Welcome to the It List Summer Guide edition, where we share the team’s picks for the best in entertainment as the weather heats up. Pick it weekly IT list Here for the latest releases we can’t wait to watch, stream, listen to, read, and binge.
It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, which brings barbecues, beach walks, and, of course, live outdoor music.
From Red Rocks in Colorado to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, here’s a guide to eight of the best places in America to see outdoor shows, including who’s playing, where to get tickets, tips and more.
Red Rocks
Perhaps the most iconic outdoor amphitheater in America, Red Rocks is a must-see venue for many bands and their fans. And with good reason – just look at this. This year’s lineup includes Maggie Rogers, Lord Huron, Diana Ross, Nas featuring the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and many more.
Where: Morrison, Colorado.
Capacity: 9,545
Who’s playing: Maggie Rogers, Lord Huron, Nas feat. the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Widespread Panic, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and more
Where to stay: Denver
Pro tip: It’s just 10 miles southwest of Denver, but concert traffic means you should have plenty of time to get there.
Tickets and more information: Click here
Shelburne Museum
On a rolling hillside overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains and beginning around sunset, concerts at the Shelburne Museum take on a magical quality. Plus, they give away free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I am not kidding.
Where: Shelburne, See.
Capacity: 2,000
Who’s playing: Guster, Train, Lake Street Dive, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and more
Where to stay: Burlington, Vt.
Pro tip: There is no re-entry, so bring everything you need (blankets, beach chairs, reusable water bottles) when you enter.
Tickets and more information: Click here
The gorge
Like Red Rocks, the Gorge is a must-see for live music fans who enjoy the beautiful setting of the Columbia River Valley while listening to their favorite bands. And this year’s lineup includes Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Odesza, Dave Matthews Band, Noah Kahan, Luke Bryan and more.
Where: Jorge, Lava.
Capacity: 27,500
Who’s playing: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Odesza, Dave Matthews Band, Noah Kahan, Luke Bryan and more
Where to stay: George, Quincy or Wenatchee, Wash.
Tickets and more information: Click here
Hollywood Bowl
It doesn’t get much better than attending a summer concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the iconic 102-year-old Hollywood Hills amphitheater and band. And this summer’s Bowl roster is beyond eclectic.
Where: Hollywood Hills, California.
Capacity: 17,500
Who’s playing: The Roots, Vampire Weekend, Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan, Beck with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Herbie Hancock and more
Where to stay: Los Angeles
Tickets and more information: Click here
central Park
In recent years, New Yorkers have been drawn to new outdoor music venues like Forest Hills Stadium in Queens and Pier 17 in lower Manhattan, but nothing compares to attending a concert in Central Park. from New York. This year’s SummerStage series features a mix of free and ticketed benefit shows, with an eclectic mix of artists (Robert Glasper! The Roots! Boy George!) and comedians including David Cross, Bob Odenkirk and Sarah Silverman.
Where: New York, NY
Capacity: 5,500
Who’s playing: The Roots, Robert Glasper, Kim Gordon, Counting Crows, Boy George, Brittany Howard, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman and more
Where to stay: Manhattan
Pro tip: Don’t worry about bringing your own libations, as they are not allowedbut you can buy beer and wine inside the gates.
Tickets and more information: Click here
Tangled
The outdoor concert in the Berkshires used to be where your parents went with picnic blankets to hear the Boston Pops. And it still is, but Tanglewood has made an effort in recent years to hire popular touring artists to perform with the famous symphony orchestra. Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Beck, Brandi Carlile and Boyz II Men are among the musicians on the BSO’s summer calendar this year.
Where: Lenox, Mass.
Capacity: 5,700
Who’s playing: Trey Anastasio, Beck, Brandi Carlile, Boyz II Men and more
Where to stay: Lenox or Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Tickets and more information: Click here
Asbury Park
No list of summer music venues is complete without Jersey Shore, and the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ, fits the bill.
Where: Asbury Park, New Jersey
Capacity: 4,500
Who’s playing: Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr., Waxahatchee and more
Where to stay: Anywhere from Red Bank, NJ to Point Pleasant
Tickets and more information: Click here
North Island
With a capacity of 30,000 people, the Northerly Island Amphitheater in Chicago is the largest venue on our list and, as a result, hosts some of the biggest artists. Among those stopping by the Windy City this summer are Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Vampire Weekend, Bush, the Pixies and Avril Lavigne.
Where: Chicago, Illinois.
Capacity: 30,000
Who’s playing: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Vampire Weekend, Bush, the Pixies, Avril Lavigne and more
Where to stay: Chicago
Tickets and more information: Click here
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