Whether you want to fly like an eagle or linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty, the Pacific Northwest is blessed with remarkable places to enjoy live music. With summer fast approaching, we can’t stop thinking about all the outdoor performances in our future.
Photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo
The lion sleeps tonight
A particularly wild experience is ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo, whose shows run June 19 to Aug. 21. Events Director Jamie Inglis shed some light on what families can expect as they explore the grounds after-hours. “Visit all the animals, plus enjoy live entertainment on the main stage, additional performers, keeper chats, and more,” she said. Local beer and wine will be on tap for adults, and sugary elephant ears are a tasty treat to go with the tunes.
The 2026 lineup was recently released, with Inglis revealing some of the highlights, “fans can enjoy enchanting harmonies from Fleetwood Mac tribute band Taken by the Sky or the rock classics of Eagles tribute band Eagle Eyes. This year’s series will also see the return of zoo favorites like Hit Machine and the Grateful Dead–inspired Garcia Birthday Band.”
A bottle of white, a bottle of red
Perhaps a bottle of rose instead? That’s definitely on the cards when you catch a concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle, which has hosted musical performances since 1984, drawing large crowds to Woodinville’s wine country thanks to its proximity to Seattle. This season will see acts like Bob Dylan (June 6-7), Dierks Bentley (June 27), Ziggy Marley (July 1), KALEO (July 3), Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge (July 24), and Fitz and the Tantrums (July 26) and others take to the stage. Bring your comfiest low-profile chair, grab a nice sipping chardonnay, and settle in for a night to remember. The vibe is similar at McMenamins Edgefield, where tickets are hot but seats for Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Young the Giant, Cake and Earth, Wind & Fire are still available.
The Gorge Amphitheatre outside of George, Washington, is one of the most picturesque venues in the country. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Take me to the river
Where the water flows, the music goes. Perched high above the Columbia, the Gorge Amphitheatre is a world of its own. Reaching the venue will take a bit of driving (unless you live in Central Washington), but there are several campgrounds (glamping, anyone?) and other accommodations nearby in case the encore goes long. But the views are spectacularly worth it, making it a bucket list Pacific Northwest venue.
Bend, Oregon’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater is just across the Deschutes from the Old Mill District, which has plenty of dining options and shopping if you’re killing time before the opener. Its 25th season will bring Lord Huron, The Head and the Heart, Train,and even some comedians.
When the lights go down in the city
Surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers in “Portland’s Living Room,” PDXLive in Pioneer Courthouse Square is an August series that’s added some serious sizzle to downtown recently. That remains the case this year, with Ani DiFranco, Suki Waterhouse, Modest Mouse, Courtney Barnett, and Vince Staples planning to wow the crowds. Missed out on a ticket? Shoot for a reservation at Departure Restaurant + Lounge, a rooftop spot perched above the stage.
Header photo by Finn Turnbull