Best Outdoor Concerts To Look Forward To This Summer In Pittsburgh

Long days, warm nights and unique outdoor venues combine to make the perfect setting for a summer concert in Pittsburgh. This summer, the city will welcome a variety of performers representing different musical genres, including hard-rocking punks, groovy legends and country crooners. From the first few weeks of the season through the dog days of summer, these five outdoor concerts will help you unwind, have fun and take in the hottest acts of the year. Check out the best concerts of this summer at these five outdoor venues.

Date: July 17, 2013 at 11 a.m.

If you're a fan of punk rock, pop punk or ska, get ready to rock out at Burgettstown's First Niagara Pavilion for this year's Vans Warped Tour. More than 85 bands, including Reel Big Fish, Big D And The Kids Table and Motion City Soundtrack will headline one of the area's most popular punk festivals. Take part in the tour's BandHappy Experience for the ultimate rock star experience where you'll receive a live music lesson from your favorite artist or band. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $23.50 to $37.50.

Date: June 1, 2013 at 7:15 p.m.

Get ready to "Get Down On It" with 1970s chart-toppers Kool and the Gang on June 1 during the Pirates "Fan Jam" concert. A 7:15 p.m. show will follow the Pirates versus Cincinnati Reds game that coincides with the city's annual Heritage Celebration weekend. Don't miss your chance to see these legendary performers and the voices behind more than 11 Top Ten hits. Get your tickets by visiting pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com.

Date: June 22, 2013 at 5 p.m.

No one does summer quite like country crooner Kenny Chesney who's returning to Pittsburgh's Heinz Field with several of his friends, including Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves and the Eli Young Band. This June 22 concert will have everything you need to get in the mood for summer: Cold adult beverages and good tunes served up in a laidback, summertime atmosphere. Hear Chesney's latest songs like "Feel Like a Rock Star" from his newest release "Welcome to the Fishbowl" and belt out to classics like "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy." Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com, starting at $29.

Related: Best Concerts To Look Forward To In Pittsburgh In 2013

Date: July 18, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Their hits like "Some Nights" and "We Are Young" have landed this New York City indie pop band on the music map and now their "Most Summer Nights" tour will have Fun. landing in Pittsburgh this July at Stage AE. The show is currently sold out; however, if you're lucky enough to score some tickets, don't pass up the chance to see one of the year's hottest bands live. Special guest Canadian indie rockers Tegan and Sara will join Fun. to perform songs from their latest studio album "Heartthrob."

Date: July 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

Taylor Swift may be everywhere lately, from Diet Coke endorsements to the 2013 BRIT Awards, but on July 6 she'll be making a stop at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field for her "Red" tour. Joining this country-pop princess will be English singer-songwriter and opening act Ed Sheeran whose hit single "The A Team" has made him an international superstar. Swift's 2013 tour will be unlike any of her previous North American tours with Swift herself stating in an October press release announcing her concert dates that she has many ideas on how to bring her music to life. Tickets start at just $49.50 and are available through Ticketmaster.

Related: Best Upcoming Summer Concerts In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with today's generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.