1988 Live at West Church Social, Newark | Paul Durbin
Back to Blog September 2026 | Local Events, Live Music

1988 Live at West Church Social

Head banging and hair band hits are on tap when 1988 takes the stage at West Church Social on Friday, September 11. An intimate night of classic rock and arena-rock singalongs in Newark.

West Church Social keeps its weekend concert streak alive with 1988 on Friday night. If you love the big guitar riffs and bigger choruses of the hair band era, plus the same energy that made late-80s rock so much fun, this is the Newark live music spot to be.

Event Details at a Glance

Date & Time

Friday, September 11, 2026 | 8:30 PM

Venue

West Church Social
1650 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055

Tickets

Entry at the door. Check the venue for current cover and set details.

Genre

Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Hair Band Hits

About the Show

1988 is all about the soundtrack of the late 1980s rock scene, and plenty later nights. From big guitar solos to shout-along choruses, the band covers the anthems that fill a room with nostalgia whenever the first riff kicks in. It is a Friday night built for the crowd that remembers album tracks, cassette tapes, and watching the music videos on MTV.

The venue keeps things casual and close to the stage. West Church Social is a live music bar and arcade, so you can grab a drink, play a game, and settle in right next to the band. Shows here have a neighborhood feel that the big arenas cannot match.

About the Venue

West Church Social sits at 1650 West Church Street in Newark, about five minutes from downtown. Known for hosting local and regional bands most Friday and Saturday nights, it is one of the go-to spots for independent live music in Licking County. Beyond the stage you will find arcade games, a full bar, and an easygoing atmosphere that works for a first date or a night out with the crew. The venue posts its event lineup on its website at westchurchsocial.com.

Plan Your Night

Music typically gets underway around 8:30 PM, so arrive with time to grab a drink and a spot before the band starts. West Church Social has easy parking on site, and it is a short drive from Heath, Granville, and the rest of Licking County. Set times and cover charges can change, so check the venue's page before you head out.

Paul Durbin

Paul Durbin

REALTOR, eXp Realty | License #2023003965

Love live music in Newark?

Great shows, easy nights out, and a real community are part of what makes Licking County home. If you are thinking about putting down roots here, I can help you find the right place. Better call Paul.

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