Merriweather Post Pavilion Tickets

The trees of Symphony Woods catch the last light of a summer evening, the pavilion roof frames the darkening sky, and the first notes of a headliner ripple across a hillside of 19,000 fans sprawled on blankets and dancing in the grass — welcome to Merriweather Post Pavilion, one of the most celebrated outdoor concert venues in America. Nestled within 40 acres of preserved woodland in the heart of Columbia, Maryland — approximately 30 miles from Baltimore and 20 miles from Washington, D.C. — Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia has been the place where legendary artists meet legendary acoustics since 1967. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Frank Gehry, this isn't a cookie-cutter amphitheater — it's a one-of-a-kind oasis where Jimi Hendrix debuted his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," where Led Zeppelin and The Who shared a bill for the only time in history, and where the biggest names in music continue to flock for an experience they simply can't replicate anywhere else. Browse the full schedule of upcoming shows, lock in your seats, and experience it for yourself — all backed by our buyer guarantee.

Venue Basics

Location: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 (within Symphony Woods, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.)

Opened: July 14, 1967

Architect: Frank Gehry (Gehry, Walsh & O'Malley)

Capacity: Approximately 19,319 (5,000–7,000 covered pavilion seats + 12,000–14,000 general admission lawn)

Venue Type: Open-air amphitheater

Named For: Marjorie Merriweather Post, philanthropist and cereal heiress, who helped fund the venue's creation

Owner: Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission (nonprofit)

Operator: I.M.P. (Seth Hurwitz, since 2004) — one of the only independently operated major outdoor amphitheaters in the United States

Setting: 40 acres of preserved parkland known as Symphony Woods

Renovation: $65 million invested across seven offseasons under I.M.P., including a raised roof (20 feet higher), SkyBoxes, the SkyLawn (two elevated natural grass viewing areas 40 feet in the air), rotating turntable stage, upgraded rigging system, 22,000-square-foot backstage complex with 10 dressing rooms, artist swimming pool, dining hall, and TV studio

Industry Recognition: Ranked the highest-grossing amphitheater in the world by Pollstar (2023)

Signature Features: Acclaimed natural acoustics, low stage for intimate sightlines, large video screens, Music Pinball Arcade, sculpture garden, biergarten, solar panels

Parking: Free for all concertgoers — over a dozen lots across downtown Columbia, no reservation required

History

The story of Merriweather Post Pavilion begins in the mid-1960s, when visionary developer James Rouse set out to create Columbia, Maryland — one of America's first master-planned communities, designed from scratch to integrate housing, commerce, nature, and culture. At the center of that vision was a world-class music venue, and Rouse commissioned a young, unconventional architect named Frank Gehry — decades before his Guggenheim Bilbao would make him a global icon — to design an amphitheater nestled in a 40-acre grove of preserved woodland he called Symphony Woods. The venue was built to serve as the summer home of the National Symphony Orchestra, and its acoustics were engineered for classical music — an origin that, ironically, gave Merriweather the rich, natural sound quality that would make it one of the most sought-after rock and pop stages in the country. Construction took just 10 weeks. The grand opening gala was held on July 14, 1967, with Vice President Hubert Humphrey in attendance — and a driving rainstorm that flooded the orchestra pit to the performers' knees.

The venue was named for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the philanthropist and cereal heiress who helped fund its construction. Within two years, the programming had shifted from symphonies to the explosive rock acts of the late 1960s and early '70s. On May 25, 1969, The Who and Led Zeppelin shared a bill at Merriweather — reportedly the only time the two bands ever appeared on the same stage. Jimi Hendrix debuted his iconic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" here. Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Dolly Parton, and the Grateful Dead all graced the stage. Jimmy Buffett performed at Merriweather 42 times — more than any other artist in the venue's history.

By the early 2000s, however, the pavilion's future was in jeopardy. Development pressure from General Growth Properties threatened to shutter the aging venue entirely, sparking community outrage and political intervention. In 2003, Washington, D.C.–based independent concert promoter Seth Hurwitz — founder of I.M.P. and the legendary 9:30 Club — stepped in to take over operations, launching what would become one of the most remarkable venue turnarounds in the live-music industry. Over the next two decades, Hurwitz and I.M.P. invested $65 million in renovations, completed across seven offseasons while the venue continued to host shows. The pavilion roof was raised 20 feet to accommodate modern tour productions. A rotating turntable stage was installed. The backstage was expanded to 22,000 square feet, complete with 10 dressing rooms, an artist swimming pool, a catered dining hall, and a TV studio. The SkyBoxes and SkyLawn — two elevated natural grass viewing areas perched 40 feet above the pavilion — gave fans an entirely new way to experience a show. In 2017, I.M.P. signed a 40-year lease, securing Merriweather's future through the middle of the century. In 2023, Pollstar ranked it the highest-grossing amphitheater in the world. From a venue on the verge of demolition to the top of the global concert industry — that's a comeback worthy of the artists who play here.

