Lenox, MA - the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a top destination in the Berkshires, Tanglewood is a must-do experience in the area IMO. The grounds are beautiful to explore, and you get to hear performances by world class musicians, while enjoying a picnic, if you wish! They always have a great lineup of classical as well as popular artists. I go regularly in the summers for concerts, and usually sit in the hall, but this time I enjoyed a wonderful concert on the lawn with my extended family. People really go all out setting up their picnics! Definitely get there a couple of hours early if you want to snag a prime and shady spot, especially if it's a popular artist. (Lawn tix are free for kids under 18!) You can bring your own food and drinks, or there are dining options on premises, and you can even order a picnic-to-go in advance online. Bring all the accoutrements to make your setup as comfy as possible - lawn chairs, picnic blankets, cooler, shade umbrella, misting fan, maybe a candelabra lol. The lawn is beautifully kept and lush & green. On this occasion we saw the powerhouse quartet of Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma, and Antoine Tamestit performing an all-Beethoven program. The music was transcendent and the weather was luckily perfect, and it was a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon. Again, I stipulate arriving 1-2 hours early, more if you want time to tour the sprawling grounds properly. There will be a traffic jam leading up to the parking lot, and parking can take a while (though very organized). If the main lot is full, it might take another 5-7 minutes to walk to the gate from the parking field across the street. read more

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Of course, Paul Simon was fabulous. OTHERWISE....AS A VENUE... Outside The Shed is ridiculous. Watching screens, weak sound.Mosqito bites. Inside, it is NOT a sloped seating, and people walking to and from seats throughout performance. Hard wooden uncomfortable seats. Bring a cushion! Some obstructive views. Crowd flow exiting is atrocious (people dragging wagons through narrow exit points), and leaving parking lot is worse. The quality of the performers and the reputation of BSO is the only reason to tolerate this venue. On the plus, MANY DEDICATED COMPETENT VOLUNTEERS are very friendly helpful lovely people. read more

Crowd control failed. 5 lines of people waiting for the gates to open. Then the only one different line opens up at the main gate. On exit everyone has to squeeze the entrance gates. High fences around property. Cart service does not use Parking lot. They use one of the two fenced paths where both could be used by pedestrian. Tickets. Their website ticket section only works with Google. Help. Phone help you wait hours. Parking. Thousands of cars have to make it out a 2 lane road. No argument with the music. read more

First of all, I want to say that I love going to Tanglewood, traffic in and out of the venue not withstanding. I've been attending concerts there for over four decades, and I've seen some great ones. This review is strictly about the concert my friends and I saw last night, Paul Simon, what a tremendous disappointment! He played none of his greatest hits, until the encore, by which time most of the audience, with grim faces, had already left; I observed that people were on their phones while he was performing and, except for his opening comments, he never spoke to the audience; he was cold and detached from the crowd and his voice was off key. The entire night was ruined by his mediocre performance and his unenthusiastic attitude, and I am truly sorry that I had to leave this poor review. It's time for this once amazing performer and song writer to hang it up!! read more

This morning we arrived early for the Saturday rehearsal of the Sunday concert. It was magnificent, hearing Berlioz' "Symphonique Fantastique" and the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2. The shed is a comfy, brilliantly resonant arena to enjoy the musical experience. The rehearsal, of course, may include repetition, incomplete performance and some starting ands stopping. That said, it nonetheless offers glorious insight into the making of classical music. And importantly, if it's raining, it's where you stay dry. The Tanglewood lawn is famous, and justly so. It is beautifully kept, it's a lot of giant shade trees under which you'll find hundreds of people enjoying pic pics as they watch and listen to the music on good screens with terrific outdoor speakers. The Saturday morning rehearsals are not nearly as crowded as the concerts, so our photos show how much room there for everyone (little ones are welcome outdoors, too). Bring your own picnic or buy snacks on site (you can also purchase rather expensive seated meals as well). There's a beer garden if you prefer alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and cocktails. Finally there's a cute gift shop on premises for Tanglewood-logo items. Lastly, our small complaint. Tanglewood is not inexpensive. It's not necessarily out of line compared to other summer musical events, but concert tickets can run well over $100 (less for the lawn, of course). Our three rehearsal tickets in the shed were $56 each with as $27 handling fee (what that is). That seems a bit excessive and may keep some people away, though again lawn seats are less pricey. That's our opinion, anyway. read more

