Can’t Miss Outdoor Concert Series in the Poconos
During summer, the Pocono Mountains come alive with music. There’s no better time, or place, to catch your favorite band or discover a new talent. The outdoor venues here are designed to showcase the natural surroundings as well as the performers on the stage. Plan a road trip to catch a show or enhance any getaway with one of these outdoor concerts series in the Poconos.
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Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
You could say this place has a history of hosting famous events. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a multi-million dollar performing arts venue on the site of the famed 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. The sprawling 800-acre campus in neighboring Sullivan County, NY includes a Pavilion Stage amphitheater that can seat 15,000 people. Whether you choose to sit under the cover of the open-air pavilion or spread out on the expansive lawn, there is not a bad seat in the house. Concert goers can stroll the grounds on scenic pathways to enjoy the surrounding mountain views. The beautiful campus takes full advantage of the bucolic vistas that encircle the property.
Since its opening in 2006, some of the biggest names in pop, country, rock and hip hop have graced the stage in Bethel, NY. This year’s lineup of performers includes James Taylor (June 29), Shania Twain (July 3), Chris Stapleton (July 6), Dierks Bentley (July 28), Zach Brown Band (Aug 12), and Rod Stewart (Sept 1).
See a show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and book our Bed Breakfast and Dinner Package. You can enjoy dinner for two before the concert at our award-wining farm-to-table restaurant including one appetizer, entrée and dessert for each of you. The Inn is a scenic 30-mile drive from the historic venue in Bethel, NY. Return to The Inn and enjoy a night cap in the Chestnut Tavern. Retire to the quiet, luxury of your guestroom and arise to a full country breakfast in the morning.
Wildflower Music Festival
This has been a beloved summer tradition in White Mills, PA for over 40 years. For seven consecutive Saturday nights in July and August, Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes world-renowned performers representing a variety of genres. The 2023 lineup of concerts runs the gamut from Big Band and Broadway to Bluegrass. The gently sloping lawn surrounded by majestic pine trees creates a natural amphitheater. Concert goers gather with blankets, lawn chairs and the picnic food of their choosing for a relaxing evening of live music. The seating area for the Wildflower Music Festival opens at 5 p.m. and performances get underway at 6 p.m.
Blues, Brews & BBQ
Nothing says summer like barbecue. Every Sunday during summer, Glass- Wine.Bar.Kitchen at Ledges Hotel pairs the pastime with live blues music served on the deck overlooking Paupack High Falls. The menu features barbecue specials and side dishes with a twist. Dinner is paired with samples from local craft breweries. Wallenpapuack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ opens on May 28 with Lighten Up Blues Band and continues for 15 consecutive Sundays. Seatings are available from 5-9 p.m., with live music from 6-9 p.m. Check out the lineup of impressive talent.
Harmony in the Woods
Harmony in the Woods is the newest live performance venue in the Lake Region. Carved out of the hillside in Hawley, the tiered landscape creates a natural amphitheater. Visitors should bring their own blankets, chairs and refreshments to sit amid the trees and rocks. The covered stage was designed to blend into the environment. Friday and Saturdays in July and August bring an array of professional entertainers covering a variety of genres. Sundays will feature local performers as well as children’s programming. The 2023 season launches June 30 and July 1. The Everly Set takes the stage on Friday night. The duo of acclaimed singer-songwriters have a 30 year age difference between them, but teamed up to pay tribute to the beloved hits of The Everly Brothers. On Saturday evening King Solomon Hicks brings his brand of Blues, Gospel and Jazz to the Poconos. The 25-year old blues guitarist/vocalist from Harlem, NY has performed around New York City since he was 13. The weekends that follow offer an eclectic mix of performers in a wide variety of genres from Celtic Folk to Broadway, Bluegrass, American Roots, Country, Jazz and Motown. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50.
Jazz on the Deck
It’s one of the greatest pleasures of summer- savoring a fine meal outdoors while listening to live music. Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers Inn elevates that experience. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of talented jazz musicians entertains from 6-9 p.m. Many of the featured performers are regulars on the New York City club scene. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine on the covered deck overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden. Visitors may also opt to soak up the sights and sounds from a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail and snack service.
