In the room
The experience
The Gorge sits on the Columbia River, two hours east of Seattle, on a basalt cliff that drops 900 feet into the river behind the stage. The amphitheatre seats 27,500 in a single tiered sweep with the river canyon as the back wall. Sound engineers worship the natural reflection. The Dave Matthews Band has played the Labor Day weekend residency since 1995. Sasquatch! Festival ran here for two decades. Phish, Pearl Jam, every touring act that prioritises beauty over capacity books the Gorge once a tour. The camping is in adjacent fields. The sunset at 8pm on a clear July evening turns the cliffs gold. The audience watches the sun set while the headliner walks on.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
Camp on-site rather than driving back to Quincy. The morning at the Gorge with the river below and the basalt cliffs catching first light is the unbooked half of the experience.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
Routinely voted the most beautiful concert venue in North America. A natural amphitheatre cut by the Columbia. The Red Rocks of the Pacific Northwest.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
July and August are the peak months , long days, light evenings, dry climate. Labor Day weekend for the Dave Matthews Band residency. Avoid October onward (weather closes the season).
Hours
Concert season May to October. Events only , no daily public access without a ticket.
Getting there
Drive from Seattle 2h 30m east on I-90 to Vantage, then south on WA-243 to George. From Spokane 1h 45m west. Camping shuttles run from Quincy and George. No public transport , driving or organised camping bus only.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates and tickets come from the venue itself. Opens gorgeamphitheatre.com in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is The Gorge Amphitheatre?
The Gorge Amphitheatre is in George, Washington, United States. Coordinates: 47.0989, -119.9911.
What kind of music is at The Gorge Amphitheatre?
The Gorge Amphitheatre programmes Rock, Indie, Electronic, Country. 27,500-cap natural amphitheatre carved into the cliffs above the Columbia River Gorge in central Washington State. Opened 1986. Routinely voted the most beautiful concert venue in North America.
When is the best time to visit The Gorge Amphitheatre?
July and August are the peak months , long days, light evenings, dry climate. Labor Day weekend for the Dave Matthews Band residency. Avoid October onward (weather closes the season).
How do I get to The Gorge Amphitheatre?
Drive from Seattle 2h 30m east on I-90 to Vantage, then south on WA-243 to George. From Spokane 1h 45m west. Camping shuttles run from Quincy and George. No public transport , driving or organised camping bus only.
Why is The Gorge Amphitheatre in the Sonic Paths atlas?
Routinely voted the most beautiful concert venue in North America. A natural amphitheatre cut by the Columbia. The Red Rocks of the Pacific Northwest.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
Find a bed close to The Gorge Amphitheatre in George through our accommodation partner, Stay22.
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