La Vieja Usina
La Vieja Usina (now officially Plaza de la Música) occupies a converted 1910 power plant in Barrio Alberdi that's been a cultural venue since 1993. The industrial bones of the building remain: high ceilings, raw brick, and the kind of space that makes live music sound huge. The venue books national and international acts across genres, from cuarteto (Córdoba's hometown rhythms) to rock, cumbia, and electronic. James Brown played here in 1999, which gives you a sense of the caliber. Beyond concerts, the space functions as a cultural center with workshops and events during the day. Live show nights are when the building truly comes alive.
What to Expect
A former power plant with incredible acoustics and atmosphere. The industrial architecture adds weight to every performance. On a good night, with a packed crowd and the right band, there's nothing like it in Córdoba. The experience depends entirely on who's playing.
Raw, industrial, and electric when the right act is on stage.
Live music spanning cuarteto, rock, cumbia, electronic, and international touring acts
Casual. Concert attire. Comfortable shoes for standing.
Music lovers who want to see live acts in an iconic Córdoba venue.
Cards and cash accepted, online ticket sales for most shows
Price Range
Tickets vary widely by artist, from ARS 3,000 for local acts to ARS 20,000+ for major names
≈ €3-17 / $3-19
Hours
Show times vary, typically doors open 8-9 PM. Check event schedule.
Insider Tip
Buy tickets early for popular shows. This is Córdoba's premier live venue, and big acts sell out. The bar inside is basic, so don't expect craft cocktails. Come for the music.
Full Review
La Vieja Usina converts a former power station into an events and nightlife space, keeping much of the industrial architecture intact. High ceilings, exposed steel beams, and brick walls create a backdrop that few purpose-built venues can match. The main floor is large enough for concerts and DJ events, with a mezzanine level providing elevated views and a separate bar.
Events vary from live concerts to themed club nights and cultural festivals. When it's running as a nightclub, the sound system fills the industrial space effectively and the lighting team makes good use of the vertical space. The crowd depends entirely on the event, ranging from electronic music devotees to rock fans to families at daytime cultural events. Drink service is basic but adequate.
La Vieja Usina is Córdoba's most visually striking nightlife venue, and the industrial heritage gives it an atmosphere that no amount of interior design could replicate. Not every event lives up to the setting, but when the right act fills the room, the combination of music and architecture creates something memorable.
Buy tickets in advance for popular events since the venue has a hard capacity limit. The mezzanine bar is faster than the ground floor during big events. The building retains heat in summer and cold in winter, so dress accordingly.
The Neighborhood
La Vieja Usina sits at the edge of the Abasto entertainment district, its industrial silhouette visible from several blocks away. The surrounding area transitions from nightlife strip to residential neighborhood, so the venue feels slightly separate from the main bar cluster.
Getting There
A 10-minute walk from the main Abasto bar strip. Taxis from central Córdoba take about 10 minutes. The building is easy to spot due to its distinctive industrial architecture.
Where to stay in Cordoba
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in El Abasto
Johnny B. Good
Rock and live music venue that books local and touring Argentine bands most weekends. The sound system is solid and drink prices are cheaper than Buenos Aires by a wide margin.
Captain Blue
Popular pre-game bar in the Abasto strip with cheap beer deals and a young university crowd. Things don't get going until after midnight.
Studio Theater
Multi-room club and event space that hosts electronic music nights and themed parties. One of the larger venues in Córdoba's Abasto nightlife strip.
Cocó
Upscale nightclub that plays a mix of electronic and Latin music. Draws a slightly older, well-dressed crowd compared to the surrounding student bars.