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What rock have I been hiding under?!?! This place is a total revelation! The venue is gorgeous, the atmosphere is perfect, and the rules are, like, the ultimate game-changer - free parking and bringing your own everything? Yes, please! Don't get me wrong, the prices and food options are okay, but these advantages are the cherry on top! I wish they had more summer and fall concerts, or I'd make this spot my go-to, ditching Bethel and SPAC like they're so last season!!! read more

Tanglewood - In the words of benson Boone - mystical magical - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

A beautiful spot to enjoy live music by the BSO or The Pops in the summer. If you are on a budget, lawn seats are the way to go and you can bring your own food in to have a picnic. I recommend arriving early to walk around the grounds as they are beautiful. Can take awhile to get out of the parking lots so I recommend leaving early if you have a long drive. There are flush toilets on site if you need to use the restroom. read more

Tanglewood - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

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A Mecca for music lovers! Hear world class musicians creating sublime music surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshires. We attended an all-Beethoven program featuring the BSO and pianist Yefem Bronfman. The orchestra was outstanding, and Bronfman did not disappoint! A memorable musical experience! read more

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We recently attended the John Williams' Night performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and had a wonderful time. We had lawn tickets, so we set up our fancy concert picnic on the lawn and enjoyed the music under the stars...er, clouds. It was a little rainy. But it didn't dampen our spirits. Arrive 1-1.5 hours before the gates open to secure a good parking spot. Bring a wagon (one with a tabletop is especially helpful), blanket, chairs, and cooler with you. The ultimate picnic venue awaits you. Waiting in line isn't too bad. There's room to set up your camp chairs in line and they're very orderly and quick once the gates open. Once you're in, there's plenty of room to spread out and find the perfect spot. On this trip, we went with my in-laws and my sister-in-law had a specific spot in mind near the seated area, but we would have been just as happy near the back in the trees. The restrooms are large and have plenty of stalls. There are food options and a beer garden on site, but we brought our own. You can bring a beach umbrella to use, but it has to be closed once the performance starts, unless it's raining. Overall, we loved it. We took our time packing up at the end and had no trouble leaving the parking lot. I would go again. Note: they do not allow drop-offs at the main entrance. This was a big deal for me because I do have mobility issues but do not have a handicapped parking placard. There are people driving golf carts who are there to help move you around, if you need it. We relied more on getting there early and sitting as much as possible while waiting, but important thing to know, as we had originally planned on dropping me off so I wouldn't have to walk as far. read more

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This is where I imagined good music coming if it could afford a summer home. You know things were going pretty well for the Tappan family when they gifted these gorgeous grounds to the Boston symphony orchestra so many years ago. We were treated to the sprawling lawns with mountain views, oversized games and numerous concessions (including lawn chair rental!) -- and that's before we even reached the concert. Attendants were not only helpful, but witty -- you could tell they enjoyed being there. We were feeling pretty, pretty good by the time we finished the bottle of wine we had brought and entered the "shed" for the main event. Yuja Wang brought the house down on piano (as she normally does). Great night! read more

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Great summer concert venue for BSO and the popular artists' concerts. Beautiful to be up in the Berkshires in the summertime.

I have a special place in my heart for Tanglewood! Such a magical place to listen to amazing performances (even in the pouring rain). Attended a Mozart and Mussorgsky concert in the late summer and had a perfect experience. Nothing compared to the feeling of hearing Night on Bald Mountain performed during a raging thunderstorm. Epic! read more

