I went with my friend because he won free tickets from the radio station, WROR. I had never been to this type of circus, I went to a bigger one in Boston long ago. There's plenty of parking. It's located in a business area in the suburb of Wilmington. It is Shriners Auditorium, which is quite big but I have to say the seats are very uncomfortable ! If I had known, could have brought a seat cushion. It was interesting to learn this circus is from the Hanford family dating back to the 19 century. The circus is geared towards the young children. That is why they had it on April vacation. It wasn't bad, just kind of boring for adults. I really enjoyed the horses and the great stunts that they did. The food they have is pricy. Nothing special so I would suggest to eat before going or after. All in all, if you have children it is fun to go to and the drive is easy. read more

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I've been there for home shows and a number of times for Roller Derby. The facility is kept clean. The rest rooms were clean. The food is not great but acceptable and the liquor is surprisingly cheap. Well run facility. They only take cash. read more

Great card show and lots of autograph guests here.2 times a year. All sorts of other shows happen here as well.

I went to this venue as a ticket holder for the 2023 chocolate expo. The Shriners auditorium promises about 1,000 parking spots, found in front of, to the side of, and behind their building. They handled parking people which resulted in people street parking half a mile down the road. I think they were understaffed for the job - they would move parking area to parking area, fill spots from closest to furthest from the venue, but not fill the spots that vacated in the meantime. I got a lot of angry pointing when I tried to break ranks and park in an available spot right near the entrance of the upper lot (and then stole another one when his back was turned). There is one entrance to the venue on what I would consider the side. I also only saw evidence of one set of restrooms, resulting in a long line from the women's. The inside of the gym held a good amount of vendors and mobs of people, as well as a kids area and stage for a magician. There is also a built in eatery that seemed to be run by the Shriners for hot dogs, etc. The walls were adorned with Shriners facts about their good works, which were interesting to read. read more

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Tried to buy tickets for adults to the petting zoo. Nearly impossible to find the purchase tickets portion of the website. It may be easy on a computer not so much on a phone. Dates of the events don't match the year. You would think make it easy sell more tickets. Further review after the event. read more

I attended the "Petting Zoo & Kids Fun Fair Set For Shriners Auditorium" on Feb. 18-20, 2024 via a nice printed coupon. Thinking that with the discounted coupon delivered to my kids school, this was a great deal and we went there. I must say that this event is a rip off. Each adult entrance fee was $22 (kids below 12 were "free"). How can anyone let the minors in for free without the adult? Such a clever trick. After you enter, there were few animals as exhibits - cow, goats, pony, lama. that's it - animals you can find at any local farm for free. To take the rides, everything is charged via a book of tickets that you must buy in advance. The rides are short. Nothing is free. We ended up spending over $100 as I didn't want to disappoint the kids. You are better off spending wisely by going to a zoo than taking your kids here. I will avoid this place at any cost in the future. I am very disappointed. This is just a honest feedback. And, please read the fine print in the coupon or advertisement before you go here. read more

We're lucky to have this venue as our community gem for a variety of events that bring people together

I visited Shriners Auditorium this weekend for both days of Northeast Comic Con & Expo. The venue was great! The main hall held vendor booths, performance stages, and even Simply Circus performers. The 2nd floor had 2 spaces were panel presentations were held. Ample seating for attendees. Parking was easy both days with Shriners staff directing traffic. The Roadhouse Grill was open providing food. It was cash only - but their chicken fingers & fries were tasty. As others have mentioned, this venue is very easy to get to from 93 North. read more

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**THIS REVIEW IS REGARDING THE MASSACHUSETTS BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO HELD AT SHRINERS** I attended the 2-day Massachusetts Bridal & Wedding Expo here where the main point seemed to be how many emails/contact info each booth could to spam you non-stop with their emails. I showed up and parked in a dirt parking lot, had to walk down a steep hill when it was sleeting, upon entering my ticket was visibly checked on my phone (not even scanned professionally or anything), and within 10 minutes I left the expo because I felt so overwhelmed and harassed. I couldn't even look in the direction of the booth vendors without them swarming me. That's not how it should be in my opinion. If people stop and enter a booth, then it makes sense to approach them. I gave my email address to 2 out of the 100 booths, and I've already received 20 unwarranted emails from companies I had no idea were even at the Expo. The only thing I can think of how they would get my information is the Bridal Expo dishes it out freely when you buy tickets and put your email address in, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, the vendors here seemed very "sales-y" and not at all personable. I just felt like they were trying to meet a quota when they talked to me. The "freebies" weren't good either, it's mainly just pamphlets. Wouldn't recommend. read more

