Affinity: A Tribute to Journey at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Affinity: A Tribute to Journey at the Charlestown Rathskeller brings three hours of arena-rock favorites to the Rathskeller’s outdoor Down Back stage on Saturday, August 22.
The show runs from 8 to 11 p.m., with advance tickets priced at $10 plus fees and admission at the door priced at $15. Guests can come early for dinner and drinks before heading outside for a night built around the soaring vocals, guitar solos and power ballads that made Journey one of the defining rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s.
A Night of Journey Classics
Affinity is a tribute band dedicated to recreating the sound and energy of Journey, with a show centered on the band’s biggest stadium hits and ballads.
Journey’s catalog gives the group plenty to work with. Fans can expect a night drawing from the era that produced songs such as “Separate Ways,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully” and, of course, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Affinity’s approach focuses on the familiar melodies, big choruses and guitar-driven sound that helped turn Journey into an arena-rock powerhouse and continue to make its songs staples of classic-rock radio.
For longtime fans, it’s a chance to hear that music live again. For everyone else, it’s hard to imagine getting through three hours of Journey without eventually singing along.
An Outdoor Concert in the Woods
The setting is a significant part of this particular show.
The Charlestown Rathskeller has been tucked into the woods along Old Coach Road since 1933, beginning life during the speakeasy era before evolving into a restaurant, tavern and entertainment destination.
Behind the restaurant is Down Back, the Rathskeller’s seasonal outdoor entertainment area. The park-like grounds include a concert stage, outdoor bars, patio seating, a large fire pit and lawn games including bocce and cornhole.
Live music takes over the space throughout the warmer months, with a schedule mixing regional bands, touring performers and tribute acts.
It creates a much different atmosphere from seeing a Journey tribute inside a traditional theater. Trees surround the grounds, people can grab something to eat or drink, and the evening feels closer to a big backyard concert than an arena show.
Come Early for Dinner
The Rathskeller operates as a full restaurant in addition to hosting live entertainment, making dinner before the concert an easy addition to the evening.
The menu leans toward hearty tavern food, including burgers and sandwiches, steaks, seafood and shareable appetizers. Guests can arrive well before Affinity takes the stage, eat inside or enjoy the outdoor setting, then stay for the concert.
With the show scheduled for three hours, arriving early also gives guests time to settle in before the music starts rather than trying to find their place as the band takes the stage.
What to Know About Down Back
Concert seating at Down Back is festival-style and first-come, first-served. Purchasing admission gets you into the performance but does not reserve a particular table or seat.
Guests hoping to find a comfortable spot for the evening should consider arriving early, particularly for a Saturday night tribute show.
The Rathskeller presents a combination of free and ticketed concerts throughout its outdoor season. Affinity is one of its ticketed Saturday-night performances, with the lower advance price offering an incentive to make plans before arriving at the door.
Event Details
Event: Affinity: A Tribute to Journey
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 8–11 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $10 plus fees
At the Door: $15
Location: The Charlestown Rathskeller – Down Back
Address: 489A Old Coach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Tickets are non-refundable. Seating is first-come, first-served, and admission does not reserve a table or specific seat.
More information is available at the Event Website listed below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.
