Ranked, The Best Amphitheater In America Is Located Right Here In New York State

BEST IN AMERICA! The results are in and, out of more than 1,000 amphitheaters in the country, 2 of the best amphitheaters in the United States are within driving distance of the Capital Region. As a matter of fact both are in the top 6 with one sitting at number 1.

I love a good road trip to see my favorite artists and, as this Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer, it's time to add these 2 stops to your list of 'must see' places in 2025.

Get our free mobile app

Recently USA Today ranked the 10 Best Amphitheaters in America. First, what exactly is an amphitheater? According to Merriam-Webster amphitheater is defines as:   an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles.

The 2 amphitheaters close to the Capital Region are known around the world. One of them held arguable the most famous concert of all-time before an amphitheater existed at this location.

#6 Best Amphitheater in America - Tanglewood - Lenox, Massachusetts. Live music, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, James Taylor and even The Who, has been heard at Tanglewood since the 1930's.  Here are some of the artists scheduled to perform this summer:

• 6/27 - Nas with the Boston Pops
• 7/8 - Barenaked Ladies
• 8/30 - Lynyrd Skynyrd
• 8/31 - Bonnie Raitt

#1 Best Amphitheater in America - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Bethel, NY., which is located right next to the legendary Woodstock Music and Arts Fairgrounds. At Bethel Woods you can stay at the Campground at Bethel Woods. Here are some of the artists scheduled to perform this season:

• 5/29 - Luke Bryan
• 8/1 - The Offspring
• 9/6 - Blink 182
• 9/27 - The Black Crowes