There’s nothing quite like live entertainment under a starry sky. As dusk falls, the stage glows and a light breeze cools the air. Across Missouri, outdoor amphitheaters and concert venues help create magical memories all summer long. Music, plays and comedy shows aren’t the only attractions. Forested hillsides, sparkling lakes, scenic parks and historic downtown districts add to the experience.
Here are some top spots for live entertainment outdoors in the Show-Me State.
Black Oak Amp
Set in the Ozark Mountains near Table Rock Lake, Black Oak Amp has been headlining the biggest names in entertainment for more than four decades. Artists who have performed at the 8,400-seat amphitheater include Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osborne, George Jones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nelly and many more. Start the party in the courtyard with pre-show festivities that include music from upcoming artists, drinks and games.
Elevate your experience with VIP tickets. Enjoy special parking, premium seating, a private bar and restrooms, and a free buffet. Whether you’re sitting in the front row or on a blanket on the back lawn, the lush trees and the rolling hills coupled with live music and a Missouri sunset provide an unforgettable experience.
Chesterfield Amphitheater
Chesterfield Amphitheater is located at Central Park in Chesterfield, a western suburb of St. Louis. Choose stadium seats close to the stage or bring lawn chairs and find a spot on the grassy terraces A large lake behind the stage provides a shining backdrop as the sun goes down.
The amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts and movies. In addition to traditional concession vendors, food trucks are available at each event.
GrindersKC
Located in the heart of Kansas City’s Arts District, GrindersKC is a 2,500-seat venue within walking distance of galleries, breweries and art studios. The sculpture park turned concert venture was developed by an artist with a love for live music and the arts. A preferred viewing option offers a separate entrance, air conditioning, private restrooms, a private bar and a viewing deck.
The viewing deck is located next to Grinders Pizza – a restaurant featured on the Food Network. Grab some pizza and beer (or wine and cocktails) before the show. Whether you’re in the main venue or on the viewing deck, this downtown location offers delicious food and a great atmosphere.
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, also known as the Saint Louis Music Park, is adjacent to Hollywood Casino St. Louis. The 4,500-seat venue offers outdoor and covered seating. If you opt for covered seats, you’ll have a roof overhead but can still enjoy a nice breeze from the open sides of the amphitheater. For outdoor seating, guests can spread out on the lawn.
The benefit of this venue is the partnership with Hollywood Casino St. Louis. They offer several concert packages that include special room rates and food credit for on-site restaurants – ranging from upscale bar food and barbecue to Italian and Asian dishes. Shuttle passes to and from the casino are also available for purchase. Be sure to get started early and enjoy the pre-concert patio party.
KC Live!
Kansas City’s Power and Light District is a nine-block neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, bars, nightlife and entertainment venues. KC Live! is the premier entertainment destination in this downtown space, featuring a concert stage where musical acts perform weekly throughout the summer
In the main area, guests are surrounded by an industrial, two-level structure. Overhead, arched beams frame the open sky.
Knuckleheads
For a more intimate setting, visit Knuckleheads. In 1899, Electric Park opened where Knuckleheads now sits. The early amusement park was the site of the first outdoor stage in Kansas City, and all these years later, there is still an outdoor stage. Featuring music and comedy, the venue has a lower area with standing room and seating, plus an upper deck with seating. In total, the space can accommodate about 1,100 guests. Listen to live music in a smaller – yet impressive – setting.
Lakeside Ashland
Located about 15 miles south of Columbia, Lakeside Ashland offers a variety of entertainment. While music and comedy make occasional appearances, this site is known for showing outdoor movies and hosting sports watch parties. Most of the space is grassy, so guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the lawn. For those who want a drive-in experience, there is VIP front-row parking. The venue has a full concession stand and beer window. The menu offers movie theatre fare: pretzels with cheese, nachos, burgers, hot dogs and popcorn, of course. Be sure to upgrade to unlimited popcorn so the whole family can snack all night.
MU Healthcare Capital Region Amphitheater
This 65-plus-year-old venue in Jefferson City has been renovated and hosts local, regional and national acts. Surrounded by large trees, the amphitheater has 500 reserved and 300 terrace seats, plus more than 1,700 seats on the lawn. Food and beverage trucks provide concessions.
The MU Healthcare Capital Region Amphitheater is located in Ellis-Porter Riverside Park. The park also has a swimming pool, playground areas and picnic sites. The Ellis-Porter Riverside Overlook features views of the Missouri River. Arrive early and make a day of it. Have a picnic lunch, play in the sun and swim in the pool during the afternoon, and end your day listening to live music.
Ozarks Amphitheater
Located minutes from Lake of the Ozarks, the Ozarks Amphitheater is entering its 10th season and has seen the likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson. The schedule features musical artists and comedians. The 10,000-seat amphitheater has a premium party deck and a premium tent (with several tables) near the stage. The Ozark hills form a backdrop for the stage, and as the sun goes down, the view is breathtaking.
The location has in-house concessions and food trucks. A specialty drink made with blackberry moonshine and lemonade – named Rain or Shine – is a nod to the fact that they’re a rain-or-shine venue. The Ozarks Amphitheater partners with lodging locations nearby. If you book one of these stays, you will have shuttle service to and from the venue.
Starlight Theatre
The Starlight Theatre, a historic outdoor amphitheater in Kansas City’s Swope Park, opened in 1950. The 8000-seat venue hosts Broadway-style shows, concerts and other live performances.
The concessions cater to a variety of tastes and offer hotdogs, pizza, burgers and tacos. If you want a more exclusive experience, join the Applause Club. Broadway Dining provides a full, pre-show meal with appetizers and dessert. Concert Dining offers early access entry, a selection of light hors d’oeuvres, private restrooms and more.
The Muny
Starting out on a grassy area between two oak trees more than a century ago, The Muny has become the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Located in Forest Park in St. Louis, the theater holds nearly 11,000 seats and primarily features Broadway-style musicals.
Arrive at the venue early for dinner before the show. Guests can enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Culver Pavilion or bringing a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. There is also a café and concessions for quick and easy bites. Don’t miss the “show before the show” – pre-show performances and activities for kids.
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is located 10 miles south of Branson in Ridgedale. After a decade of planning and construction, this outdoor amphitheater is described as a “musical postcard from Mother Nature.” Developed by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, this event space – which can accommodate 18,000 guests – features beautiful architecture and panoramic views of Table Rock Lake and the Boston Mountain.
Start out your music-filled evening at the Fan Zone – a tailgate party with food vendors, beverages, shopping opportunities, games and more. Inside the amphitheater, enjoy barbecue, burgers and snacks as well as full-service bars. Thunder Ridge also has ticket and travel packages that include tickets, hotel accommodations, parking and special amenities.