The Gorge Amphitheatre
About
What It Is
The Gorge Amphitheatre is an outdoor concert venue located in Grant County, Washington, situated near the Columbia River in central Washington, approximately nine miles west of the town of George and 150 miles east of Seattle [1]. Originally opened in 1986 under the name Champs de Brionne Music Theatre with a capacity of 3,000, the venue expanded to 19,000 seats before being renamed and is now managed by Live Nation [1]. The land was originally intended for grape cultivation before being developed as an entertainment facility [1].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors attend large-scale outdoor concerts and multi-day music festivals spanning a wide range of genres, from rock and folk to electronic music [1]. The venue offers views of the Columbia River and the Columbia Gorge canyon during performances [1]. Camping is available on site, allowing attendees to extend their stay around concert dates [1].
Practical Access
The Gorge sits north of Interstate 90, roughly 130 miles west of Spokane and approximately 150 miles east of Seattle, making it a significant drive from major population centers [1]. On-site camping requires the purchase of a camping ticket, which can be bundled with concert admission; sites are assigned by staff on a first-come, first-served basis [1]. A nearby alternative, Wildhorse Campground less than two miles away, offers a shuttle service to and from the venue included in the camping price [1].
Restrictions
Campers staying for a single show may remain on site for 24 hours from the day of that show; for multi-night runs, checkout is by noon on the day after the final show [1]. Each campground space accommodates one car with up to two two-person tents or a single RV, and RV hookups are very limited [1].
What Makes It Distinctive
The Gorge has won Pollstar's award for Best Outdoor Music Venue nine times and has been recognized by ConcertBoom as one of the best outdoor concert venues in America [1]. Its setting above the Columbia River canyon provides a backdrop that a Seattle Times columnist described as offering a preferable view and experience compared to competing venues closer to the city [1]. The venue has a deep performance history, hosting major recurring festivals and artists such as Dave Matthews Band, who had played 79 shows there as of 2025, as well as landmark appearances including Joni Mitchell's first ticketed performance in more than 20 years in June 2023 [1].
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