Oak Mountain Amphitheatre: A Legacy of Live Music
Alabama's former premier outdoor music venue, hosting legendary artists in rock, country, pop, and R&B for decades. A cherished memory for music fans.
For nearly four decades, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre stood as a beacon for live music enthusiasts in Alabama. Opened in 1986, the Pelham venue quickly became the state's largest outdoor amphitheater, accommodating over 10,000 fans. Its stage welcomed a diverse roster of talent, from early performances by R.E.M. and Bon Jovi to memorable shows by Willie Nelson, Luke Bryan, Alice in Chains, and John Mayer, who recorded his concert album "Any Given Thursday" there in 2002. Throughout its history, the amphitheater underwent several transformations. Expansions in the late 1990s increased seating capacity, while a 2009 renovation further enhanced the concert-going experience. For a period, it was known as the Verizon Wireless Music Center before reverting to its original name, which was more familiar to Alabamans. In 2024, Live Nation, the venue's operator, announced the closure of Oak Mountain Amphitheatre following their agreement to manage the Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham. The structure was demolished in May 2025, marking the end of an era for live music in Alabama. While the physical venue is gone, its impact on the state's music scene remains.
Local tips
- Remember that the venue is no longer operational, so plan accordingly.
- Check out other nearby attractions in Oak Mountain State Park.
- Explore other live music venues in the Birmingham area.
A brief summary to Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
- 1000 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, Alabama, 35124, US
- +1205-985-0703
- Visit website
Getting There
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Driving
While the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre is no longer present, if you are driving from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) to the general location, take I-20 W/I-59 S from Messer Airport Hwy, then follow I-65 S to Amphitheater Rd in Pelham. Take exit 246 from I-65 S. Continue on Amphitheater Rd. The drive is approximately 26 miles and typically takes about 49 minutes. Parking was readily available in the venue's lots. Expect to pay around $46.50 for parking passes.
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Ride Share
If you're arriving at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and heading to the former site of Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft is a direct option. The trip is approximately 26 miles and usually takes about 49 minutes. Keep in mind that UberX trips from the airport include a $1 surcharge. The estimated cost for a ride-share from Birmingham Airport to the vicinity of the former Oak Mountain Amphitheatre is around $41.
