Route 196 is "walking towards a different direction."

Looking at the history of Route 196 through gig posters

In an announcement on Sunday (23/8), the live music venue announced it will be closing its doors after 15 years. 

Alas, we’re at the end of the road for Route 196. pic.twitter.com/2kDXW0FWYl

— Route 196 (@route196rocks) August 23, 2020

All Homes Lead to Route: The music community share their Route 196 stories

In a Twitter thread, Kelvin Yu, the Itchyworms bassist and Route 196 co-owner shared, "We're just happy to have made somewhat of a mark in the local music scene by providing a venue where everyone can share and experience music." Yu also expressed his thanks to all the musicians, artists, and gig-goers who have supported the venue throughout the years.

It was definitely a fun ride, and with the ups and downs that we all went through together, I'd gladly do it all over again.

We've been overwhelmed by the responses we've been getting since the announcement, and we're just happy to have made somewhat of a mark in the local... pic.twitter.com/IXmnLPvG5z

— Kelvin Yu-Jackman (@itchykel) August 23, 2020

The beloved venue will hold its final sendoff online with One For The Road on September 12, 2020. 

For all your love and support! We hope you can be with us one last time. Save the date and see you online! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/gMsj4P7CC4

— Route 196 (@route196rocks) August 26, 2020

To give their Kapitunan regulars something more to remember them by, they've also released a limited edition t-shirt designed by Rob Cham. Get it here.

We may be walking towards a different direction for now, but we wanted to make sure you had something to always remind you of our crazy ride together, the things we learned, the noise we made, the rules we broke, and the friends we picked up along the way. pic.twitter.com/Pp490z5JzG

— Route 196 (@route196rocks) August 23, 2020

So here, take us with you in your next journey. And never forget that, for 15 years, all roads led to Route 196.

The Route 196 Farewell T-Shirt is Php 800, designed by Rob Cham. For orders, please check out https://t.co/hih2mZrws1. pic.twitter.com/9Jd3Y7P6L9

— Route 196 (@route196rocks) August 23, 2020

Musicians, photographers, and patrons alike shared their fond memories to say #ThankYouRoute196.

Only fond memories. @route196rocks thank you for giving musicians like myself shelter. You and I will see each other again. Just goodnight, never goodbye

— Ebe Dancel (@ebedancel) August 23, 2020

Thank you for all the memories ❤ https://t.co/O6pRSebsmB

— LORENZO (@drummerhombre) August 23, 2020

3 years ago was our first route gig. Ang daming memories dito. Salamat, @route196rocks #ThankYouRoute196 💔 pic.twitter.com/83six9wVAY

— Leanne & Naara (@LeanneAndNaara) August 23, 2020

This was the last gig I shot in Route (Feb 26, to be exact).
I didn't know that was the last gig I'd be documenting there.

Still at a loss for words - thank you for always being a home @route196rocks #ThankYouRoute196 #AllRoadsLeadToRoute https://t.co/eODgCE7BQT pic.twitter.com/uOD0U4F4E9

— jeremy (@jeremycaisip) August 23, 2020

my life of watching shows / playing gigs always had route 196 in the map. huge parts of me really grew up there. it was home. thanks for the memories. https://t.co/or26NnZobz

— haweurd (@haweurd) August 23, 2020

routes been a real special place to us. through the years weve gone from literally 3 people watching us to full houses singing along. its heartbreaking we have to say bye but we love u route. thanks for the laughs, beers, gigs, and memories. #ThankYouRoute https://t.co/BagKcbeVol

— devices (@devicesph) August 23, 2020

Take a virtual tour of Route 196 on Minecraft

Heartbreaking 💔 #ThankYouRoute196 https://t.co/Fczt8IwZPa

— Saab (@saabmagalona) August 23, 2020

Noooo 😭💔 https://t.co/ZA2jWkabzX

— Jermaine Choa Peck (@jejermaine) August 23, 2020

Magsasara na ba talaga ang “homebase” namin, Route 196? Bwiset na pandemya ‘to, tumigil ang mundo ng lahat.

Ang daming masasayang alaala sa bar na ‘to. Mami-miss namin ang pagsampa sa stage, kwento/inom/kain kasama mga kaibigan sa mga lamesa sa labas, mga panalong gig. pic.twitter.com/tPAkTr2Fyv

— Autotelic (@AutotelicMusic) August 23, 2020

SALAMAT ROUTE 196 SA LAHAT

— Blaster Silonga (@Bsilonga) August 23, 2020

huhuhuhu pic.twitter.com/dD4sdUZq07

— Oh, Flamingo! (@OhFlamingoMusic) August 23, 2020

This is breaking my heart. @route196rocks was a home to me 😞 Thanks to @jpbalboa and co. for building it, and to @jugsjugsjugs @itchykel @sultada @tmacvibe and team for carrying the torch. OPM owes you more than you will ever know. https://t.co/dAT72lsG3d

— Quark Henares (@quarkhenares) August 23, 2020

goodnite route⚡️
thank you for the waves🏄🏽‍♂️
catch you on the next swell❤️ https://t.co/TgUzk3Kcmg

— Raymund Marasigan (@raymsmercygun) August 23, 2020

We've played countless shows here, met some really good friends and made memories of pure joy and music.

You were a haven for independent artists. Thank you @route196rocks for being a part of our journey. ♥️

📸 @gselmrsgn (circa 2016) pic.twitter.com/mJ1BKhttGr

— December Avenue (@decemberave) August 24, 2020

Haay @route196rocks. Thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/sSNn9FOr4j

— Panlasang Pinay (@thysz) August 24, 2020

Route 196 has been our home since 2012. It has welcomed and housed numerous bands and productions including our own. A lot of our firsts happened here. To know that we won't ever set foot in it again is truly heartbreaking. Thank you Route 196. There won't be another one like you pic.twitter.com/57NzHMo5UQ

— A Spur of the Moment Project (@asotmproject) August 23, 2020

always my favorite place, @route196rocks 🖤 thank u for being my second Katipunan home for the past 8 years ✨🤘🏻⚡️ sa uulitin! pic.twitter.com/IfVv9VtzR6

— karen de la fuente (@hey_rocket) August 24, 2020

Earlier this year, Today x Future and Nokal were also forced to close down due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.