I came here last night with family for a 4th of July James Taylor concert. It was my first time at Tanglewood and I can honestly say that I have never been to a venue quite like this one before. First off, it's massive! The grounds are absolutely sprawling and the expansive views are GORGEOUS! Secondly, the staff are super friendly, professional and accommodating. What is so fun and special about this place is how you are allowed to create any type of diy picnic setup you can dream of. I saw folks enjoying what seemed like a Thanksgiving spread, with candelabras and all. It was quite impressive! You can even bring in your own alcohol as well. Talk about a change of pace from nyc venues! In typical Jared fashion, I managed to lose my car key (happens about once every other year). I wasn't driving yesterday so while it was a bit of self-imposed stress, it wasn't the end of the world. The next day, they let me scour the grounds as I tried locate it and jotted down my info just in case. A staff member mentioned to me "We have a very good lost and found system and will notify you if we find out. If it's here, I think we'll find it." Low and behold, I received a phone call 3 hours later.. they actually found my key! Wow! I was blown away. To me it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Anyhow, this venus is quite special and it's no wonder they have a near 5 star reputation here on Yelp! Can't wait to come back read more

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I've been coming to Tanglewood with my family for years with my family and have enjoyed every performance. This year we saw a beautiful piano player. We brought our picnic to the lawn and listened to the pieces. There were some problems with our ticket. I'm not entirely sure if it was their system or if we entered the wrong information, but that was stressful. On a positive note, had lawn games outside, the gift shop was open, and they had bathrooms available. I would have given the time we had here five stars though they had a lot of new strict rules that didn't make a lot of sense. There were a lot of elderly patrons coming to watch the show, and yet there were limited handicapped parking spaces and no drop-offs allowed. My mom had just broken her leg, and there didn't seem to be any understanding of those who were older, injured, or possibly disabled. This isn't as big, but they wouldn't let you take your alcohol anywhere outside the dining areas, even what you buy at their cafeteria. Staff seemed a little more uptight than usual which didn't help. Hopefully, things will get better in the future. read more

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I love sitting out on the lawn and hearing world class music. Don't miss it. A fantastic experience. read more

Tanglewood - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

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Tanglewood is a very special place. Went there recently for the first time and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Had no idea what to expect, and although the traffic and parking was a little hectic, there is a great sense of peace once you enter the actual venue. You are able to bring in your own food and beverages, which is fantastic. Everyone we encountered who worked there was super super nice and helpful. Great service. The venue is interesting. From the lawn, you can barely see the stage, but there are large monitors set up for those of us on the lawn. Tons of space to bring your chairs and picnic blankets, and have a nice evening out. Highly recommend, and we will definitely be back. read more

Tanglewood - Entrance - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

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Food at Candkewy Cafe for quick delicious meal. Pulled pork salad (or sandwich), chicken or beef, hamburgers and fries, ice cream, beer and drinks. Tosca was outstanding, as always. Music at Tanglewood is the best. Beautiful night, so Shed tickets or lawn seats would have been perfect. To see the singers you really needed shed tickets. read more

Tanglewood is best known for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, occasional jazz and popular music performances in the summer months. Tonight we got to enjoy the multi-talented, charismatic Bonnie Raitt debut her new album and her famous old hits on the gorgeous Lawn in the verdant Berkshires. I have not seen such a massive crowd of joyous merriment in a long while. Bonnie acknowledged we've been through a lot these past few years and we are grateful and blessed to have survived. **bring your folding chairs, blanket, ice bucket for your bottle of wine, along with your charcuterie, your candlelight for atmosphere ** *There's a tent for grab-and-go meals, several snack bars, plus a wine & beer kiosk* ** Parking is very organized. However, traffic can be a a nightmare, it's single file. We strategized** "Let's give them something to talk about...Love" Enjoy the show and beautiful grounds! read more

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I try to get here once a year and my friend in Northampton snagged tickets to the Jon Batiste concert so it was on! We had dinner at Brava in Lenox beforehand (tip: they don't take reservations so get there right before opening at 5pm and you should be fine) and zipped over to a sold out (I think) concert with plenty of lawngoers expected. I'm told 8,000 people were expected! We got there around a half hour before the start of the show and had a bit of a hike from the parking lot but it wasn't bad. The venue is spectacularly beautiful and the crowd was hyped! Jon is such a beautiful spirit and gifted performer he had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout. We had seats near the back so relied on the large screens in order to see anything, but it was a joy just to be there. He played a variety of instruments and his music ranges from upbeat to mellow. It was a fabulous show. I can't wait for an excuse to come back! Getting out of the area can be a bit of an ordeal but you have to just chill and go with the flow. read more

