The Rail: Lexington Venue Set To Open Fall 2026, Operated By MassConcerts

Locally owned and independently operated, the new, indoor 2,000-capacity The Rail venue looks to fill a gap in the Lexington, Kentucky, market and add a new tour stop for performing artists of all types.

“Bringing a purpose-built large format club is something I’ve dreamed about for years,” said John Peters, founder and CEO of MassConcerts, which will operate the venue targeted for an October 2026 opening. “After decades of operating and promoting shows across the country, this is my first ground-up build — an opportunity to take everything I’ve learned about how a room should feel, sound, and flow, and design it from day one. The Rail continues to raise the bar set by independent venues: world-class production, real hospitality, and a community-first spirit.”

The venue will hold 2,000 people and feature flexible layout with scaling from 1,200 to 2,000, general admission or seated.

Premium offerings will include Golden Circle mezzanine seating, private VIP decks, exclusive bar space and more, with a limited number of annual sponsorships and premium seat programs to be offered.

“Independent, locally owned, and purpose-built — that’s exactly the kind of venue artists and agents want to see more of,” said CAA’s Mike Marquis in the announcement. “Lexington’s had the energy for years, and The Rail only cements it as a tour stop. We can’t wait to put shows there.”

Peters says the venue is open to all promoters, and welcomes artists of all genre, including comedy, private events and club nights.

Spearheaded by local developer Daren Turner, CEO of Amtek, as part of a 42-acre mixed-use project, The Rail looks to serve as a new cornerstone for Lexington’s music and cultural scene. Also instrumental in the eight-figure project are Joe Craft (CEO, Alliance Resource Partners), Graham Brown (GBC Projects, previously tvg Hospitality), David Helmers (Railbird Festival, Distilled In KY) and Emily Cox (Creative Director, Pinnacle Nashville, Railbird Festival, Orion Amphitheater, Bonnaroo, Tyler Childers).

The venue is designed by Aaron Bivens and Josh Gilpin of Thoroughbred Design Group, with input from production expert Jeff Kicklighter. The concept behind the design is to blend industrial character with the warmth and material palette of the Bluegrass region.

“The Rail will be a world-class facility that shows the world that it is independent promoters and venue operators that are bringing stages that attract national and international talent to smaller markets,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association. “MassConcerts proves that places like Lexington are where the future of live entertainment will be built – and their locally owned, independently operated, open room will be a national success story for the independent venue sector.”

The venue sees continued momentum for Peters and MassConcerts, which recently acquired Headliners Music Hall in nearby Louisville, Kentucky, and owns, co-owns and or books and operates popular venues including the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts, Outer Harbor Live At Terminal B in Buffalo, Empire Live in Albany, and the recently opened Asheville Yards in Asheville, North Carolina, which sold 100,000 tickets during its summer 2025 season with a packed concert schedule.