As the weather gets warmer, there is nothing more enjoyable than watching a great performance under the stars at an open-air stadium. Throughout the country, there are tons of amazing concert venues where you can listen to your favorite music while enjoying the great outdoors. Some of these stages also give you the opportunity to view stunning natural settings across our country. Read on to learn more about some of the greatest outdoor concert venues in the nation. You just might have to start planning a road trip!
Gorge Amphitheatre
Located in George, Washington, this performance space was built in 1985 and has become known as one of the best and most scenic music venues in the world. The space is located near the Columbia River, with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains in the background. It can hold up to 20,000 visitors and even has a nearby campground available for stays during the performances. The Gorge has hosted famous musical acts like Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, and more.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks is the world’s only naturally occurring and acoustically perfect amphitheatre. It’s become sort of a pilgrimage for music lovers and has hosted amazing acts like the Beatles and U2. It’s made of two 300-foot rocks and sandstone, and it seats up to 10,000 guests. Red Rocks is located in Red Rock Park and boasts stunning views of the Denver area. It was designed by Burnham Hoyt and opened in 1941, showing the world how nature and functionality can complement each other.
Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre has gained popularity as a seminal spot for many up-and-coming musical acts. The venue is a part of UC Berkeley and was opened in 1903 for use by the school’s theater productions. With its close location to Hollywood, it has hosted not only many popular bands, but also many famous actors and actresses like Oliva De Haviland and Mickey Rooney. The theater is also the site of Berkeley’s graduation ceremonies, drawing in notable commencement speakers like President Theodore Roosevelt. The amphitheatre gets its name from its Greek-style columns and architecture.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, is a stunning installation in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The structure contains 120-foot stainless steel ribbons that stretch over the Great Lawn. In the heart of downtown Chicago and only a short walk from Lake Michigan, you can look at the city’s skyline and enjoy the breeze coming off of the lake as you listen to music from popular bands. There is a mix of fixed seating and lawn space, so you can bring out a blanket and have a picnic as you to listen to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on a warm summer night. The lawn is even equipped with technology that drains out moisture, so you don’t have to worry about getting your pants wet.