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Last night we saw James Taylor at Tanglewood. It was a rainy night but the lawn was packed. We, thankfully, were undercover in the shed. Overall, the facility is well maintained and the grounds are beautiful. Parking is well controlled and very orderly. (Both on the way in and out) We arrived around 6:30 for the 8:00 pm concert and found ourselves parked well done the hill at the Lions Gate lot. It's quite a hill to climb so make sure you're ready for the hike if you have a wagon with tents and picnic gear. We finally arrived at our seats and I ventured out to sample a libation. The cost was exorbitant. A Dixie cup of wine for $13.00 ... I didn't even waste time checking out food prices. FYI, you can't bring anything but water into the shed. If you have lawn seats, arrive early, or you risk finding your spot in the "way back"! Overall a great venue. A 5 star rating if they get prices down to reasonable levels. Ciao! read more

Tanglewood - The lawn hours before show time ... in the rain! - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

Tanglewood Saturday July 20, 2024 It's not a summer in Western Massachusetts if you haven't been to Tanglewood. If you've been to Tanglewood this summer, or are planning to go, then you've had or are about to have a complete summer. Yes, the prices have gone up. Yes, it's tough to lug your stuff from the parking lot to the ticket office, then to your spot on the grass and then lug it all back, but what a day. Provided you've looked at the weather and you have good people with you, you'll have a great time. As a matter of fact, if you want to hear a classically perfect piece you can hear in the Berkshires we heard it on Saturday. Beethoven's Piano Concerto Number 3 in C minor, Opus 37. What a piece and as our 16 year old said, "That piano player was famous? You mean I saw a famous person?" Yes, son you did. Emmanuel Ax played the piano part that Beethoven originally did. And we went for the the 10:30am rehearsal. The place was full and there were people everywhere. The cost was a simple $21 and yes, it's higher than it was years ago, but isn't everything nowadays? As I walked in and met my parents who had set up and were there since 9:30am, I came upon a long man I didn't know, on a blanket, laying down, fast asleep with his copy of the NEW YORKER next to him. Classic Tanglewood. He had a rough morning. I'm glad he could unwind. 10 Things to Bring to Tanglewood: 1.) Your children. They need to experience others telling them to be quiet. 2.) 1-2 blankets and a cooler with food, drinks. 3.) some bring a table, I'm not there yet but it would have been nice, a short one, square and foldable. 4.) Your new wife, husband or partner. I went there 18 years ago after I got married to my wife. Good memories at Tanglewood. Bring your old wife, old husband or old partner too. 5.) An open mind. Some pieces are amazing, some are good, some are tough, some are bizarre, but it's the BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra), so they have practiced, prepared, and performed. 6.) Quiet food. Some parts are so quiet and moving and you don't want to be chewing loud food to the annoyance of the people around you. 7.) Lawn chairs and a back up few too. The chair is the only way to go at Tanglewood. But bring a couple extra for others to visit and to lend to others. 8.) Extra spending money for the gift shop. 9.) curiosity. Hopefully you followed number 1 (you brought your kids) so take a walk during one of the pieces. Don't worry, you can hear the music EVERYWHERE, so go exploring and find the sundial, the maze and many other cool things at Tanglewood for the kids. 10.) Patience. You aren't there for the performance to wow you or shock you or to watch the whole thing. If you are on the lawn, go ahead and bring the other 9 things I've told you to bring and a book too, and just relax, chill and enjoy the time, the quiet, the classical music and the atmosphere. read more

Tanglewood - The trees on the lawn are EPIC! - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

Wow I am amazed i never published what I wrote for my first review of this amazing place! I have never been here before and I have been missing out! Not only are the grounds gorgeous, but the whole experience was great. The feeling as I walked in was so pleasant and respectful. It really struck me how very civilized it is. I was not subjected to bag searches like other places, in fact I was treated and it get so wonderful! Update - it's still amazing and gorgeous and lovely even in the rain! Really such a magical place! I love the lawn seats here! The tone of respect that I encountered from all staff pervaded the grounds and my fellow patrons. read more

