The Gorge Amphitheatre may be the most spectacular place on Earth to see a concert: a 27,500-capacity hillside in George, Washington, where the stage sits against a sheer canyon of the Columbia River and the sun sets directly behind the headliner.
Since opening in 1986 it has grown from a winery stage into the Pacific Northwest’s cathedral of live music, famous for multi-day camping festivals and a Dave Matthews Band Labor Day tradition running since the 1990s.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: George, Washington
- Opened: 1986
- Capacity: 27,500
- Known for: Columbia River canyon views, festival camping
Why Artists and Fans Make the Pilgrimage
The Gorge is remote by design — about three hours from Seattle, surrounded by high desert — and the trek is the point. Tens of thousands camp on site for festival weekends, turning shows into a rite of passage, and artists routinely call the sunset view from the stage the best in touring.
Its lawn is one of the steepest and largest in America, so even the back row gets the full canyon panorama behind the band.
Visiting Tips
Book camping the moment it goes on sale for festivals, and bring layers — desert nights get cold fast after those famous sunsets. Sightlines are excellent nearly everywhere, but house-left gives the best river views.
Explore more: the biggest live music venues in the world, all music venue guides.
Protects little ears at concerts, fireworks and loud race days.
Instant crowd energy for night shows, festivals and tailgates.
Soak it, wear it, stay cool through a sun-baked afternoon set.
Gorge Amphitheatre FAQs
How many people does the Gorge Amphitheatre hold?
The Gorge holds about 27,500 people — roughly 7,500 in reserved seating and 20,000 on its huge terraced lawn.
Where is the Gorge Amphitheatre?
In George, Washington, above the Columbia River canyon — about 150 miles east of Seattle.
Why is the Gorge Amphitheatre famous?
For its staggering canyon-and-sunset backdrop, its festival camping culture, and long-running traditions like Dave Matthews Band’s Labor Day weekend runs.
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Photo: Daniel from Calgary, Canada / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.