The Merriweather Experience

What makes Merriweather Post Pavilion special isn't just who plays here — it's how the venue makes you feel when they do. The setting is unlike any major amphitheater in the country: a wooded clearing surrounded by tall trees, where the sounds of the forest blend with the opening act and the smell of fresh grass mixes with the food vendors. There's a reason artists from Jimi Hendrix to the Foo Fighters have described Merriweather as one of their favorite places to perform — the low stage, the natural acoustics, and the energy of a crowd that stretches from the covered pavilion seats all the way up the hillside lawn create an intimacy that larger venues simply can't replicate.

For concertgoers, the choice between pavilion and lawn is part of the ritual. The covered pavilion — sections 100 through 300 — offers reserved seating with clear sightlines and protection from the elements. Sections 200–202 are widely considered the sweet spot, offering slight elevation with a direct view of the stage. The lawn, meanwhile, is the soul of Merriweather — a sprawling, sloped hillside where fans spread blankets, set up low-back lawn chairs (permitted at most shows), and settle in for an evening under the stars. Blankets, binoculars, and small tote umbrellas are all permitted. In a rare perk among major venues, Merriweather allows one personal food item per guest in a clear, non-glass container, plus one factory-sealed or empty water bottle — a welcome nod to the venue's fan-friendly ethos.

The recent renovations have added layers to the experience without diluting the character. The SkyLawn — two natural grass viewing areas elevated 40 feet above the pavilion — offers a unique bird's-eye perspective. The SkyBoxes provide premium suite-level viewing. A sculpture garden, biergarten, and the one-of-a-kind Music Pinball Arcade round out the grounds, making Merriweather a destination worth arriving early to explore. The bag policy allows bags up to 13" × 15" — no backpacks except clear plastic ones — and all bags are searched at the gate. There is no bag check or on-site storage, so plan accordingly.

Parking & Transportation

Merriweather Post Pavilion is located in Columbia, Maryland, easily accessible from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. via I-95 and US-29.

Driving & Parking

From Baltimore or D.C., take I-95 to Route 32 West toward Columbia, then exit onto Route 29 North and follow signage to the venue. From the south, take Route 29 North to the Broken Land Parkway exit (Exit 18) west toward Columbia Town Center. Parking is free for all concertgoers — Merriweather operates over a dozen lots across downtown Columbia, and no reservation or advance purchase is required. Simply follow signage and the directions of parking attendants upon arrival. Not every lot opens for every show; the venue fills lots closest to the pavilion first. ADA parking is available in Lots 2 and 4 on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional Merriweather Post Pavilion parking details and lot maps, check out our dedicated parking page. Note: as of July 2026, the eastbound Broken Land Parkway ramp to southbound US-29 is closed for construction — check the venue website for the latest detour routes before your visit.

Rideshare & Public Transit

Uber, Lyft, and taxis provide convenient access to the venue. RTA of Central Maryland bus routes serve the Columbia area, with connections from BWI Airport to the Columbia Mall — a convenient walk from Merriweather. Check RTA schedules for event-day service adjustments.

Accessibility

Merriweather Post Pavilion offers accessible seating in both the pavilion and lawn areas. ADA parking is located in Lots 2 and 4, with accessible pathways to the venue entrances. Assistive listening devices are available. For specific accommodation requests, contact the box office at (410) 715-5550 in advance of your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merriweather Post Pavilion?

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a premier outdoor amphitheater located in Columbia, Maryland, approximately 30 miles from Baltimore and 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Designed by architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1967, it is nestled within 40 acres of preserved woodland known as Symphony Woods. The venue holds approximately 19,319 fans across covered pavilion seating and a general admission hillside lawn, and is independently operated by I.M.P. — the same team behind the 9:30 Club and The Anthem in D.C.

What kind of events does Merriweather Post Pavilion host?

Merriweather primarily hosts concerts and music festivals across every genre — rock, country, hip-hop, pop, indie, electronic, jazz, folk, and more. The venue's concert season typically runs from late spring through early fall. Notable recurring events include the All Things Go Music Festival and the Capital Jazz Festival. Since I.M.P. took over in 2004, the venue has hosted over 630 shows and nearly 6 million fans.

Is parking free at Merriweather Post Pavilion?

Yes. Parking is free for all concertgoers at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The venue operates over a dozen lots across downtown Columbia on a first-come, first-served basis — no reservation or advance purchase is required. ADA parking is available in Lots 2 and 4.

What is the bag policy at Merriweather Post Pavilion?

Bags up to 13" × 15" are permitted. Backpacks are prohibited except clear plastic ones. All bags are subject to search at the gate, and there is no bag check or on-site storage — anything that doesn't meet the policy must be returned to your vehicle. One factory-sealed or empty water bottle and one personal food item in a clear, non-glass container are allowed per guest.

Can I bring lawn chairs to Merriweather Post Pavilion?

Low-back lawn chairs and blankets are permitted on the lawn for most performances. Some shows may restrict lawn chairs — check the specific event listing on the Merriweather page before your visit. Lawn seating is general admission, so arriving early gives you the best spot on the hill.

Where can I buy Merriweather Post Pavilion tickets?

You can browse all upcoming Merriweather Post Pavilion events — from headlining concerts and music festivals to comedy and special performances — right here on GoTickets. Every purchase is backed by our buyer guarantee, so you can shop with complete confidence.