Merriweather Post Pavilion
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a historic outdoor amphitheater in downtown Columbia, Maryland, where free parking fills more than a dozen lots and Lot 2 offers a complimentary shuttle for ADA guests. The lawn's current slope came from 700 truckloads of dirt spread in the early 1980s, after the first 15 rows of seats were pulled out for a general admission mosh pit during Green Day's American Idiot tour. All Things Go, the festival held here, adds its own free parking, a 21 and up bar and beer garden, and water stations with free refills.
Before you go
- Capacity
- Rentals require a minimum of 5,000 expected
- Indoor or outdoor
- Outdoor: amphitheater with pavilion and lawn seating
- Official site
- merriweathermusic.com
- Next festival here
- All Things Go Music Festival, Sep 25 to 27, 2026
Worth knowing before you go
- Lots open an hour before gates, but never before 5pm on weekdays, and Lot 2 never opens before 6pm.
- Not every lot is open for every show; the closest lots to the venue fill first.
- Backpacks aren't allowed except clear plastic ones no larger than 13 by 15 inches.
- No alcohol, grills, glass containers, tobacco or vapes are permitted, and professional cameras with removable lenses aren't allowed either.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Free parking in a dozen+ lots · ADA parking in Lots 2 and 4 · Complimentary shuttle from Lot 2.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want free, plentiful parking at a historic outdoor amphitheater.
- You're going to All Things Go and want a 21+ bar and free water refills on site.
Think twice if
- You were planning to bring a full size backpack or outside alcohol: neither is allowed.
Getting there and parking
Parking is free for Merriweather Post Pavilion concertgoers in over a dozen lots around downtown Columbia, with no need to reserve ahead. Lots open one hour before gates, though never before 5pm on weekdays, and Lot 2 never opens before 6pm on weekdays. Not every lot is open for every show, and the closest lots to the venue are used first.
From Washington DC or Baltimore, take I-95 to Route 32 West toward Columbia, then exit onto Route 29 North following signs to Merriweather. From BWI airport, a regional transit connection reaches the Mall in Columbia, a walk from the venue.
Festival-specific · All Things GoAll Things Go offers free parking at the festival, using Merriweather Post Pavilion's own parking.
Accessibility
ADA parking is in Lots 2 and 4 on a first come, first served basis for vehicles with a valid disability placard or plate. The short walk from these lots is ADA accessible, and a complimentary shuttle from Lot 2 to the entrances is available on request.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (merriweathermusic.com).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The venue's own pages are the place to check: merriweathermusic.com.
Food, water and what you can bring
Bags are searched at entry, and backpacks are not allowed except clear plastic ones no larger than 13 by 15 inches. One empty or factory-sealed water bottle is allowed per guest, and alcohol, grills, glass containers, tobacco, vapes and professional cameras with removable lenses are not permitted.
Festival-specific · All Things GoAll Things Go offers a bar and beer garden with craft cocktails, wine and beer for guests 21 and up, a curated food selection including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and water stations with free refills.
Quick answers
Is parking free at Merriweather Post Pavilion?
Yes. Parking is free in over a dozen lots around downtown Columbia, with no need to reserve ahead.
Where is ADA parking?
In Lots 2 and 4, first come, first served, with a complimentary shuttle from Lot 2 to the entrances if you need it.
Can I bring a backpack?
Mostly no. Backpacks aren't allowed except clear plastic ones no larger than 13 by 15 inches.
Can I bring a water bottle?
Yes. One empty or factory-sealed water bottle is allowed per guest.
Can I bring outside alcohol?
No. Alcohol, grills, glass containers, tobacco and vapes are not permitted.
How do I get to Merriweather from Washington or Baltimore?
Take I-95 to Route 32 West toward Columbia, then Route 29 North following signs to the venue.
What does All Things Go add on top of the venue's own rules?
A 21 and up bar and beer garden, curated food including vegan and gluten-free options, and water stations with free refills.
How old is the lawn's current shape?
It was regraded with 700 truckloads of dirt in the early 1980s.
A little history
Merriweather ripped out its first 15 rows of seats to build a general admission mosh pit for Green Day's American Idiot tour, added loge sections for a Tom Jones show, and regraded its lawn with 700 truckloads of dirt in the early 1980s to create the slope that gives it its current sight lines.