After-Hours Events at The 2025 NAMM Show You Don’t Want to Miss

By Cary Ladd | October 9, 2024

The NAMM Show, held every year in January, is where more than 62,000 people gather to celebrate music and the latest innovations the music products industry has to offer. That includes 10,000+ international attendees and 1,600+ exhibitors representing 3,500+ brands.

During the day, all that excitement flows through the Anaheim Convention Center where people roam the halls to get hands-on with gear. But when the booths close in the evening, The NAMM Show does not sleep. There’s no better way to celebrate music than checking out all the fun that springs to life after the show floor shuts down and the Anaheim sun sets in behind the palms.

Here are some of The NAMM Show after-hours events to keep on your radar:

Pro Audio Pool Party

Where do all the pros hang out after demoing the latest gear? They head over to the Anaheim Marriott to network with the mermaids while sipping on piña coladas. Don’t believe it? Well, you’ll have to secure your own invite to find out. The Pro Audio Pool Party is invite only, so ask around at the pro audio scene to get the scoop.

Award Shows

The award shows at The NAMM Show spare no expense. Expect extravagance, glitz, glamor and the esteem that only comes with being awarded by your peers.

She Rocks Awards

Now in year 13, the She Rocks Awards brings together music icons, artists, industry professionals, fans and the media to honor women who are groundbreakers and innovators and have displayed exceptional leadership within the music and audio industry. Join us for this energizing and inspiring evening! Get tickets on the She Rocks website before they sell out.

The NAMM Dealer Awards

Now in its 14th year, the NAMM Dealer Awards spotlights the industry’s very best music product retailers, their strategies for success, and what it takes for these storefronts to bring music into the lives of their customers. An independent panel of judges chooses the Top 100 Dealer finalists from NAMM member retailers that submit their businesses for consideration. Judges also select winners in the seven “Best of” categories, from which the prestigious “Dealer of the Year” is chosen. Bring your tissue box as you can expect to hear heartwarming stories.

Parnelli Awards

The industry’s highest honor for live event professionals and companies, the Parnelli Awards night is a time to celebrate the achievers and innovators behind the curtain. Expect to be among video and lighting directors, audio system techs, tour managers, front of house engineers and the like. This is your chance to witness the magical backstage work accomplished by these pioneering, influential professionals.

NAMM TEC Awards

NAMM is once again thrilled to present the TEC Awards, now in its 40th year. This is where the most outstanding products in the worlds of music making, live performances, recordings, video games, TV and films are recognized and where creative luminaries like Les Paul, Peter Frampton, Quincy Jones, Joe Perry, Pete Townshend, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Chuck D and The RZA are celebrated for their musical contributions.

Get your tickets (ticket sales opening soon) to lock in your Thursday night of good eats, drinks and networking with the minds behind pro audio and sound production products. Curious about last year’s stars? Check out the 2024 TEC Awards photo gallery.

See the 2025 NAMM TEC Awards Finalists >>

Bands at NAMM

After the show floor shuts down, your first stop can be over to the campus hotels to check out the hand selected Bands at NAMM. With over 1,000 entrants clamoring to play for show attendees, the competition is always tough and only the best-of-the-best grace the stages of the Hilton and Marriott. You’re almost guaranteed to have your musical spirits lifted.

Yamaha All-Star Concerts on the Grand

Perhaps everyone’s favorite after-hours events, the Yamaha All-Star Concerts on the Grand always delivers a festival-like celebration featuring the biggest artists Yamaha has to offer. Past performances from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Jamison Ross, Lindsey Stirling and Jon McLaughlin & Friends added amazing vibes to the special NAMM Show energy attendees know and love. Entrance comes with your NAMM Show badge registration! Get there early if you want a spot in the front row.

Private Events

Keep an ear to the ground for all sorts of events thrown by your favorite companies. We’ve heard rumblings about everything from legendary artists pairing up with your favorite brands, to a speakeasy hidden within the Anaheim Convention Center Campus! Ask your fellow attendees where they’re going after-hours, and you may discover something not on our list.

Ready for The NAMM Show and Electric After Hours?

Get your business done during the day and harness fun and inspiration at night at the largest global gathering of the music products industry. Register for The 2025 NAMM Show to lock in your badge and gain access to after-hours events plus everything else the show has to offer.

About the Author

Cary Ladd is the marketing manager for NAMM. A former creative strategist with experience in advertising and marketing, you will find him at The NAMM Show with mic in hand, interviewing attendees about their show experience.