It A Great Place to see a concert but not happy with the new ticket agent with fees and how they went way up in Parking

It was a small display of what the Boarding house would have looked like. Unfortunately the Park is closed (renovations) but we were able to go inside and take a look. In the display you could view what the room of the person who was in charge of the boarding house looked like as well as the kitchen and dining area. One of the displays showed the life story of a few young ladies who moved into the boarding house. In some instances the mill jobs led to other opportunities in their future lives. On the second floor they had a sample of what a boarding house room for the ladies would look like. The room was not too big but yet 4 ladies slept too a room. read more

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Home of the Lowell Summer Music Series (http://www.lowellsummermusic.org) and the Lowell Folk Festival (http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/), Boarding House Park is an outdoor music and performing arts venue that attracts national and international touring acts. It's conveniently located in the heart of Historic Downtown Lowell, in front of the Boot Mills Museum with plenty of parking nearby and an easy walk to other downtown attractions and restaurants. All tickets are general admission and all seating is on the lawn, so come early and bring your chair or blanket. We arrived 45 minutes early and the park was already pretty full with only a few places on the sides available to put down a blanket. Some people actually get to the park really early in the day and leave their blankets or chairs on the lawn to reserve their spot before the park has even started setting up for the concert! During the folk festival, people will leave their chairs or blankets there pretty much the entire day so that they can keep coming back to the same spot. The audio engineers do a great job of balancing the sound so that it projects clearly to the back of the park but isn't deafening for the people near the stage. It's a great venue for families as they allow you to bring your own food and drinks into the park (no alcohol allowed). If you don't bring your own food or drink, there are usually vendors with fairly reasonable prices on hand to serve you throughout the concert. Even though I've been a few different times now, it always surprises me when I see a park ranger come out to introduce the performers and give the sponsors credit. It's just a subtle reminder that the park is owned and operated by the National Park Services and that they are a not-for-profit organization that relies heavily on the support of the patrons and sponsors to make the concerts and festivals happen. The park is beautiful and big enough to bring national acts, but also small enough that you can still see the performers on stage. It's a great New England destination for an evening or an entire day in Lowell with many free concerts throughout the year and major concert tickets generally under $25. Check out the website to find out what's playing next! read more

Well, I guess the bottom line is that I paid $100 for 2 tickets, got there 1 hr before the show start time, and basically didn't see the show--heard it OK. Seems like they could sell fewer tix of even set up bleachers in the street. Because the stage is at the bottom of the theater area, if you are not in the seating area.. Which for the popular shows is apparently quite a feat..you can't see the stage, at all, unless you stand the whole time, and are tall. We figured out that if you brought the tall folding director's chairs, then you could sit in hue street and probably see the I hear that even 2 hrs early isn't good enough to security much of a view. Also entrance and parking possibilities were not well marked. Note that French st is blocked off so if you're following a gps you'll get messed up. Use 65 Kirk st. In the gps Will bring you very close. Food is pretty reasonably priced, Overall a nice venue just not big enough for what they are trying to do. read more

Lowell Summer Music Series: -food tent (ice cream, soda, water, pizza, hot dogs, wraps, salads, burgers, popcorn, etc for fair prices -no alcohol -everyone brings a lawn chair and gets there early (as in prior to 5pm early) -parking garage across the street for $10 -bathrooms located in parking garage -wristbands allow you to leave and come back as much as you want -definitely an older, more subdued crowd, but with a handful of fierce dancers read more

I was attracted to this venue because of the artist, and what a great discovery. I was a bit skeptical after reading the other reviews, was not in the mood to have to fight off peeps for a good spot and I knew that I was not going to be super early for the show. Walked in- great staff, threw down some chairs only about 45 minutes before the show, then wandered around to find a beer and some food. So the whole no alcohol thing isn't horrible, they DON'T search your stuff, people were walking in with coolers. Use discretion no one bothers you. So overall, cheap tickets were well worth it, sound was amazing, and despite being pretty far back, thought we got great seats. Do bring the lawn chair. I did pay for parking in the garage, but I don't think that was even necessary. read more