The highly-anticipated series begins on June 7 with The Andrea Wolper Trio. The music continues with Hang ’em High (June 14), All That Jazz with Michelle Oram (June 21), Jack Mead and The 3rd Street Band (June 28). July brings Robert Kopec and Liza Doolittle (July 5), The Gypsy Jazz Quintet (July 12), The Gabrielle Tranchina Quartet (July 19) and The Craig Graham Trio (July 26). Judi Silvano kicks off the final full month of the series (Aug 2) followed by The Gary Rixner Trio (Aug 9), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 16), The Robert Kopec Quartet (Aug 23) and Spencer and Nancy Reed (Aug 25). Thos Shipley closes out Jazz on the Deck (Aug 30).
54th Summer Festival of Parks
When crowds gather in Honesdale’s Central Park for this staple of summer, it has all the charm of an old-
fashioned, small town festival. Every Monday and Thursday evening from June 12 through July 27, local
musicians entertain audiences with an outdoor concert. The Wayne County Creative Arts Council schedules a diverse lineup of entertainers incorporating long-time festival favorites as well as newcomers.
The Northeasters Barbershop Chorus kicks off the concert series on June 12. Also scheduled to perform are Lenoxville Community Band (June 15), Wayne County Choralaires (June 19), Clarence Spady (June 22),Radio Replay (June 26) and Lighten Up (June 29). Saturday, July 1 is a special Independence Day Celebration that will feature the Doug Smith Band . The celebration culminates with a fireworks display sponsored by the Greater Honesdale Partnership. Regular July concerts get underway with Moss Henry and Brophytes (July 6) followed by Luongo Brothers (July 10), Gypsy Jazz Quintet (July 13), Ekat and Friends (July 17) and Teddy Young Blues Band (July 20). The final week of concerts brings Fabulous 45s (July 24) and The Old Time Fiddlers (July 27). All of the concerts at the 54th Summer Festival of Parks are free of charge. Visitors should bring chairs or blankets and may even enjoy a picnic. Vendors set up around the park offering food and activities for children.
Lakeside Live
Live music on The Deck at The Dock at Wallenpaupack keeps the summer celebration going. A rotating lineup of local bands perform at the restaurant at Silver Birches Resort every Saturday and Sunday during summer. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely late lunch, dinner or drinks overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack while listening to the talented performers. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. Jonny D starts off the season on May 27. The lineup continues with local favorites such as Sean O’Flynn, Secret Reasons and Greg Kondrat.
Mark Your Calendar for These Pocono Music Festivals
Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Festival Music & Arts Festival (June 17)
Downtown Honesdale overflows with live music, works from professional artists and family-friendly fun during Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Festival. Live bands perform at locations along Main Street and Church Street throughout the day. The Main Stage in Central Park hosts nationally acclaimed acts such as this year’s headliners Rik Estrin and the Nightcats, The 40 Acre Mule, Reggie King Sears and Mark DeRose and the Dreadnoughts. Artist Row features a wide range of talent from fine artists, artists and authors. Exton, PA resident Dane Tilghman is this year’s featured visual artists. Tilghman has established himself as one of the premier painters of blues musicians, African American golf art and Negro League baseball images. A host of family activities can be found at the tents on the green near the playground including the wildly popular Tunes and Tales plus games and music with Romping Radishes.
Milford Music Festival
Music literally fills the streets during this annual event. Visitors to downtown Milford can stroll the streets June 9-11 and enjoy live performances, shopping, dining and special events at over 30 locations. Music stylings at the Milford Music Festival run the gamut from jazz and blues to pop and rock.
Create Your Getaway
A stay at The Settlers Inn sets just the right tone for a Pocono Mountains getaway. Our authentic 1920s era Arts and Crafts Lodge gives you all the charm of a bed and breakfast experience with the added convenience of a full-service farm-to-table restaurant and tavern. Customize your vacation with an add-on that suits you. Choose from options such as a dozen roses, a cheese board, gift spa basket or private yoga class. Book your stay today.
