There’s nothing like live music under the open sky—the crowd, the breeze, the beat rolling out across a sea of fans. Amphitheaters offer a unique kind of magic, blending natural beauty with big sound and an electric atmosphere. Out of the more than a thousand scattered across the U.S., a few stand above the rest. USA Today 10Best asked an expert panel to pick their favorites, then let the fans decide which amphitheaters are the best in the U.S. for open-air entertainment.
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At number one is The Pavilion at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY. Set on the hallowed grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival, this amphitheater is more than a venue—it’s a pilgrimage for music lovers. Tucked away in the Catskills, the Pavilion at Bethel Woods holds 16,000 fans under a covered pavilion and across a sweeping lawn. The sound is crisp, the views are unobstructed, and the vibe is pure history-meets-modern. Expect a mix of genres—jazz, rock, soul, pop— performed where legends once stood.
Just off the Garden State Parkway, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ comes in at number two. This Northeast favorite draws huge acts all summer long. Its fan-shaped pavilion and sprawling lawn mean you’ll find a spot with great sound whether you're front and center or stretched out on a blanket in back. From pop icons to rock veterans, PNC’s lineup never disappoints. It’s a classic summer night out, Jersey-style.
If you’re chasing epic views with your music, The Gorge, at number three, is your holy grail. Overlooking the Columbia River in Quincy, WA, this amphitheater is carved right into the landscape, offering natural acoustics that are next level. It’s remote, wild and stunning—and perfect for multi-day festivals. As a bonus, you can camp right next door for the full outdoors-meets-music experience.
These venues aren’t just places to hear live music, they’re where moments happen.
Ten best amphitheaters in the U.S. according to USA Today
- Pavilion at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts—Bethel, NYC
- PNC Bank Arts Center—Holmdel, New Jersey
- The Gorge Amphitheatre—Quincy, WA
- Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater—Vail, CO
- Ascend Amphitheater—Nashville, TN
- Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood—Lenox, MA
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—Morrison, CO
- Tuacahn Amphitheatre—Ivins, UT
- Dillon Amphitheater—Dillon, CO
- Moody Amphitheater—Austin, TX