Top 10 Outdoor Music Venues in the U.S.

Nothing beats the stars in the night sky above you while you’re getting down to your favorite artist. Rain or shine, these venues listed below have proven to be the best of the best based on their beauty, experience, and memories created.

These outdoor venues have been carefully selected because of performances that have taken place, the natural beauty of the venue, and exclusivity. So many outdoor venues exist across the globe, but these ten in the U.S. caught our eye as bucket list travel destinations for concert goers of all types.

1. Red Rocks in Morrison, CO

This geologically formed, open-air amphitheatre just outside of Denver, Colorado where the the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Since 1941, acts like The Beetles and Jimi Hendrix have been performing for almost 10,000 fans. Now, Red Rocks is home to hundreds of artists a year such as Boombox and Gramatik in June, Zeds Dead and Flume in July, and Thievery Corporation and Emancipator Ensemble in August.

2. The Gorge in George, WA

This 20,000 seat amphitheatre is elegantly placed on the banks of the Columbia River just outside of Quicy, Washington. In addition to top of the line acts like Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Nickelback, and Pearl Jam performing here in the past, music festivals Sasquatch! Music Festival, Paradiso Festival, and Pretty Light’s new 2-day festival call The Gorge home.

3. Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA

This is the Mecca for all summer concerts in Southern California. Purchase a subscription to multiple shows, or just go for the evening. Either way, with that ticket to the “Best Outdoor Concert Venue” voted by Pollstar for the 13th year in a row, you’ll catch acts like Ziggy Marley in June, Jack Johnson in July, and Jill Scott in August.

4. Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

Just recently, Tipper and Friends took over this music park on the banks of the Suwannee River in North Florida. Of course, this is also home to Suwannee Hulaween held over Halloween weekend. Watching lasers sparkling through the Spanish moss that drips from the trees is one of the most magical light shows you can get. 

5. Jones Beach Amphitheater in Wantagh, NY

Sometimes it’s all about location. Not only does the stage of this amphitheater appear to be beautifully placed on top of the water, but it’s on top of “Zach’s Bay” (that’s my name). Naturally, this amphitheater had to be on my list. In addition to its spectacular placement on “My Bay," Nikon at Jones Beach Amphitheater will be bringing out once in a lifetime performances like Rammstein in June, Chicago with The Doobie Brothers in July, and Lynyrd Skynyrd in August.

6. Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, WI

Also on the top 10 list of outdoor amphitheatres by Rolling Stone Magazine, Alpine Valley Music Theatre has a capacity of an impressive 37,000 and has hosted such acts as Dave Matthews Band, KISS and Def Leppard, and Zac Brown Band.

7. Hummingbird Ranch in Spanish Peaks Country, CO

Deep in the heart of Southern Colorado lies a hidden jem that is home to Sonic Bloom Festival every June. Sonic Bloom hosts 3+ intimate and secluded stages in the hills of the Spanish Peaks. This year Gigantic Cheese Biscuits, a hybrid of members from Big Gigantic, String Cheese Incident, and Disco Biscuits are headlining the festival. 

8. Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheatre in Park City, UT

Located at the base of Deer Valley Ski Resort in Utah, this amphitheater provides live performances from world-renowned acts, headlining musicians, and local talent for hotel guests, skiers, snowboarders, and the locals.

9. Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago, IL

This hotspot in on a peninsula on Lake Michigan opened in 2005. Along with headliners like Deftones in June, Phish will be making a three-night run at Huntington Bank Pavilion this July, and Pretty Lights has back-to-back nights in August. The Chicago skyline in the backdrop creates the perfect 'big city' setting for concert goers of all types. 

10. Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA

With history dating back to the the late 1800’s, The Greek Theatre has undergone over a century of refurbishment to keep one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. REO Speedwagon and Styx will be performing in June, Tycho in July, and Slightly Stoopid will be stopping by in August.

Check out our music festival series to stay up to date on all festivals and events going down at one of these amazing outdoor venues. And you can’t go to a festival without some stand-out gear, so take a peek at iEDM’s festival collection HERE.