It was ok..doesn't compare to the skills of "gardner bros" which we had gone to see the week before . Some of the clowns weren't so smiley .. Bouncy house 6$ per child (redicolous ) 10$ elephant ride. Polaroid picture with the dinosaur came out very dark ,not worth $10. ,perhaps more lighting would of made better photos... My One advice is eat before you leave home!!! 3$ for water and Same for a hot dog..or was that $4 for hot dogs, and my kids don't even eat the bread!! We had more fun when the petting zoo came to the shriners, the 130$ spend at petting zoo was much more worth ..oh ,130$ didn't include entance..that was like 16$ or 18$ for adults. Something like that! 3 stars for the circus , cause I enjoyed the trampoline act.. read more

I had always wondered what went on at the place off exit 39 on route 93. I mean, I always had read the sign, 'Shriners Auditorium Exit 39,' and wondered, "is that where all the men with the hats and small cars go play once the Veteran's Day Parades are over?" But thanks to the Boston Derby Dames, I now know that this is actually a pretty sweet arena located in between Boston and New Hampshire. Why so cool you ask? I'll tell you. +Chicks on skates wearing fishnets skating around a flat track trying to kick each others' asses +There are old men who dance with above mentioned chicks at the after parties +These old men love hosting us in their arena and are more than happy to sell us some draft beer, slices of pizza, soft pretzels, nachos, and more +Gettin' drunk with old men who have no idea you're probably hitting on their grandsons once you get back to Boston to hit the clubs read more

Like all the other reviewers, I have come to know and love the Shriner's Auditorium as the home of the Boston Derby Dames. As a dame myself, I feel especially close to this place where all the magic happens and appreciate all the good service the Shriner's provide. Yes, the sound can be a bit iffy, but they have put in loads of work to make this a great venue for our events. Their concessions stand is top notch if you ask me (i appreciate it more than ever after traveling to see other bouts with lesser snacks) and they are warm and welcoming to our crowds.. even if some of us look a little funny. All in all, good service, excellent burgers, delicious cocktails after, and a really great philanthropic organization. read more

Who knew the Shiners were such cool hosts? Out in the boonies of Wilmington, MA sits the Shriners Auditorium like a bastion of old-school swank. Not much has happened to change this place in what appears to be 20 or 30 years. Except for the fact that they're now hosting the Boston Derby Dames events, which is pretty rockin'. Who knows, maybe they were hosting roller derby back in the 70's, but the fact that they flawlessly held down the fort for some 1300 or so hipsters, rockers, parents, friends and derby fans as they descended upon them proves that the Shriners kick ass. I was thoroughly impressed with the guys tending bar in the Felt Room during the breaks between periods where the line for Budweiser thirsty fans was three rows and extended the entire length of the room (which isn't small neither). I didn't see one of them break a sweat. The service all around was friendly and fast. And the burgers and fries hit the spot too. They reminded me of the old Roy Rogers burgers -- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The seats aren't all that ass friendly but I look forward to checking out another bout here soon. They should also look into hosting more rock and roll here -- the highly elevated stage at the end of the auditorium is a pretty sweet spot to check out a band. And from the looks of the posters on the wall of the entrance it looks like they host poker tournaments and antiques roadshow type events here too. To the Shriners, with love, Sean E. read more

We came for the Derby Dames, we stayed to try to decipher the hieroglyphs on the columns in the entrance area. We've seen similar etchings elsewhere, relatively recently. But where? On that odd hand-burning medallion given to me by a rogue archaeologist? On that flippy tile clock in an underground bunker on a mysterious South Pacific island? On sheets of paper spitting out of my possessed printer? Alas, we can't remember - we couldn't figure out their meaning then, and we can't now. We also couldn't find where they house their fleet of tiny automobiles. I guess we could have asked, but what would be the fun of that? We also were disappointed that they didn't have a gift shop - I guess I'll have to make my own red fez. We also still don't know who Aleppo is - a lost Marx Brother? We do know that we will be back, very soon, with new questions to ask, and new mysteries to solve. Es Selamu Aleikum!!! (Fun fact: Did you know that an anagram for the acronym for the full name of the Shriners - Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) - spells out A MASON?) read more

