For music lovers, there’s nothing like catching an outdoor show in nature. Leaving behind stadiums and arenas, we enjoy melodies in the most unexpected—and beautiful—places. National parks have been inspiring artists to create for 100 years now; it’s no surprise they also offer some of the coolest music events out there—some right on the park grounds.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
This music venue sits in an otherwise barren landscape, 16 miles northeast of Joshua Tree National Park. With old wooden signs and nothing but desert for miles and miles, the space embodies a Wild West vibe. Saturday is the night to go for live music when bands from all over the States fly into to jam.
Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Located inside the Grand Canyon National Park, the annual Grand Canyon Music Festival brings classical instruments and ensembles to the multi-purpose Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, which also houses lectures and other events. Though dates haven’t been officially announced yet, the festivities usually take place over several days between August and September. Make sure to come early to explore the park; after the event, the park service won’t let you near the rim.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park runs several year-round concert series in and around the park for visitors to enjoy. Folk music is a mainstay, as is Ed Caner of the band Hey Mavis, who hosts regular jam sessions. In the summer months, the Conservancy hosts Music in the Meadow, a free live show at Howe Meadow featuring acts like bluegrass band The Lonesome Stars and the Revolution Brass Band inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Red Rocks National Park, Colorado
Rolling Stone magazine calls it America’s best amphitheater. Musical legends including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, and the Rolling Stones have raved about it. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and Department of the Interior, the amphitheater is a top destination for music lovers from around the world.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah
Moab Music Festival, which takes place in the town of Moab, Utah, is the coolest outdoor fest around. Performances happen in red-rock grottos some are only reachable by boat, some are located on ranches, and others are in canyons. The fest also offers musical hikes, in which attendees are shuttled to a secret location for a moderate hike ending with a performance in the middle of nature. Catch this year’s acts from September 1 through September 15.
Also not to be missed…
The National Park Service created an artist-in-residence program geared towards painters, sculptors, photographers, and musicians wanting to deepen their craft by establishing a strong connection with their park of choice—living and exploring the territory every day. Most of the programs require two shows or performances by the artist that resulted from their time living on park grounds. You can check out each individual park’s event calendar. See a violinist playing an ode to red cliffs, tall, evergreen trees, or majestic mountains. Programs are offered all year and vary by season.
