Summer is on its way and the months ahead will bring some great weather to enjoy live music at amazing outdoor venues. We have chosen five bucket list music venues to highlight this week. The criteria leading to our choices is simple – great venue, great music, great memories.
The Gorge Amphitheatre
Nestled along the Columbia River with views of the Columbia River Gorge, this 25,000+ seat outdoor venue has consistently been awarded one of the most scenic venues in the world. The location is very rural, approximately 150 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington. If you have the gear, consider camping after the show or during the music festival. Check out www.gorgecamping.com for details.
The Gorge Amphitheatre
754 Silica Road NW
George, WA 98848
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Since 1941, music lovers have been driving 30 minutes southwest of Denver to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to hear their favorite performing artists. The naturally acoustic masterpiece is not only a live music lovers favorite, but a must-play spot for touring bands. With seating for just under 10,000, you will feel very small compared to the 868 acres of Red Rocks Park that surround you. If there are no performances on the calendar, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy, especially if you enjoy hiking and biking.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
18300 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
The Mountain Winery
A short 20-mile drive from San Jose, The Mountain Winery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features a 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheater. The venue is surrounded by vineyards, and the backdrop for the stage is the iconic Winery Building, creating an intimate live music experience. Make a dinner reservation to enjoy dinner at Chateau La Cresta, The Mountain Winery Restaurant before the show. Or arrive early and taste a selection of Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Winery Tasting Room decorated with Ansel Adams pictures taken of the property.
The Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts sits on the site of arguably the most famous music festival in the last 50 years, Woodstock “3 Days of Peace and Music”. Located 75 miles west of Poughkeepsie, NY, the property consists of multiple venues, including the 15,000-seat outdoor amphitheater. Purchase a seat in the covered pavilion or rent a lawn chair and relax on the spacious lawn while enjoying amazing artists in this historic natural setting.
While visiting, check out the Museum at Bethel Woods, focused on the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. The museum also houses a 400-seat indoor concert venue, a café, and gift shop.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
200 Hurd Road
Bethel, NY 12720
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
This National Park site is dedicated to the performing arts, featuring over 100 live music performances every summer. Located less then 20 miles west of Washington DC, the venue features the Filene Center, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods and The Barns Concert Hall.
Purchase a ticket to the Filene Center with 7,000 seats, including both undercover and lawn options. Bring a picnic in the summer or get drinks and light snacks at The Barns at Wolf Trap bar. The venue is part of the 117-acre park with year-round outdoor activities, such as trails, picnic areas, and winter sledding.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1645 Trap Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182
