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Ah, summer. It’s the season of BBQs, baseball and the beach. While attending a soiree involving any of those three things is sure to be fun, few summertime events can compete with sitting on a picnic blanket under the stars with your sexy girlfriend, cold beer in hand, listening to the sounds of your favorite band wafting through the warm breeze. Of course, enclosed, air-conditioned arenas usually have better acoustics, but it’s more special taking in a concert at an open-air amphitheatre. Still a skeptic? Take a moment to watch any concert video from Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre—U2, The Grateful Dead, The Dave Matthews Band—and you’ll surely be convinced.
For some, the experience has a historical aspect to it; open-air events were enjoyed in Ancient Greece and Rome and many outdoor venues have National Historic Landmark status or have a special place in music history. For others, it’s the thrill of standing under an open sky, taking in the views while the music surrounds you. These concert goers purchase tickets every summer season no matter the lineup or how high the service charge is.
While not every city has a Red Rocks, plenty of amazing outdoor venues exist across the country that are worth the trip. Here are a few to check out this summer:
The Gorge: George, Washington
While almost any city or town can find a sloped hill and install a stage at the bottom of it, few places can match the natural beauty of The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. Situated above the Columbia River Gorge, this 25,000-seat venue takes the term “not a bad seat in the house” to a new level. If you aren’t one of the lucky few seated in the reserved section close to the stage, the consolation is breathtaking: majestic views of the Columbia River Gorge from the tiered lawn section. And while the majority of people come to the Gorge to hear live music, the views still take precedence due to the transparent stage setup. Minus a few support beams, speaker racks and a wide screen or two, you can see past the band and fixate on the mile-wide vistas. The views only get better as the sun sets and the river glistens under the moonlight.
Located about two hours outside of Seattle, The Gorge also has camping facilities, making every show have a festival-like atmosphere. Named the top outdoor amphitheatre in the United States nine years in a row, The Gorge always attracts top talent and this year’s lineup isn’t any different. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and The Dave Matthews Band are all on the schedule.
The Gorge
Greek Theatre: Los Angeles, California
Opened in 1929, the intimate Greek Theatre once housed barracks during the Second World War. Today it ranks among the best small outdoor concert venues in the country. Located in picturesque Griffith Park, which is a world away from the roving eyes of the paparazzi and the smog-filled, traffic-laden highways of L.A, the 5801-seat theater hosts some of the biggest names in music. The packed schedule includes more than 30 acts this summer including, Beatle Ringo Starr, Sugarland, MGMT, Keane and Sheryl Crow. The Greek is also the subject of the new Jonah Hill and Russell Brand comedy Get Him to The Greek, in which a down-and-out rock star is recruited for a special tenth anniversary concert at the Greek Theatre.
Greek Theatre
Jay Pritzker Pavilion: Chicago, Illinois
Few cities can boast having a better outdoor concert venue than New York’s Central Park Summerstage but the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in downtown Chicago comes close. The Pavilion is an architectural wonder. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, visitors marvel at its weaving, stainless steel headdress. Located in Millennium Park, the Pavilion offers spectacular views of the Windy City skyline and harbor and is extremely accessible. Yet it’s greatest feature is that it hosts at least one free concert or performance every day during the summer. The weekly Grant Park Music Festival features a variety of performances on varying days while the On Stage at Noon series features a concert or performance midday every day.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Photo by Patrick Pyszka
Saratoga Performing Arts Center: Saratoga Springs, New York
From the New York City Ballet to the Philadelphia Orchestra to Bon Jovi to Brad Paisley, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in horse-mad Saratoga Springs, New York, is a one-stop entertainment venue throughout the summer. Built in the mid-1960s as the summer home of the New York Philharmonic and New York City Ballet, the SPAC has played host to a lot more than classical music and pirouettes. As you enter the facility, admire its natural beauty. Towering pines surround the theatre. The Doors, Pink Floyd and the Chicago Ballet have all performed at the partially enclosed, 10-story amphitheatre. That diversity continues today. This year’s lineup includes 16 performances by the New York City Ballet, Yo-Yo Ma with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Phish and O.A.R.
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek: Raleigh, North Carolina.
With 7,000 covered seats and a sloped general admission lawn that seats thousands more, the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek is the latest in a long line of corporate amphitheaters, built in the past 20 years. What separates this theater from the rest is its location slightly southeast of Raleigh, North Carolina. The picturesque small-town setting immediately relaxes concertgoers and you won’t fight traffic nor pushy ticket resellers to get to the venue. But be warned: parking at the venue is steep.
The Pavilion showcases day-long concerts by small acts and features the same VIP amenities available at other open-air theaters. It attracts a variety of big-time touring acts as well. This year’s lineup includes Rascal Flats, Phish, Santana, Zac Brown Band, Jack Johnson and KISS and tickets are still available for every show.
—T.J. Walter