Goombay's Beachside, the iconic Satellite Beach venue that hosted concerts, festivals, and community events for 20 years, will close on October 31. Owner Scott Hensley confirmed the decision in a statement, citing increasing operational costs and the difficulty of maintaining the 1970s-era building. The venue, located at 1250 17th Street, has been a hub for live music and local culture since opening in 2003. 'It’s bittersweet,' Hensley said. 'We loved what we built here, but the numbers just don’t add up anymore.'
The 13,000-square-foot space, originally a warehouse, was converted into a performance venue in the early 2000s. Over the years, it hosted acts ranging from indie rock bands to country musicians, and became a regular stop for touring artists. Local residents and visitors alike used the venue for weddings, birthday parties, and annual events like the Satellite Beach Food & Wine Festival. 'I’ve seen generations of kids grow up coming here,' said Hensley, who bought the property in 2015. 'But the building is getting older, and repairs are getting more expensive.'
The closure comes as part of a broader trend for small venues in Brevard County, where rising property taxes and insurance costs have strained businesses. Goombay's Beachside had recently faced challenges with its roof and electrical systems, requiring over $1.2 million in repairs since 2021. Hensley said he explored options to keep the space open, including selling it or converting it into a different type of business, but no viable solutions emerged. 'We tried everything,' he said. 'But the market just isn’t there anymore.'
The news has left many in the local music scene disappointed. Sarah Mitchell, a Satellite Beach resident who attended hundreds of shows at the venue, called it 'a cornerstone of our community.' 'There’s no other place like it here,' she said. Hensley said the building may be sold or demolished, though no plans are finalized. For now, the venue will remain open until October 31, with a final event scheduled for the weekend before closing. 'We’re going out with a bang,' Hensley said. 'But this is the end of an era.'