From scenic waterfront stages to venues surrounded by red rock formations, the U.S. has some outdoor concert venues that will have you returning each year! These venues host many different music performances and live events, combining nature with each performance. If you love live events and scenic views, check out these 15 breathtaking venues!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison, Colorado)
Red Rocks Amphitheater stands nestled among the sandstone formations in the vicinity of Mt. Morrison. It is an open-air venue only 15 miles west of Denver that offers spectacular views of Colorado’s landscape. The venue opened in 1941 and has hosted many performances, including those by Jimi Hendrix and even The Beatles. While it has 9,500 seats, you’ll need to act quickly if you don’t want your seat to be taken!
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna, Virginia)
A short way away from the U.S. capital lies the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Its pavilion is made from striking timber and stone and has space for over 7,000 people. Half of the venue is covered, while the other half sits in the open, where the stars can be seen at night. Many live performances, including orchestras and rock concerts, have been held at Wolf Trap.
Alpine Valley Music Theatre (East Troy, Wisconsin)
Alpine Valley Music Theater is perfect for those who love performances and the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. The venue is set on a lawn, as most visitors sit on the grass while many others bring chairs for larger events. Even though the venue can hold over 37,000 spectators, visitors still describe their experience as rather calm due to its proximity to nature.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel, New York)
Bethel Woods Center was built on the grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, connecting its rich music history with its present concerts. The theater has over 15,000 seats with views of the countryside and the Catskill Mountains. You can even visit the museum adjacent to the theater, which celebrates the location’s rich history.
Forest Hills Stadium (Queens, New York)
Forest Hills Stadium has a classic look that shows its historic blend of old-world charm and modern concert experience. The theater was once a tennis court, but after being transformed into a venue, it has hosted celebrities such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Its 14,000 seats are regularly sold out, so if you get the opportunity to go then you should take it.
Jones Beach Theater (Wantagh, New York)
Jones Beach Theater features a stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. It sits on Long Island and is completely open-air, which allows the cool ocean breeze to pass through the crowd. Its summer concerts are the most alluring since the weather is ideal and if the concert drags on into the night, the stars light up the sky.
The Gorge Amphitheatre (George, Washington)
The Gorge Amphitheater, which overlooks the Columbia River Gorge, is one of America’s most outstanding outdoor theaters. Its panoramic view and entirely open-air location make it the perfect night venue. Because of its remoteness, this venue also hosts many multi-day festivals as the sound of music travels through the gorge.
Merriweather Post Pavilion (Columbia, Maryland)
Since its recent renovations to the Merriweather Post Pavilion, the size of its live performances has increased significantly! Merriweather was originally built in 1967 by Frank Gehry, who is a renowned architect in America and Canada. The venue is surrounded by 40 acres of forest with the design incorporating many plants and moss.
The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California)
The Greek Theater might not be as big as other theaters, but its design embraces a historic performance venue since it was modeled after an ancient Greek amphitheater. It was originally built in the 1930s and has remained a charming accessory to many of Hollywood’s famous performances of singers and orchestras.
Starlight Theatre (Kansas City, Missouri)
The Starlight Theater truly lives up to its name with its starry nights and lush landscape. The theater itself as well as surrounding buildings took inspiration from Spanish elements and was finished in the 1950s. Starlight is only a few minutes from Kansas City, making it even easier to get to compared to other theaters.
Ascend Amphitheater (Nashville, Tennessee)
Ascend Amphitheater is located along the Cumberland River, which flows through downtown Nashville. The theater itself is a blend of modern engineering and natural beauty, with the city’s skyline visible in the background. Many nighttime concerts, especially in the summertime, are held at Ascend Amphitheater.
Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles, California)
The Hollywood Bowl has been around since 1922 and has become an iconic outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles. Located in the Hollywood Hills, the theater has a capacity of 17,500 seats and from certain angles, offers views of the Hollywood sign. Many classical performances and superstar concerts have taken place here.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago, Illinois)
Jay Pritzker Pavilion is Frank Gehry’s undisputed masterpiece, which has become one of the most memorable places to visit in Chicago. The theater is located in Millennium Park and can accommodate over 11,000 listeners, with 4,000 guests seated on assembled chairs and 7,000 on the Great Lawn.
Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View, California)
Shoreline Amphitheater has become a landmark in the Silicon Valley area, especially for its large tent-like structure and beautiful scenery of the San Francisco Bay. More than 22,000 people can be seated in the venue, some may choose to use the designated seating while others might have a picnic on the lawn.
Tanglewood (Lenox, Massachusetts)
Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. It is located on a 210-acre estate in the Berkshire Hills, featuring a 5,700-seat concert hall and a sprawling lawn for guests to use. The centuries-old forests that form its backdrop create a mystical atmosphere for those attending Tanglewood.
