, 2025.
Ella Frantz (left) kneels down in front of Jordan Hara (right) as Miss Crimson performs at the Women's Open Mic Night at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 24, 2025. Miss Crimson is a newly formed band consisting of all freshman students at Ohio University.
The crowd dances as Space Kid performs at the Women's Open Mic Night at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 24, 2025.
A fan records the show Emaline Duqette performs at the Women's Open Mic Night at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 24, 2025.
Polaroids of past bands are put up on the wall at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 24, 2025.
Attendees compete in the weekly Trivia Night at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 30, 2025. The game night happens every Tuesday and is hosted by Chad Mourning.
Posters line the wall of the stairs leading up to the upstairs venue at The Union in Athens, Ohio, Sep. 30, 2025.