Make the Most of Your Summer Concert Experience

Most of us can agree that summer is a time for sunshine, fun, and music. What better way to experience it all than by attending an outdoor concert? There’s something truly special about listening to your favorite bands and artists under the warm sun or starry night, surrounded by nature and good vibes. Instead of letting the fun end when the show does, check out these ideas to make a night of it—transforming a few hours of rocking at a concert into an epic travel experience you’ll never forget. Enter to win tickets and travel to some of the most iconic outdoor venues across the US here.

First things first

Book your accommodations in advance — there’s no reason to stress about where you’ll stay when there are other plans to be made. Booking ahead will ensure that you get the best rates and availability. To guarantee you have the best spot to rest your head after a long day of dancing, head to trivago.com, where you’ll find thousands of lodging options, from top-rated hotels to local economical options.

Take the road(trip) less traveled

Turn your getaway into a road trip and explore multiple destinations on the way to your show. Stop at quirky roadside attractions, scenic viewpoints, and local landmarks to break up the journey. Traveling by car is also a great way to jam out to all the songs you’ll hear at the show and even discover some new favorites.

Once you arrive at your destination, enrich your experience by finding some hidden gems in the area that are off the beaten path. Consider popping into local restaurants, breweries, and quirky attractions that offer unique and authentic experiences. You never know what kind of tasty treats or awesome sights you may stumble upon.

Before enjoying a show at Red Rocks, take a step back in time at The Fort, a historic restaurant nestled in Denver’s foothills serving traditional Western food. Need to kill time before a show at Santa Barbara Bowl? Head over to Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf, to check out the shops, snap some Instagram-worthy seaside pictures, and sample local eats. Enjoy the beautiful community around Mountain Winery with a stroll through Saratoga‘s historic downtown, filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.

More fun under the sun

To mix things up, consider combining your outdoor concert with other fun outdoor activities unique to the locale. From horseback riding to sunset hikes to wine tasting (hey, it’s outdoors!), it’s gratifying and memorable to take on new terrains you may not find at home.

Near Red Rocks, Mount Falcon Park is a favorite in Morrison that offers breathtaking views amongst castle ruins. Over in California, wander over to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a stunning garden that features over 1,000 species of plants and offers hiking trails with beautiful views. Interested in sampling the local grapes? Take a quick trip up to Santa Ynez for some of the country’s best wine tasting. In Saratoga, you can visit Hakone Estate and Gardens, a beautiful Japanese garden that features a tea house, bamboo grove, koi pond, and a variety of plants and flowers.

Go local!

Immerse yourself in the local culture by going to independent stores, farmers markets, or cultural events. This is a great way to get a sense of the area and create lasting memories. While you’re at it, chat with some locals at a bar or restaurant to learn more about the local culture. Near Red Rocks, explore the shops of Morrison on Main Street, where you can find unique local goods. If visiting the Mountain Winery in May, consider attending the Saratoga Blossom Festival, an annual event that celebrates the arrival of spring with a parade, live music, and food vendors.

You do you

Make the weekend personal. Incorporate activities and experiences that are meaningful to you. What are you passionate about? Whether it’s bookstores, record shops, or antiques marts, consider finding your personal paradise wherever you are. Making a night of it is different for everyone and identifying experiences that are unique to you is what will truly make it epic.