The Best Outdoor Concert Venues In The Bay Area

Spring season is here, and with it the warm weather. With plenty of festivals and tours making their way west, check out our picks for the best outdoor concert venues in the Bay Area.

1. Stern Grove – San Francisco, CA

Stern Grove – San Francisco, CA

Standing as one of the Bay Area’s oldest outdoor concert venues, Stern Grove continues to provide its visitors with the biggest and best names in the music industry covering all types of genres. Dating all the way back to 1932, Stern Grove’s first concert debuted San Francisco Symphony’s Jascha Veissi, a principal violinist. Today, names like WAR, Mavis Staples, Ozomatli, Smokey Robinson, and The Doobie Brothers have graced the iconic stage. Stern Grove differs from other outdoor concert venues being that it is a natural amphitheatre surrounded by fir and redwood trees, providing a unique experience that no other venue provides.

Stern Grove, 19th Ave & Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 242 5200

Stern Grove © Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

2. The Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA

The Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA

Popular among college students being that it’s minutes away from UC Berkeley, The Greek Theatre serves as a hip and happening venue to see the best performances in the music industry. Reminiscent of the ancient Greek theatre of Epidaurus, the theatre provides an incomparable experience for hearing live music. Names like Jason Mraz and Paul Simon are just a few of the legendary artists who have performed at this venue. The Greek Theatre serves as a picturesque outdoor concert venue with its exclusive architecture and almost always perfect weather!

The Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA, USA, +1 510 548 3010

The Greek Theatre | © Bob Aronson/Flickr

3. Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA

Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA

Travel to the northwest part of the Peninsula and you will discover Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre. Home to many festivals and big names, Shoreline has been providing the Bay Area with prominent performances for the past 30+ years. Enjoy views from every spot, either on the general lawn or in reserved seating. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities ranging from permanent and porta-potty restrooms to drink posts at several accessible locations.

Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA, USA, +1 650 967 4040

Shoreline Amphitheatre | © Peter Alfred Hess/Flickr

5. AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

Park, Stadium, Historical Landmark

Home of the beloved San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park also serves as the perfect outdoor concert venue. With seating on the field as well as stadium seating, AT&T Park acts as a premier concert spot. Names like Beyoncé and Metallica have graced the stadium, among many others. Sold out show? Some people get creative and park just outside to hear the shows loud and clear! Pro tip: bring a coat! Since the ballpark is right on the water, it gets cold – so plan accordingly!

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