Taylor Swift set all sorts of attendance records during her three-night stint at MetLife Stadium—kudos to her and all the Swifties! But sometimes the best place to see a show isn’t a billion dollar stadium with attendance capacities that are larger than many municipalities. We’re talking about intimate outdoor venues, like the iconic Delacorte Theater in Manhattan’s Central Park. Of course, you don’t have to travel across the river to enjoy a show at an open-air arena—New Jersey has several amphitheaters that are beautiful and even considered architectural marvels. Below are five outdoor spaces to see a show, watch a concert or just kick back and relax.
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden. Commonly known as the Waterfront Music Pavilion for its location along the Delaware River, this venue opened in 1995 with a total capacity of about 25,000 (its indoor component seats about 7,000). When acts like The Lumineers, Miranda Lambert and more aren’t on stage, visitors can admire the modern architecture as well as the clear view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Upcoming events: June 23: Luke Bryan; July 16: Matchbox 20; July 21: Dave Matthews Band
Overpeck Amphitheater, Ridgefield Park. Within one of Bergen County’s premier recreation destinations is this expansive amphitheater, which when opened in 2010 had space for roughly 3,000 lawn seats. When a show is in intermission, the audience can focus beyond the stage and watch boaters easing along the creek in the background. The county often hosts its summer concert series here (2023 schedule not available at deadline), while community organizations too use the space for festivals and events.
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel. You’ve probably seen one or two summer concerts at this 55-year-old venue, widely considered one of the top outdoor amphitheaters in the country. It has a total capacity of 17,500, including the covered seats and the unique sloped lawn area. Over the years, it’s hosted the likes of Judy Garland, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani and more.
Upcoming events: June 28: 3 Doors Down; July 6: Counting Crows; Aug. 5: Fall Out Boy
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Morristown. This 500-person capacity, grass and stone facility was inspired by the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. Located on the campus of St. Elizabeth University, it’s the place to watch Shakespeare in the Park, and it’s been hosting outdoor performances since its completion in 2002. It’s all general seating, so spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Upcoming events: July 5–30: Shipwrecked! The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont
Sinatra Park Amphitheater, Hoboken. Built in the style of a Roman amphitheater, this locale was completed in 1988 at a spot overlooking the Hudson River and lower Manhattan. Capacity varies, as there are no designated seats, so those heading to the waterside venue will have to bring their own chairs and blankets—or park themselves on one of the three levels of steps.
Upcoming events: June 26: Zydeco Revelator; July 24: Ed Fogarty & Friends; July 25: The Fuzzy Lemons
What’s your favorite outdoor concert venue in New Jersey? Tell us on Instagram @njhomemag.