WOW!!! I saw the Boston Symphony Orchestra here featuring Joshua Bell, and it was FANTASTIC! You have the option of in house seats, or the lawn. We chose the lawn and had a nice bottle of wine, as well as a charcuterie board. I do suggest you bring heavy duty bug spray and a few lawn chairs. The venue also has nice concessions to choose from, as well as ice cream. The ice cream was great on a hot night. Earlier that day, we also went to Ozawa hall for a free choir concert. The choir sung works from Libby Larsen and did an excellent job. There are plenty of free concerts that students from Boston University perform. The only complaint I have is parking. Tanglewood has plenty of it, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare when coming too or leaving a venue. Make sure you come early. read more

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Tanglewood is by far one of the best musical venues in the world. The Boston Symphony plays there over the summer. A most memorable thing to do is to have a delicious picnic on the lawn. Have been attending for 30 years and have the honor of being a volunteer. This is something that should be on everyone's bucket list. read more

I went to see Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. It was my first time ever going to Tanglewood and it did not disappoint. My friend and I got lawn seats and it was such a fun time coming before the show to hang out and have a picnic. The show was incredible. The prices for lawn seats are inexpensive and the community feel is awesome. Everyone was so friendly and happy and kind. A great concert experience. I can't wait to go to more concerts at Tanglewood in the future. read more

I love this venue, the music, the surrounding area to walk around, the staff...I love every part of Tanglewood, and I hope it's around forever. We bought seats at the box office - day of. We originally planned to sit in the lawn seats (even packed a picnic and wine!). When we got there it was down pouring so we decided to buy tickets under the shed. The tickets were great, and pretty much the same price as the lawn. The sound is wonderful, and they have screens everywhere. From the shed seats you can see close-ups on the screen, or actually see the stage. We saw the Boston Symphony, and wow are they sounding good! The rain ended up relaxing before the concert, so we had our picnic on the lawn anyway before the concert started. I loved the entire experience. I hope to come back every year. read more

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Beautiful venue and music. Entitled crowd can ruin experience. Tanglewood should not allow patrons to use umbrellas like this during the show - the security guard asked them to move it up and they refused. Either way, it obstructed our view and we were forced to move our chairs. If you want to be on the lawn, suggest sitting way back or else you will end up with shelters in front of your face. Or people will come last minute and practically sit on top of you. This is becoming a problem during every daytime show. read more

Tanglewood - Patron's umbrella obstructive our view - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

Went to see the John Williams tribute and it was phenomenal! Also it was my first time at this venue and it was so great. I loved being outside and hearing the music while looking on the big screen. I would definitely go back to see a show again! read more

Tanglewood - Music Venues Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

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I always wanted to visit Tanglewood but without a car, it's a bit difficult to get there. Thanks to my dear friend, Cici, I was able to come here to see Yoyoma! My friends and I brought three bottles of wine, snacks, and blanket/seats to sit on the area and have a nice picnic. There were many people but not too overwhelming. We thought it was going to be a cool day but it turned out to be a very warm day. It would be a great idea to bring the umbrella to block the sun as it was way too hot to be under the sun and there were limited shady areas. Despite being there an hour early, there were not a lot of areas that we could avoid the sun. Also, as the sun moves, the shade moved as well. Except the exhaustingly hot weather, I enjoyed the classical music while enjoying the picnic. I would love to come back when the weather is not too hot. read more

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Absolutely top of the line in terms of classical music in a country setting, we especially like picnics on the grass before the concert.

Jeez.. a tanglewood review is a bit hard for me. Tanglewood is the summer home for the Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as a music school for aspiring young musicians and many popular artists too! To get an overall synopsis of the facility please google it and check out their website. We try to go there and celebrate our Anniversary every year. Obviously Covid disrupted the yearly pilgrimage. SO We went to experience Tanglewood on Parade this year with a couple of our kids.. (we stayed at a b n b in Lee mass. ). The weather was not kind that day! Downpours on and off.. sun .. now and then. We adapted accordingly with purchased seats in shed and a picnic spread on lawn .. ANYWAYS::::: The programs set up for the day seemed lacking in structure and something seemed "off". In years past Tanglewood on Parade was like a well oiled machines! The events ran smoothly and it was a blast. I was talking to an old time employee and mentioned my "uncomfortableness". He told me I was right! Things were a bit askew! He said this is all covid related! When Tanglewood closed during covid, old time long term employees, management personnel and volunteers drifted away. When it reopened, the old guard was gone! New management and employees had taken the reins.. They were still trying to figure out how to get rid of the bumps in the road!! I thanked him for his many comments feeling relieved that I was not the only one that felt a bit out of sorts with the "flow" of things...he said, " in a couple of seasons it will be smooth as silk! I'm giving Tanglewood 4 stars although I have 5 stars in my heart for the facility itself. I can't wait to go again and breathe in the fresh air coming from those Berkshires which are providing fresh air to the grounds every day! What a wonderful place this is! Perhaps I will be blessed with better weather. Lol. read more