I have been going to summer concerts here for about the last 4 years. I have seen Los Lobos, Indigo Girls, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, the Derek Trucks Band and a few others. The summer lineup is always great and features top artists from numerous musical genres. This relaxed intimate outdoor concert venue is a must do for anyone within 30 miles. The sound quality is always consistent and clear and security and staff are pleasant and laid back. Bring your folding chairs about 2 hours before the show, find a good spot to place them down on the lawn, then walk to any of the nearby pubs and restaurants for something to drink and eat before the show. It's a great way to spend a summer evening with friends and family. They also have a concession area offering food and beverages (no beer) and the price won't knock you over. Speaking of price...most concert tickets are under $30 ! I would have given it 5 stars, but the restrooms are somewhat inconvenient and crowded. 4 Stars **** "It's only rock and roll but I like it" read more

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I saw a show here last weekend and i was very impressed with this venue. At first I wondered how they would keep the area closed off to non-ticket holders, but when i wandered back over at show-time it was very well secured! It's a small area with stadium seating style landscaping so even if you're in the back it's a good seat! The wonderful part is, if you trust your fellow concert-goers you can go early and put down a blanket and some chairs to claim your spot!!! check out the website for the Lowell Summer music concert series. They have some great people playing at this place! Looking good Lowell, looking real nice! read more

I saw Fitz and the Tantrums here and it was the best show of the 2018. This cozy, outdoor venue allowed me to get up close and personal to the entertainment at a very affordable cost. You can't get that experience from a Boston concert hall or an arena without emptying your wallet. The day of the show they let you bring down a lawn chair to claim your spot. The only drawback is since it's a national park, there's no alcohol allowed. Although I'm pretty sure I heard someone say they had a Powerade bottle that was spiked with vodka. read more

Really nice casual venue in downtown Lowell. Easy parking and you can go early and claim your spot then leave and get dinner before your show. Saw Matisyahu here last weekend and I can't wait to see what next year's lineup will bring. The only drawback was no booze. read more

Have you ever been to a concert where you were not allowed to stand and dance? Well, welcome to the Lowell Summer Series where you are told you can dance only at the rear or the park or stay in your seats. Even when the band (Bare Naked Ladies) are asking/ coaxing you to dance they just say NO. Excuse me, but lard-assed Americans could benefit by a little movement. Zapped the fun right out of the night. read more

Saw Lyle Lovett and enjoyed the venue immensely. The show was sold out and we unfortunately didn't arrive until about 5:30. We ended up sitting on the mulch to the left of stage which proved to be great. If they had port-o-potties set up it would be a five star review. Bathrooms are in parking garage. We parked in lot for $7 and encountered virtually no traffic leaving. Acoustics were great and it had an intimate feel. A wonderful destination for music. Just bring a strong bladder!!!!! read more

three of us drove from Milton NH to see The Mavericks and sadly it wasn't the best show I have ever seen. The only way to get a great seat was to pay $146 for a seat in the first three rows and sit on a low ground beach chair, if you can fit a ball under it you are too high. To get a good seat you can come around 7 am and so on and it's first come first served. You don't have to stay just leave your chair or blanket and come back for the show. Is this fair for people coming for the show out of the state and can't come at 7 AM. I'm 64 years old with leg problems if I sit in a ground chair or a blanket I need help getting up. Yet, if you have a regular height lawn chair you are to sit far back. If that isn't bad enough they block the street to the Venue and you have to find your way, navigation just u-turns you. Parking is $15 cash only in the garage across the street. Bathrooms are only in the garage. Security is an older crowd such as myself. My daughter asked security about chairs, and standing/dancing. Can I sit and dance here she asked? The lady states sure you can dance or stand but to sit you need to have a ground chair or blanket, no tarps. My daughter is annoyed and replies I can stand and dance right here, but I can't sit in a lawn chair? Yes, she says you need a beach chair to sit. Is this making any sense? The opening act Amy Black performs. Amy is amazing, very talented and has given a good vibe. Her voice is beautiful. Amy is thrilled to open for The Mavericks and even stayed on the sidelines to watch them. I'm disappointed that The Mavericks didn't notice her sitting there and ask her to sing a song or two with them. If you saw the movie The Mule she has a song she sang for the movie. Now finally The Mavericks appeared and I'm rather upset because we waited for them for a good 40 minutes after Amy's performance. Did they forget they had a show or what? My time is valuable too and I'm fed up. So you think people sat down in their chairs, so we all can see as the venue states will happen? If you said no you are correct. Suddenly people are standing in front of the people sitting, all awhile people are dancing and pushing into your space. No security at all that I could see, people did as they pleased. What happened the sun when down and we lost security? The Mavericks were late, making mistakes and being off-key. The lights and sound were terrible as well. You could see the two making the most mistakes laughing at their mistakes, I guess the joke was on us. Maybe, they thought we were as stoned as they were, or drunk, and wouldn't notice. Not a good Venue and the show was a big disappointment. We should have gone to a movie. Today The Mavericks did not Rule! read more

