It is said that a hot dog doesn’t taste right unless there is a ballgame in front of it. Charlie Brown said that. It is said that everyone must own one convertible, but that almost no one chooses to own a second one. Car and Driver said that. (So does my wife. She had one. I haven’t. Harrummph.)
Music fans know of at least one more cultural imperative. The concert will sound better under the open sky.
It’s true. No matter if the genre is rock, country, hip-hop, or ska. No matter if the instruments are keyboard, horns, saxophones, or drums. They will all sound better outside. There is something about the freshness of the breeze and the freedom of the sky.
Of course, some outdoor venues are better than others. Some are just excellent. Others are transformative.
These are the venues at which Gildshire Magazines says you must experience a concert. We have included the venues next outdoor concert so you can make plans now. Click the ticket prices to buy your way in.
Sun Valley Pavilion, Sun Valley, Idaho. Our first venue is located at the first ski resort in the United States, but that doesn’t mean it is a winter-only destination. On the contrary, summer in Sun Valley is as magical as winter. Surrounded by sweeping mountains, the Sun Valley Pavilion is a lovely, albeit small venue. The roof is designed to fit within its setting and covers over 1,500 seats. There is additional open air seating on the lawn. The pavilion hosts free concerts during the summer and offers alpine views of Bald Mountain, Trail Creek canyon, and Dollar Mountain. Next Up: British Rock Royalty Cover Show, July 6, 2017. Tickets $35-$150.
Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, Colorado
Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, Colorado. We love all of these venues. Really, we do. Gun to the head, though, Red Rocks is Number One. Placed by God between two 300-foot rocks, it is a favorite of the world’s most well-known musicians. Seriously, everyone has played here and almost everyone is coming back.The Red Rocks acoustic setting is simply magical. It is also a favorite exercise spot when the concert lights are off and the sun is shining. Next Up: Chance the Rapper, May 2-3.Tickets $82-$304.
Artpark, Lewiston, New York. Just a shortstop’s long throw from Niagara Falls find Artpark. It’s a 150-acre open-air venue from which concert-goers can hear the rush of the mighty waters when the band falls silent. Artpark is a National Historic Landmark that includes archeological sites. During the summer, the Mainstage Theater and outdoor theater on the adjacent lawn offers Broadway musicals, concerts and festivals. Next Up: ZZ Top, June 6, Tickets $41-$104.
Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, California. If you are over the age of 21 you knew this one would be on our list. Los Angeles’ famous Hollywood Bowl is America’s largest natural outdoor amphitheater. This classic venue is known for its curved stage shell. When you visit be sure and include time for a stop at the Hollywood Bowl Museum. They will let you walk on stage and pretend you are the world’s greatest performer. Next Up: A Perfect Circle, May 7. Tickets $7-$386.
Gorge Amphitheater, Quincy, Washington. Just 18 miles west on Baseline Rd. from George, Washington (Yes, that is really a town in Washington State) find the Gorge Amphitheater. One of the truly gorgeous outdoor venues in the world, the Gorge Amphitheatre overlooks the mighty Columbia River and offers spectacular views. Fans can camp out before the show and choose from designated seating near the pit or on lawn seats. All in all the Gorge offers a 20,000-person seating capacity.Next Up: 2017 Sasquatch Festival featuring Frank Ocean, Twenty One Pilots, and Chance the Rapper May 26-28. Tickets $22-$147.
