Iconic Outdoor Performing Arts Venues to Visit This Summer

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, these popular outdoor venues are starting up their performance season. No matter where you might find yourself in Massachusetts in the next few months, there’s likely a show happening near you. Summer’s not complete until you’ve seen a memorable performance in one of these uniquely Massachusetts venues.
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Tanglewood
Lenox & Stockbridge
The summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is a must-see for anyone looking to see a special performance in a one-of-a-kind location. The venue is made up of two stages, a library, and three music schools. Tanglewood is best known for the amazing shows the BSO puts on regularly, but this spring and summer you can also check out acts such as James Taylor, The Pretenders, and the Festival of Contemporary Music, which takes place from July 25 through July 28.
 
Xfinity Center
Mansfield
For many, the summer is just not complete before seeing a show at Mansfield’s Xfinity Center – an outdoor amphitheater located about an hour southwest of Boston that can accommodate nearly 20,000 music fans in reserved, covered, and general admission lawn seats. This summer, you can score tickets to see Niall Horan, Imagine Dragons, Santana & Counting Crows, and the Outlaw Music Festival, which will feature Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. The venue has been the site of several live records and filmed specials, including by The Who, Jimmy Buffet, and Oasis.
 
Indian Ranch, Webster
Indian Ranch
Webster
What’s better than going to a concert? How about seeing a show and then walking back to your campsite to fall asleep under the stars? You can do just that at Webster’s Indian Ranch, which has 200 campsites in addition to a lakeside amphitheater. Indian Ranch has been hosting concerts since 1946. In fact, many of the top country artists today played Indian Ranch on their way to superstardom. This year, don’t miss Three Dog Night, Scotty McCreery, Elle King, Grace Potter, and many more.
 
Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston
Hatch Memorial Shell
Boston
The Hatch Memorial Shell is well known for being the site of the annual Boston Pops Fourth of July concert, but the venue host events all summer long. In addition to the Pops, you can catch a classic movie, or just stroll around the riverside Esplanade. Even when there isn’t a performance happening, the Hatch Memorial Shell is a perfect place to stop by and sit back with a book or a picnic.
 
Jacob’s Pillow, Becket
Jacob’s Pillow
Becket
One of the premiere performance spaces for dancing, Jacob’s Pillow is a unique venue that can’t be missed. The 220-acre National Historic Landmark is the home of America’s longest-running international dance festival, which welcomes dozens of dance companies from all over the world each year. They also run several community programs each year to educate and get people excited about the art of dance. This year’s festival takes place from June 26 through August 25 and will feature ballet, hip hop, flamenco, modern dance, and more.
 
Leader Bank Pavilion
Boston
Since 1994, this 5000-seat outdoor amphitheater in Boston’s lively seaport district has welcomed acts from all over the word. Overlooking the Boston Harbor, the pavilion is easily accessible via the MBTA’s Silver Line. In 2024 . Black Pumas, Melissa Etheridge, Jason Mraz, and more perform there.

TOPICS: Becket, Boston, Lenox, Mansfield, Webster