Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD · Amphitheater
Merriweather Post Pavilion, set in the woods in Columbia between Baltimore and Washington, keeps a fairly open bag policy. Any bag up to 13 by 15 inches gets in, clear or not, and the only backpacks allowed are clear ones. Clear bags are not required, but they move through the search faster.
A nice perk for the lawn crowd, you can bring personal food in a clear, disposable, non-glass container, one per guest, plus one sealed or empty water bottle. Blankets, small tote umbrellas, and binoculars are fine too. Every bag is searched, and there is no storage, so a non-clear backpack has to go back to the car.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for Merriweather Post Pavilion?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Bag no larger than 13" x 15", clear or not
- Clear backpacks and backpack-style purses (non-clear backpacks are not allowed)
- Personal food in a clear, disposable, non-glass container, one per guest
- One empty or factory-sealed water bottle, plus a blanket and small tote umbrella
Not allowed inside
- Backpacks or backpack-style purses that are not clear
- Bags or items larger than 13" x 15"
- Bottles, glass, cans, and outside drinks beyond one sealed water
- Laptops, tablets, and professional cameras
- Tobacco, vapes, weapons, and selfie sticks
Clear bags are not required, but they speed up the search. The only backpacks allowed are clear ones. You can bring one clear container of personal food and one sealed or empty water bottle per guest.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at Merriweather Post Pavilion? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
Merriweather Post Pavilion searches every bag and does not offer storage, so anything over 13 by 15 inches, or a non-clear backpack, has to return to your vehicle.
Common questions
What is the Merriweather Post Pavilion bag policy?
Any bag up to 13 by 15 inches, clear or not, but the only backpacks allowed are clear ones. Clear bags speed up the search.
Can I bring food to Merriweather Post Pavilion?
Yes, personal food in a clear, disposable, non-glass container, one per guest, plus one sealed or empty water bottle.
Are backpacks allowed at Merriweather Post Pavilion?
Only clear ones. Non-clear backpacks and backpack-style purses are not allowed.
Can I bring a blanket to Merriweather?
Yes. Blankets, small tote umbrellas, and binoculars are allowed for the lawn.
Getting there
Gates open
Gates usually open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime, with exact times on your ticket.
Parking
Free and paid lots surround the venue in Symphony Woods, with prepaid options closer in. Expect a walk through the woods to the gates.
Public transit
Most fans drive to Columbia, with rideshare a common option between Baltimore and Washington. There is no direct rail.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft use a designated drop-off near the venue. Expect waits after the show.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the Merriweather Post Pavilion official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.