America’s best live music happenings

Summer festivals may now be dwindling but don’t let that stop you planning the next big live music adventure.

Check out these must-visit places for every music lover, from bucket list venues and music-themed attractions to the most iconic festivals.

Bucket list venues

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Colorado

On the outskirts of Denver at 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a geological marvel, located at a unique point where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. It is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. Since its grand opening as a venue in 1941, Red Rocks has attracted numerous big-name musicians including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. In addition to concerts Red Rocks hosts yoga classes and film screenings in the summer months. www.colorado.com

Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles

As long as there has been a Los Angeles rock scene, there has been the Whisky A Go-Go. It is one of the world’s most iconic music venues and ever since it opened on the Sunset Strip in 1964, it has played host to rock ‘n’ roll’s most important bands. These include the Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. www.visitcalifornia.com

Music-themed attractions

Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle

As the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix to name a few, Seattle’s music heritage is legendary. Nowhere is the music scene better celebrated than at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Designed by Frank Gehry, this eccentric, colourful building is best appreciated from the top of the Space Needle. Inside, there are permanent exhibitions on the aforementioned musicians, a guitar gallery displaying instruments by artists such as Slash and Dave Grohl, and a sound lab where visitors can make their own music. visitseattle.org

Iconic music festivals

Yosemite Jazz Train, Yosemite Mariposa County 

The Sugar Pine Railroad is currently hosting the Yosemite Jazz Train events where Grammy award nominated artists perform live music. These events have been taking place on select Sundays at 3pm since May and are continuing through to October. Guests can experience intimate performances with headline artists including; acoustic guitarist Pete White playing next on 25 September. www.yosemite.com

Aftershock Festival, Sacramento 

Aftershock Festival is the West Coast’s largest hard-rock festival, drawing music fans from around the world. Aftershock will bring top metal bands to Discovery Park for four days from 6-9 October 2022, with headliners including Slipknot, My Chemical Romance, Kiss, Muse, Rob Zombie and more. www.visitsacramento.com

Stagecoach Country Music Festival 2023, Greater Palm Springs

California’s Country music festival, Stagecoach, brings country music to the iconic location of Empire Polo Club, Indio. Some of the biggest names in country music and up-and-coming stars take to the stage each summer, with the line-up previously hosting the likes of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw. On the grounds of the festival, find celebrity chef demos, honky tonk dance lessons, clothing marketplaces, and an amusement park. Returning 28 – 30 April 2023. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Outloud Music Festival – WEHO Pride, West Hollywood 

Kicking off th Pride celebrations, Outloud Music Festival is an award-winning three-day event promoting love, inclusivity and acceptance. Taking place in West Hollywood’s park each summer since 2020, the festival is a high-energy concert to profile and celebrate LGBTQ+ artists. Last year’s lineup included Jessie J, Years & Years and Madison Beer. Elsewhere in the park, there will be artist interviews streamed live with Twitch, as well as plenty of options for street food in the beer and cocktail gardens. 2023 dates TBA. www.visitwesthollywood.com