Everything is better when mixed with fresh air and sunshine, and enjoying a concert in the great outdoors is no exception. For your listening pleasure, we’ve rounded up a list of where to catch live outdoor music in every state.
From breweries to amphitheaters, so many unique venues across the fifty states are home to an outdoor stage.
Summer officially kicked off five days ago, so there is still plenty of time to satisfy your outdoor concert craving. Read on to find out which spot made the list in your state.
Methodology: This is a list of best places to catch an outdoor concert in the US, according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the “Music Venue” category with a large concentration of reviews mentioning relevant keywords, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords. We included only one business per state for geographic diversity.
Alaska – Seaview Cafe
“I’m pretty sure everyone in the state of Alaska loves the Seaview Cafe. The food is consistently delicious, great service, spectacular views and a fun place to see live music.” – Christy A.
Alabama – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
“This is a nice outdoor amphitheater with a good location in Tuscaloosa. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to go before the concert.” – Samantha H.
Arkansas – Hopkins Icehouse
“They also have remarkable service, delicious house-made food, and a pretty great outdoor patio. Not only that, but they also have live music, shuffleboard, a full bar with decent beer, some wine, and specials every weeknight!” – Noah H.
Arizona – Mesa Amphitheater
“Mesa Amphitheater is a nice place to enjoy an outside concert. You can pay extra for reserved seating or spread out a blanket on the lawn.” – Patrick H.
California – The Hollywood Bowl
“The bowl is a must experience in LA. Come see your favorite music in outdoor acoustics. Too good.” -Ian S.
Mesa Amphitheater,
Ashli T
The Hollywood Bowl,
Dena G
Seaview Cafe,
Andrew H
Colorado – Red Rocks Amphitheater
“This is the best outdoor music venue in the United States. Absolutely spectacular place to see a show. Breathtaking scenery everywhere around you. It’s almost unbelievable.” – Sally H.
Connecticut – Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint
“The live music is great on they nights they have it, and the outdoor patio on the roof is incredible in the summer.” – Aaron M.
Delaware – Big Chill Surf Cantina
“Love this place. It is very chill. They have fantastic live music outside, and everyone working there is very friendly and attentive.” – Donna F.
Florida – Ball & Chain
“Such a cool hang out with the pineapple amphitheater in the back with ample outdoor seating. There was live music when I was there on a Sunday afternoon.” – Emily L.
Georgia – Sting Rays
“Relaxed atmosphere and great fresh seafood menu… Sat on the deck listening to live music. Nirvana” – Steve W.
Ball & Chain,
Dzesika S
Red Rocks Amphitheater,
Katie F
Big Chill Surf Cantina,
Meili L
Hawaii – Waikiki Shell
“The Shell is one of my favorite venues because it is open air and has a really relaxed local vibe. I usually prefer to get tickets for the grassy general admission area because you can stretch out on a blanket and really vibe with the music.” – Reyn N.
Iowa – Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater
“A great outdoor concert spot for a small city like Des Moines. It manages to attract some pretty well known national acts as well as a lot of local talent. Great views of the river and downtown are the backdrop to the stage and offer a unique view of the city.” – Adam E.
Idaho – Idaho Botanical Garden
“When you are looking for a wonderful place to have a concert in the summer look no further! You can bring your own food in and enjoy the sunset over the hills why you listen to great music.” – Lori G.
Illinois – Jay Pritzker Pavilion
“Unbelievable outdoor concert space. Super modern, clean, outstanding acoustics even far back on lawn area. Perfect views of the city.” – Diana P.
Indiana – Kroger Symphony on the Prairie
“Coming for Symphony on the Prairie is always a blast, and now that I’ve been three times I feel confident in saying it’s one of the best ways to celebrate warm weather and a love of music.” – Jacob D.
Idaho Botanical Garden,
Chanda M
Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, Becky L 
Waikiki Shell,
Thomas G
Kansas – The Brickyard
“Great spot to catch a band outdoors. It’s basically just a huge walled in patio… When the weather is right it’s basically the best place to have fun in Downtown Wichita.” – Jared P.
Kentucky – Iroquois Amphitheater
“I think this is the best fresh-air theater venue in town. Others have remarked on the great acoustics, and I agree. Also, everything is clean and well maintained.” – Ed H.
Louisiana – Musical Legends Park
“This outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to sit and listen to live jazz especially on a pretty day… Although we only visited once, the music was great every time we walked past and listened.” – Terri H.
Massachusetts – Tanglewood
“This outdoor music venue continues to meet the expectations of those who have sat on the lawn for decades and newcomers alike. Whatever show you attend will be an evening to remember.” – Lauren K.
Maryland – Merriweather Post Pavilion
“I absolutely love the stage, the acoustics, and the seating (pavilion and lawn). Whenever there’s an artist playing here I am remotely interested in, I make it a point to buy tickets.” – Amber M.
Musical Legends Park,
Thomas C
Tanglewood,
Lisa E
Maine – Thompson’s Point
“I LOVE Thompson’s Point. The venue is great, it’s on the water, the sound quality is really good, and the staff are so friendly!” – Joie S.
Michigan – DTE Energy Music Theater
“My favorite outdoor concert venue, great acoustics, and just a great atmosphere.” – Jennifer S.
Minnesota – The Cabooze
“We went to an outdoor concert here and really enjoyed it. It was crowded, but the Cabooze planned well for the crowds.” – Lynn L.
