The 6 Outdoor Music Venues You Need To Visit In Your Lifetime

It really doesn't even matter who's playing, these venues will have you six seconds from booking a flight. #GoInSix with Visa. There is no better way to spend a summer night than at an outdoor concert.

1. The Hollywood Bowl: Los Angeles, California

Via commons.wikimedia.org

Opened: July 11, 1922

Capacity: 17,376

Why you need to go now: The Hollywood Bowl's iconic shell has played host to an amazing roster of diverse musicians. Pack a picnic basket and go to see the "1812 Overture," punctuated with fireworks. If classical music isn't your scene, the Bowl also features rockers like Alice Cooper, who once had a helicopter shower the audience with paper panties.

2. Red Rocks Music Amphitheatre: Morrison, Colorado

Quan Ha / Via Flickr: quanha

Opened: 1906

Capacity: 9,450

Why you need to go now: The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is built into the side of a mountain in a breathtaking state park. Not only can you catch a bunch of acoustic rock acts, but you can also take in a film or join a yoga session on the rocks (both of which are always accompanied by amazing live music).

3. The Starlight Theatre: Kansas City, Missouri

Via commons.wikimedia.org

Opened: June 25, 1951

Capacity: 7,958

Why you need to go now: Besides being a gorgeous venue equipped to handle Broadway-level musicals, the Starlight Theatre is dedicated to growing the Kansas City art communities. Take advantage of their noble goal: catch a free tour of the Starlight's backstage, a master class in the arts, or discover your new favorite band on the side platform that promotes local talent before the headliners.

4. The Gorge Music Amphitheatre: Quincy, Washington

Via commons.wikimedia.org

Opened: 1985

Capacity: 23,000

Why you need to go now: Not only can you catch the world's top music festivals set against a stunning view, you can stay overnight after any performance on the adjacent campground. It's like catching an all-star live performance in your backyard, if your backyard was a freaking postcard.

5. Jones Beach Theater: Wantagh, New York

Rob Sinclair / Via Flickr: rob-sinclair

Opened: 1952

Capacity: 15,000

Why you need to go now: The Jones Beach Theater is as close to the water as you can get without swimming, and the facility embraces it — it's not unheard of for one of the spectacular performances to feature floating scenery. In the theater's early days, musicians even played afloat in a now defunct moat.

6. Alpine Valley Theatre: East Troy, Wisconsin

Via Flickr: irisgoldsteinphotography

Opened: 1977

Capacity: 37,000

Why you need to go now: The sprawling lawns and massive open stage of the Alpine Valley Theatre mean tens of thousands of fans can commune with their favorite classic rock acts. If you get tired of listening to mind-blowing rock gods (which you won't), you can hit the countless trails at several nearby state parks or the ski slopes if there's snow on the ground.