Buzz
From ancient castles to stunning Greco-Roman amphitheaters, the world is filled with breathtaking locations perfect for summer concerts. Grab your tickets, pack your essentials, and prepare to explore 10 of the most incredible outdoor music venues on Earth.
1. Théâtre Antique d’Orange // Orange, France
Photo by Jacqueline Poggi, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Imagine experiencing a performance on the very stage where Ancient Romans once entertained audiences thousands of years ago. Nestled in the scenic Rhone Valley, the Théâtre Antique d’Orange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built into a hillside in Provence between 10 and 25 CE, this Roman amphitheater is among the most well-preserved of its kind. Its 337-foot facade and a nearby museum showcase intricate reliefs commemorating the era of Pax Romana. It’s also the proud host of France’s oldest festival, the Les Chorégies d’Orange festival.
2. Dalhalla // Rättvik, Sweden
Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 3.0
Dalhalla stands out as one of the planet’s most extraordinary concert venues. Created from a 20th-century limestone quarry uncovered in 1991, the venue overlooks a pristine body of water with drinkable H2O. Attendees can swim in the lake, and even performers have taken the plunge. The acoustics are impeccable, with minimal ambient noise and vertical rock walls ensuring clear, echo-free sound. Adding to its charm, a narrow moat separates the audience from the stage, making for an unforgettable experience.
3. Red Rocks Amphitheatre // Morrison, Colorado
Bryce Edwards, Flickr // CC BY 3.0
Just 15 miles west of Denver lies a breathtaking escape. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, operational since 1941, has welcomed legendary acts like The Beatles in 1964. Nestled between towering sandstone formations, it’s the world’s only naturally formed, acoustically perfect amphitheater. Sitting over a mile above sea level, the surrounding area boasts diverse climates, landscapes, and ecosystems, with over 800 acres of trails and scenery to explore.
4. Slane Castle // Slane, Ireland
Gordon Flood, Flickr // CC BY 2.0
Perched above the River Boyne in County Meath, Slane Castle stands as Ireland’s grandest outdoor concert venue. Rebuilt in 1785, it has hosted icons like The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie. Rich in history, the site witnessed St. Patrick’s paschal fire and the pivotal Battle of the Boyne. Today, it’s a hub for weddings, events, and legendary rock concerts. Soon, the castle will add to its allure by launching its own whiskey, solidifying its status as Ireland’s top concert destination.
5. Auditorium Parco Della Musica // Rome, Italy
Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
Impressing Romans, surrounded by architectural marvels like the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo, is no small feat. Enter Renzo Piano, the visionary architect behind the Auditorium Parco della Musica. This modern masterpiece features three concert halls, cultural spaces, lush greenery, and a stunning open-air amphitheater. It’s a harmonious blend of contemporary design and ancient Roman tradition, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s storied history.
6. Sultan’s Pool // Jerusalem, Israel
RonAlmog, Flickr // CC BY 2.0
Nestled beneath the ancient walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, Sultan’s Pool is a venue steeped in history and dramatic beauty. Situated in the Valley of Hinnom, a site tied to the Jewish concept of Gehinnom and the Islamic Jahanna, it carries an intriguing, if undeserved, association with the afterlife. Originally a water source dating back to Herod’s era, it fell into disrepair before being revitalized by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s. Today, it’s a dry, expansive stage for world-class performances.
7. Gorge Amphitheater // George, Washington
Dave Lichterman, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Gorge in George offers one of the most breathtaking settings for summer concerts. With a capacity nearly double that of Red Rocks, it hosts 20,000 fans for legendary acts like Dave Matthews, Phish, and Pearl Jam, who often perform multiple shows here. Camping is a beloved tradition, with countless tents dotting the scenic landscape. Overlooking the Columbia River Valley, the venue combines stunning views with world-class acoustics. Perched on a cliff, the stage has seen its share of unforgettable moments—and a few fallen guitar cases.
8. The Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre // Meredith, Australia
Michael Koukoullis, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0
The Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, located on a farm about 60 miles from Melbourne, hosts two annual music festivals: the Meredith Music Festival and the Golden Plains Music Festival. Set among towering ghost gum trees, known for their striking white bark, the venue features a natural amphitheater surrounded by tall pines. The interplay of light and shadow from the trees creates an ethereal atmosphere, earning it the name “Supernatural.”
9. The Great Theatre // Ephesus, Turkey
Dennis Jarvis, Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0
The Great Theatre at Ephesus, though less preserved than some ancient amphitheaters, boasts a rich history. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, a prime example of a Roman port city, it lies near the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built in the 3rd century BCE during the Hellenistic period and later expanded by the Romans, it could hold 25,000 spectators. Originally used for concerts, plays, debates, and gladiatorial battles, it has recently hosted global icons like Elton John.
10. The Greek Theatre // Los Angeles, California
Mandee Johnson, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles stands as one of the most iconic outdoor music venues globally, with over 80 years of rich musical heritage. Its origins trace back to Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who donated 3,000 acres of land to Los Angeles in 1896. After meticulous design inspired by Greek theaters worldwide, the venue opened on September 25, 1930. Its debut performance in June 1931 offered affordable tickets, with some seats even free. Today, it continues to host top-tier artists in a stunning, verdant setting, upholding its legacy of accessibility and artistic excellence.