Missouri – Broadway Oyster Bar
“Broadway Oyster Bar is a definite must visit if you are in town only for a few days. St. Louis locals love this place, especially during the summer months when they have outdoor music on their patio.” – Deborah A.
Mississippi – The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
“Come to The Shed to get fed with some authentic bbq and swing by to listen to some up and coming musical artists.” – Dan E.
Thompson’s Point,
Heather G
Broadway Oyster Bar,
Terrence Y.
Montana – Kettlehouse Amphitheater
“Amazing music venue. Having seen lots of concerts all over the Pacific Northwest, this is probably the best setup for a great concert experience.” – Scott K.
North Carolina – Koka Booth Amphitheater
“Normally, the venue is good for outdoor concerts in the summer with a lawn seating area where you can spread out your blanket and enjoy music under the stars or in the sun.” – Sidney C.
North Dakota – Medora Musical
“What an amazing evening! Great talent in a spectacular outdoor setting. We had fabulous weather for this two hour variety show in an outdoor amphitheater.” – Lyn M.
Nebraska – Pinewood Bowl Theater
“The band’s stage décor and lighting blended perfectly with the tall trees around… I don’t see a lot of shows these days and wasn’t sure what to expect from this venue but I loved it and felt like the place really added to the ambiance.” – Nicole C.
New Hampshire – Bank of NH Pavilion
“The show was incredible but I have to say the layout of this outside music venue was amazing and so comfortable and non-claustrophobic! I’ve never felt so comfortable at a concert, where I felt like I could breathe while enjoying one of my favorite bands perform live!” – Jessica E.
Keith K
New Jersey – Stone Pony Summer Stage
“Great Summer Outdoor venue. Sunsets behind the stage which makes the experience that much more magical.” – Michelle C.
New Mexico – Taos Mesa Brewing
“This is such a unique brewery! It is so large, with an outdoor amphitheater, lots of tables to sit at both inside and outside, as well as live music.” – Mikaila S.
Nevada – Carnaval Court
“We had a great time having a few drinks and dancing to live music. The band covered great 90s songs and it was a blast all around.” – Amy H.
New York – Prospect Park Bandshell
“I came here two nights in a row… just because, it’s summer! Both nights we were entertained with great music and a great crowd.” – Michi S.
Ohio – Blind Lemon
“Came here for some drinks, and it’s such a cool spot! We were seated outside on the patio, and there was live music. The music was soothing and folksy, and the atmosphere was really cozy and chill.” – Rachel D
Blind Lemon,
Cindy G
The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Jeanette L 
Prospect Park Bandshell,
Sharon C
Oklahoma – Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room
“Can’t believe a place like this exist in this area! Great pizza & local brews! Nice patio and live music. Will definitely come back for sure!” – Chad L
Oregon – Les Schwab Amphitheater
“Love this venue! Staff are friendly, it’s big and open. Lots of green grass to sit on. Sound can be amazing. Great food truck selection.” – Georgie K
Pennsylvania – The Mann Center
“It was like having all the perks of a high-tech stadium in an intimate, outdoor venue. The layout of the venue allows a great view and sound from pretty much any seat with help from the huge screens surrounding the place.” – Sabrina K.
Rhode Island – Wharf Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar
“We sat at the outdoor bar as the sun was setting. Loved the vibe out there with the candles and music.” – Jen N.
South Carolina – Loggerhead’s Beach Grill
“They offer live music from an outdoor band, and on Thursday they even had karaoke. I definitely recommend stopping here while you’re in Folly!” – Kelley W
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill,
Business Owner
Les Schwab Amphitheater,
Business Owner
South Dakota – Loud American Roadhouse
“Super fun and loud place to listen to music while kicking back after a long ride. Plenty of drink options but the steak tips are a must!” – Andria A.
Tennessee – Levitt Shell
“Great place to catch an evening concert during the sunset. Bring chairs, coolers, drinks and good vibes!” – Bianca H.
Texas – Miller Outdoor Theater
“Great place to catch live shows in an outdoor theater. It is located in Hermann Park, therefore you’re surrounded by beautiful greenery and views of the city while catching one of free shows.” – Vy Van K
Utah – Garage on Beck
“During the warmer months, the music is outdoors with outdoor fire pit and picnic seating. It’s great either way.” – Clarion A.
Virginia – Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
“This is the best place to see summer concerts in the DMV… A beautiful facility in the woods with walking trails, a restaurant and plenty of picnic areas.” – Stacy H.
Levitt Shell,
Jim H
Miller Outdoor Theater,
Na C
Vermont – Red Square
“College bar with better than average live music outside in the summer… The location is pretty ideal; it’s walkable from anywhere downtown and the live music draws you in like a moth to a flame.” – Daniel J.
Washington – Gorge Amphitheatre
“This is the most spectacular music venue I’ve ever experienced. The views and the acoustics are world class. If the weather cooperates you are golden.” – Chad T
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Brewing Company
“In the summer they have special events as well as live music and an outdoor patio.” – Lauren E.
West Virginia – Shirley Acres
“Saw a festival at Shirley Acres and there was plenty of room to walk around and enjoy myself without feeling cramped. Beautiful location to have concerts.” – Steve P.
Wyoming – Alibi Wood Fire
“Great atmosphere, fun place to meet friends and have a great meal, and amazing drinks. Summer outdoor live music on occasions make it even more fun!” – Donna K
Gorge Amphitheater,
Doris W
Your outdoor music adventure awaits! Use the Yelp app to search for top-rated ‘outdoor music venues’ in your area. If you enjoyed our list, follow the collection on Yelp!
