Summer Sounds: 5 Outdoor Music Venues

Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls
Nestled within a natural bowl setting, the 5,500-seat pavilion and surrounding lawn at Blossom Music Center welcomes a variety of national acts each summer, from country stars to alternative rockers. It’s also been the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra for more than five decades. The orchestra kicks off its 10-week season on July 3. clevelandorchestra.com

Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati
Located along the Ohio River, Riverbend Music Center has been delivering hot tunes since 1984. Originally home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Riverbend now hosts contemporary concerts featuring big names on national summer tours. This season is set to feature rescheduled concerts as well as new shows. riverbend.org

Express Live! Columbus
Located in downtown Columbus’ Arena District, this venue is billed as America’s first indoor-and-outdoor concert venue. The unique construction encompasses three different performance spaces: the indoor music hall, the outdoor amphitheater and the outdoor plaza. (Although early season concerts are postponed, the venue is optimistic for shows to go on.) Lineups feature a range of rock genres and beyond. promowestlive.com

Levitt Pavilion, Dayton
Opened in 2018, this nonprofit outdoor music venue has presented musical acts ranging from bluegrass to hip-hop to classical. The teardrop-shaped lawn is designed to hold crowds from 5,000 to 8,000, offering a space for the community to enjoy free music. Levitt Pavilion is expecting a 2021 season of 40 concerts beginning on June 12. levittdayton.org

Centennial Terrace, Toledo
Located next to Centennial Quarry — a destination for swimming, sand volleyball and other waterfront activities — Centennial Terrace hosts national acts and regional bands alike, from country to classic rock. Concertgoers also have access to full-service concessions and a bar, and Centennial Terrance is planning to deliver great music and other family-oriented events this summer. centennialterrace.org