Whatever style of music you prefer, there are scads of chances to see outdoor concerts this summer in Atlanta. While teens may be flocking to Nicki Minaj, adults can choose from acts as varied as Lady Gaga and Lady Antebellum. Whether you’re up for the epic tones of Idina Menzel or you want to kick back with the dirty crunch of Phish, there is something for you this year. We’ve selected a few of our favorites — did yours make the list?
Melissa Etheridge
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 876-5859
www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Date: August 22, 2015
Melissa Etheridge has always been hugely popular in Atlanta, and the chance to see her in the beautiful background of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is something her fans will not want to miss. Tickets for the show are $67.50, with a slight discount for garden members. You will want to get them in advance, as it is likely to sell out. Bring a blanket and kick back on the lawn for a true rock powerhouse performance.
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
2002 Lakewood Way
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 443-5090
www.ticketmaster.comDate: July 18, 2015
If you’re a fan of country-pop, this is a great chance to get together with your friends outside this summer. Lady Antebellum has had several crossover hits on mainstream radio, and they have gained popularity through helping out friend Blake Shelton in his coaching duties on “The Voice.” Of course, Hunter Hayes has a huge following as country’s answer to Justin Bieber. Just allow yourself some extra time, as traffic around Lakewood can be fierce, even for Atlanta.
Smashing Pumpkins & Marilyn Manson
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
2002 Lakewood Way
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 443-5090
www.ticketmaster.com
Date: July 25, 2015
Alright, teens of the ’90s, this is your show. For those of you who saw the Smashing Pumpkins at this venue during the heyday of Lollapalooza, this will be a welcome return as Billy Corgan and crew take the stage. Manson, for his part, is always entertaining in his persona of a mashup of David Bowie and Kiss. Although it’s never pretty to see goth makeup sweating in the sun, so hopefully they’ll have a cooler night for their show.
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Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
2002 Lakewood Way
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 443-5090
www.ticketmaster.comDate: August 1, 2015
Calling all hippies! For fans of Trey Anastasio and co., summer is not complete without at least one Phish concert. Expect the standard-issue long, meandering musical journey from one of the most popular jam bands. But we all know why you’re really there – the chance for free grilled cheese! Right?
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
4469 Stella Drive
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 443-5090
www.ticketmaster.comDate: July 29, 2015
Alright, this one promises to be truly epic. Gaga has recently stripped down her look to be less cartoonish after the success of her performance of “The Sound of Music” earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bennett, is an eternal class act who always entertains. This may be a partnership along the lines of Astaire and Rodgers in the terms of “She brings sex/He brings class.” Chastain is one of the more comfortable of the outdoor venues and it’s a great place to see a show on a warm night.
Keely Herrick is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com. “