Where are the Top 9 EDM Music Venues in the US? One of the main things that gravitate any raver to a show or festival is the music. Whether it be techno, house, dubstep, or drum and bass, ravers attend certain events based on the artists on the lineup. However, the music isn’t the only thing that convinces a raver to buy their ticket. The venues where these events are held are a huge part of the experience as well.
If you’re into EDM music you probably agree that you can jam out just about anywhere. Whether it be blasting EDM in your car or at a house party, at an underground rave or festival, the setting makes all the difference! No matter the type of music, these venues are something you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Best EDM Venues in the U.S.
Gorge Amphitheater
George, Washington
Imagine sitting on a lawn with your friends in perfect summer weather, listening to your number one EDM artist spin your favorite tunes, while watching a beautiful sunset over the Cascade Mountains? Turn that dream into an experience to remember by attending a show at the Gorge Amphitheater.
The Gorge Amphitheater, originally known as Champs de Brionne Music Theater, is one of America’s premier outdoor concert venues. The Gorge has hosted some of the world’s biggest performers. It is located in the rural town of Gorge; just 10 miles northeast of the city Quincy above the Columbia River in Washington.
The Gorge offers 20,000+ seats and is one of the most scenic concert locations in the world. It offers incredible river gorge views as well as perfect summer weather for concerts and lawn terrace seating. Since 2018, Excision has been hosting a 3-day non-stop bass music event called Bass Canyon here!
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Morrison, Colorado
Imagine seeing one of your favorite artists at an open-air amphitheater built into a rock structure, overlooking the beautiful Rocky Mountains? Experience it all at Red Rocks Amphitheater located just 10 miles west of Denver near Morrison, Colorado. The venue is located 6,450 feet above sea level and offers a 9,545-person capacity. This geological phenomenon is surrounded by 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders, and spectacular vistas.
This magical, spiritual and emotional stage has held artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, U2, and more. Check out the Red Rocks Hall of Fame to see past artists, performers, and bands! EDM artists like Zeds Dead, Porter Robinson, Ganja White Night, Tycho, Rezz, Louis The Child, Bob Moses, and more have played here!
The Caverns Tennessee
Pelham, Tennessee
The Caverns offer an experience like no other. The Caverns is a naturally-occurring subterranean amphitheater located in Grundy County, Tennesse. It sits at the base of the Cumberland Plateau in Pelham valley. Whether underground or above ground, The Caverns is world-famous for its beautiful concert settings, prehistoric natural acoustics, and otherworldly beauty.
The Caverns’ large, connected underground cave system covers over 8,000 linear feet of known surreal cave passages. The underground venue can accommodate 850 people in padded chair seating or up to 1,200 people for standing-room-only shows. Oftentimes referred to as “The Greatest Show Under Earth,” this one-of-a-kind venue is a bucket list experience for many. Artists like Svdden Death have played at thiss super unique venue!
Hollywood Bowl
Los Angeles, California
The Hollywood Bowl is an icon of the past. It is one of the most unique concert-going experiences you can find anywhere. Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California. The venue has hosted iconic legends like The Who, The Beatles, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones. It is located in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, offering a seating capacity of just under 18,000. It was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone magazine in 2018.
Avicii was the first EDM artist to headline the Hollywood Bowl back in 2013!
The Armory
Minneapolis, MN
The Armory is an 8,400-person capacity venue located in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The venue hosts many concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and other private celebrations. From the late 1930s through the 1970s, it was a venue for concerts, political conventions, sporting events, and more. It was used by the Minneapolis Lakers as a part-time home between 1947–1959. It was their primary home court for the 1959–1960 NBA season.
Artists such as Illenium, Flume, Rezz, and many others have played at this super cool venue in the past!
Tacoma Dome
Tacoma, Washington
The Tacoma Dome is one of the largest wood domed structures in the world. It is located south of Downtown Tacoma and is currently used for basketball tournaments, concerts, and other community events. Its unique configurations and seating flexibility make almost any event possible. The indoor multi-purpose arena can accommodate up to 23,000 patrons and and attracts on average one million fans annually.
Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York
Madison Square Garden, also known as The Garden or MSG, is a multipurpose indoor arena. It is located in New York City in Midtown Manhattan. The venue is a world leader in live experiences, as well as one of the most expensive stadiums ever built. The venue features a portfolio of iconic ventures and entertainment, as well as a 20,789 capacity.
MSG is every artist’s dream. EDM artists such as Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz, Swedish House Mafia, Hardwell, Skrillex, and Diplo have made their mark on its legendary stage.
Hampton Coliseum
Hampton, Virginia
The Hampton Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena in Hampton, Virginia known as an architectural jewel. The 84,000-square-foot iconic Hampton Coliseum hosts a variety of events from concerts, sporting events, family events, and so much more. The versatile area offers full-house seating for 11,000 and a total capacity of 13,800.
Brooklyn Mirage
Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Mirage is a breathtaking open-air sanctuary in the heart of the Avant Gardner complex. The venue offers a 6,000-person capacity as well as views of the iconic city skyline.
The venue’s inner courtyard is an immersive space surrounded by evergreen plants and captivating video projections.
Conclusion
One of the best things about the rave scene is that it’s hard to feel like an outsider, even if you don’t know the music. But it’s important to know that it’s not always just about the music! There are so many beautiful venues out there that are full of amazing memories that are waiting to be made. Venues are a huge part of the experience altogether, and there are so many that offer such beautiful, one-of-a-kind experiences. Visit our blog for more helpful information such as What To Bring To A Camping Festival!
Juliet Norelli has been a part of the rave community for 10 years. She shares her knowledge through writing to give helpful tips and advice to all ravers.