Great venue for classical music, also pop music. Not so great in a downpour because have to walk to separate venues to heat music. Unique place in American music. Many ghosts if the greats plus lots of young musicians who'll be onstage soon. read more

Here for the first time with friends. Beethoven's 6th Symphony, Sunday, August 11, '19. 2:30 pm. We were here on Saturday and the two young gentlemen near the entrance were most helpful being our first time and they answered all our questions. Ari and David at the entrance. They were very knowledgeable and personable. Enjoyed talking with them as well. Ari suggested we go on the lawn because it's a different experience, especially the first time. Well, he was right!! Thanks again Ari. Appreciated all your help! Safe travels next week... The sound system and large screens outside were great but was also able to see some of the orchestra in the bandshell. Everyone attending was great. People were helpful, friendly and it was a pleasure. I grew up in Manhattan and it reminded me of it years ago. The four of us enjoyed it all. Easy to park the car with a great staff and local police. The weather was perfect, the program was enjoyable. A memorable first time. read more

The Sept. 2nd concert with John Legend was a disaster. Even getting there two hours and fifteen minutes before the start, the parking space assigned was up a steep slippery hill with no designations as to row or line. Then you had to find a car in the dark with no assistance. Both the Sherrif and Staff said it was the best they could do. It seems that labeling row with letters on the surrounding fence and numbers for lines perhaps on sticks is unimaginable. The concert lawn was overcrowded. The crowd noisy and oblivious to the music. The number of chairs for rent woefully inadequate. The music did not make up for the discomfort, mayhem and risky climb up a grassy hill to get out in one piece. read more

My first time here and it was disappointing to say the least. Someone stole my picnic basket, the drinks they sell must be consumed in a small area away from the show with as many people as show up. The security and police presence creates a terrible atmosphere. They did nothing about the theft but were ready to pounce on anyone who took their drink over the line. They never answer the phone, never respond to emails or messages. Perhaps this is the state of today's world. No appreciation of the customer, police intimidation and selling alcohol then treating you as if you were a teenage alcoholic. read more

We came here for the James Taylor concert on July 4th. It was my 1st time here and it didn't disappoint. The grounds were absolutely lovely, complete with a small maze and large lawns. The acoustics were very good and a variety of screens were provided so that all could see each section of the stage. Staff were very helpful in helping you find your seat. My only "complaint" is that there were long lines for the bathrooms, although I realize that this was likely because this show has an unusually high number of attendees. The show itself was fun and the evening was topped off by fireworks. All in all, a nice way to spend the 4th. read more

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A Parking Nightmare ! Just felt the need to write a brief (?) note following our initial visit to attend a concert at Tanglewood. We attended the Bonnie Raitt concert last night. While the concert was sensational, as expected, ( how could it not be, it's Bonnie Raitt ! ), the experience was infuriating. We had heard that the parking situation was problematic, but never did we expect the nightmare we experienced ! We believed that leaving our home in Otis at 5:30 for a 7:00 concert start time would be sufficient. Boy were we mistaken ! We missed the entire opening performer, Lucinda Williams, and only made it to our seats by intermission, after sitting in our car for nearly 2 hours waiting to enter the parking lot. That's really unacceptable ! It's not like Tanglewood lacks experience in dealing with large crowds. The excuse given by one parking attendant that "well all the concertgoers decided to come all at once," couldn't have been more lame. Or the assertion from another parking attendant that "we're really very organized but there are a lot of people" just doesn't cut it. We passed parking lots in which there were open spaces, but no parking attendant standing inside the lot alerting the other parking attendants who were directing traffic that there were parking spaces available. The nightmare parking experience certainly detracted from our overall experience and enjoyment of attending a Tanglewood concert. And missing the entire opening act was a great disappointment. We are forewarned now, in anticipation of attending our next Tanglewood concert, the James Taylor concert, that the ONLY WAY to attend a concert there is to plan to picnic in the afternoon and hang out until the concert begins. which certainly isn't a bad thing, and likely the most enjoyable way to experience this sensational concert venue. The grounds are beautiful, the acoustics superlative, it's just the darn parking that's infuriating ! read more