I love you Shriners! I've never met a friendlier bunch of people, who actually appear to enjoy working with each other for all events that take place in this establishment. I've never ONCE been treated shitty or like I wasn't welcome. Parties, parties, everywhere, and many a drop to drink! I can't wait until NHRD starts bouting here - I've been a big fan of BDD for a long time running, and this place is the fucking bee knees. read more

Came here for a show this weekend, as I do every year. And as normal, this is a very good auditorium. It could be better, but there are many redeeming qualities that set it out as still being one of the best places for events in the area. Specifically, it gets very dirty and isn't being kept up to it's full capacity. There is junk along the interior walls that should be moved out during events and it could definitely use some huge renovations, but as I said there are many redeeming qualities. Redeeming qualities : -- Not in a extremely congested, busy area. Located on Fordham Road, in an industrial-park-like area, with not much traffic -- Conveniently located right off I-93 in Wilmington. Exit 39. Turn right at the end of the exit, turn left at the first traffic light, and follow Fordham Rd for about 2 minutes -- Huge parking lot and lots of space in the exterior -- Not too, too far away from Boston. And very close to the Northshore as well as Burlington, Woburn and many other largely populated towns and cities -- and finally the auditorium IS large enough for big events Overall, there are a few kinks but there are also many things about this place that will keep me coming back once per year. 4 stars. read more

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The Shriner's Arena is a great place that I've discovered due to the Boston Derby Dames. I have not been for other events but I would definitely consider it based on the fun I've had attending BDD events. There are a couple of bathrooms so that you don't have to wait in super long lines. The Fez Room has a nice bar that serves interesting beers on tap and mixed drinks. I loved the pizza slices they used to serve but now they've switched to round mini pizza pies that I don't love as much. They also serve burgers, fries, hot dogs, sausages, and popcorn -- lots of treats to keep your friends and family satisfied. The stands are pretty comfortable and the sound system has improved over the years. A great place to hang for a great show. read more

Was here for the Pop Culture Expo last Sat. & liked that it was (IMO) the perfect size venue for the show.

The indoor zoo was ok not much selection of animals. The pony and elephant rides where good. Food is overpriced and not good at all. Similar to microwave food. read more

This review is based on the circus. I haven't been to a whole lot of circuses nor have I ever been to an expensive really well known one...that being said this was the worst of all. They didn't have any really "wowing" acts. At one point I thought I may doze off. There are three rings which means of you're sitting on one side or another you miss everything in the opposite ring from you. Half the time I could hardly hear the speaker and from where I was sitting I could hardly see what was going on. :( read more

Many of the post are about BDD (http://www.yelp.com/biz/boston-derby-dames-boston), while the entry is about the auditorium. I've only been to the shriner for BDD, but they host wrestling, the circus, and other events. The Shriners are always nice to me. The facility is always clean! The food is average but extremely inexpensive. Finally the location is fantastic, only moments from 93. Great place to have an event. read more

If you are thinking of visiting the Shriners Auditorium's Dinosaur Exhibition save yourself the money, the time and the aggravation. At $18 per adults and kids over 13, this is one of the biggest ripoffs I've experienced in a while. Do yourself and your little ones a favor, go to the movies, go for some froyo or better yet buy some ice cream and rent Jurassic Park. You'll see more real looking dinosaurs in the comfort of your home and won't feel like you are paying for breathing. Like $18 is not enough, they want you to pay for face painting, jumping on inflatables, and playing under a tarp. Of course there was a concession stand with overpriced crappy food and a "gift store" of even more crappy stuff no one needs and weird looking toys your kids will never play with. And just so you don't forget your crappy and subpar experience, you can shell out $15 for a photoshopped photo (or $20 for the 3D version) of you in a scary situation with CG dinosaurs that look way better than the ones in the exhibition. Overall a total disappointment and a royal waste of money. read more

Just came home from the dinosaur Expo at Shriner's auditorium... The experience we had was awful... Expensive and exhausting... We had high hopes bringing our 4 year old daughter who was very excited... We payed 18 dollars for each of us and 25 for her for the" plus "package.. The exhibit was awful didn't do anything for her... Went to the other side with bouncing houses and other things for the kids to do... Then we realized we had to buy tickets at 2 dollars a piece for her to partake in any of those activities! So basically we payed 61 dollars for us to sit on hard metal chairs and watch her bounce in the houses for hours and hours...it was nothing that we had expected... Total and complete rip off... We are actually kicking ourselves for not reading any reviews before we went.... Everyone should know just how terrible and a disgusting ripoff this place is! I can't even seem to give it one star read more