This is a phenomenal concert venue! Everything from the grounds, to the views, and of course the music, it's all great. I finally got the chance to come here for the first time last Friday for a special performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with pianist Lang Lang, and we sat in the orchestra section of the shed. The lawn seats aren't a bad deal though, especially if you come prepared with your food and seating like most people do. Everyone we encountered here was super friendly and helpful. If you don't bring your own picnic, there are a couple food options available for purchase. They were ok, although expensive, but that's to be expected. The ice cream was delicious though! Even though it was over $6 it was worth every penny :) read more

Recently my wife and I came here with some friends to hear a classical music concert. Though we had lawn seats, I found the grounds to be lovingly maintained and everyone was friendly. Due to the nature of the music and the average age of the crowd, it was not the typical rock concert "lawn seats" atmosphere I was used to. It was wonderful. We brought a picnic lunch as did nearly everyone else we could see. While the first couple of hundred people set up under the trees or with umbrellas to shade them from the summer sun, the afternoon got cooler and the shifting sun made the shade patterns change. It was a jovial mood, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Kids were encouraged to be quiet, and there were few disruptions during the concert. When we set up we blocked some others' view lines, more patrons did so to us. In the end it didn't matter, as we could all easily listen to the music. The speaker systems worked well. However, about 30 seconds in I came to realize something that I hadn't considered. We were so far back on the lawn that we couldn't see the performers. Just as you can squint at a penny and see Lincoln in the Memorial, if we squinted we could see some shiny brass instruments. However, guess cellist was all but invisible. They have one large television screen which shows various clips of the concert but some idiot set up a large umbrella blocking our area of the field from seeing it. He only took it down for the last five minutes of the concert. Without being able to see the orchestra, it isn't the same thing. Sure, listening to beautiful music on a lawn while picnicking is fun but you could do it in your own back yard with a CD player. A rock concert will always sound different live when compared to the album, but classical musicians train to play the score exactly. And I love seeing them perform. The price and experience for the lawn seats were fine, but it isn't the same as going to an orchestral concert. If it is someone you really want to see, pay for actual seats in the "shack." PS: if coming from New York, getting off at Exit B3 without a smart phone is just asking to get lost. We didn't see a single sign or notice along the way. It might be the wrong exit to use and we got a nice drive through some pretty (and curvy) roads, but some better documentation would help. read more

This is my new favorite outdoor venue. I was lucky enough to be invited - last minute - to a show a few weeks ago. I'm generally not a fan of lawn seating as I get older, but at Tanglewood, it's actually a pleasant, lovely experience. I'm guessing that there could be some shows that have rowdier crowds, but the musical acts tend to bring a mellower set for sure. Not once did anyone throw up, piss themselves, scream inappropriately, or repeatedly hit me in the back of the head due to an extreme state of drunkenness. Isn't that amazing?? (Yes - all of those things have happened in the recent past at various venues...and as I get older...I get less and less patient....). I was pretty far back on the lawn and the sound was still really good. Obviously the weather is a big part of the experience...I was there on a perfect summer night. Another thing that impressed me....some of the food and beverage spreads that people have. I was amazed by tables draped with cloths, wines, cheeses, a variety of other homemade foods...and...one of the more ornate tables even had a fabulous candelabra! Parking is free and easy; they have folks guiding cars upon entry....exiting is a different story. While they do have staff to help guide traffic out, it's a bit of a cluster leaving the venue. Next time I'll hang out later or leave earlier to avoid the annoyance of sitting in the parking lot (we were up on the hill) traffic. Parking/getting out of dodge aside...I can't wait to go back. read more