Don't go to a concert here if you plan on standing up and enjoying the show. If you are close to the front, the staff will force you to sit down. If you're further back, you open yourself up to getting attacked by anyone not wanting to stand up and since the venue is dark, people are packed in, and there's no staff back there, it can put you in a dangerous situation...just for trying to enjoy a concert. If you like the old people music that they usually book for the concert series, this is the venue for you. Just don't make the mistake of going if the promoters accidentally book a band with fans less than 60 years old. read more

This is a great place to see a show in the summer but they allow the sound board guys to smoke cigarettes like chimneys and won't do a damn thing about it. I asked two different security people to stop those people from smoking (because they ANNOUNCE that it is a non-smoking venue) and they wouldn't do anything about it. I had a great view but finally had to leave with my 3 children because my youngest has asthma. Management made no restitution nor did they respond to my attempts to contact them. If anyone enjoys breathing second hand cigarette smoke at a non-smoking venue then this is the place for you. read more

Best outdoor music venue in the area - HANDS DOWN! No jumbotrons or video monitors, no ridiculously-priced crappy food nor watered-down beer, no high-priced seating available only to the select few. No gestapo-like body searches. Kids under 12 get in free so folks can turn their youngins on to any manner of good music. If you have to smoke, you're not treated like a leper but, instead, directed to the comfortably close rear of the venue where you can puff away and still see/hear the stage. Cold IPA is available around the corner at Hookslide Kelly's and you can come and go from the venue as long as you're wearing your wrist bracelet. read more

Me & some family & friend's went to see Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell last night & we were all pleased with the venue. No matter where you sit in the park has a great view of the stage. They do now check bag's & stuff but are very quick about it & only allow soft side cooler's & there's no alcohol allowed/served which is neither here nor there for me personally. There's a couple more show's I look forward to checking out here this season. read more

Terrible venue for seeing a concert. I arrived an hour early to see Weird Al and ended up sitting in front of the vendor carts in the very back. Why is it a terrible venue? here are the reasons: 1) No bathrooms in the concert area. I had to use the one of the 3 urinals in the parking garage across the street after a long wait in line. I won't even discuss the unsanitary conditions in there. 2) Food - Long lines for food, then the food ran out. Can't there be a couple more food vendors in the area. 3) Smoking - people were smoking with no regard for other people in the area. 4) The A-K line was 1/4 the size of the L-Z line, come on, I was there 30 minutes before the people in the A-K line and they entered the area before me. 5) Last but not least, if any one person stands up, 20 people behind them can't see, then everyone stands-up. Unless you were on the front grass you cannot see the stage at all. This was the first and last time I'm attending a concert there. I've been to 5 other Weird Al concert venues and this was by far the worst. read more

I love hearing music here on a warm summer night. Recently we saw Eric Burdon and Edgar Winter. We got to the park at 5:45 on a friday night. There was no line and there was already several people sitting in the park. It was probably 75% full of chairs. We set our chairs down and went off to dinner. Thunderstorms were predicted but luckily they never came and it was a great night. There's a food area with plenty of food and beverage. They check all items being brought into the park, even my hand bag every time I came in. But, they don't take anything out, they glanced into our soft cooler but didn't touch anything. We got a parking space near the high school, where the meters are free after 6. read more

The whole site which includes the canal and trolley tracks behind the stage and the street when it is closed off is one acre. It is like having a concert in your backyard for suburbanites or you and a couple of neighbors yards. They only check coolers, picnic baskets and insulated bags for alcohol. If you are creative you can smuggle in some brews. Season passes go on sale in December for about $260. Granted the lineup is not filled out but for at least 20 shows that is a heck of a deal. You can set up chairs at 7:00 am when the National Park opens and if you do mark your chairs I use a return address label. I had some guy try to steal my chair during a show. Also there is a bar (Hookslide Kelly's) within 100 yards of the Main Gate if you can not wait for your beer. tell them your are at the concert and the will get you in and out fast. read more

Very Great place to go see Concert and this year I can't wait for Amos Lee in June he one of my favorites and the park is always kept very clean and it's nice to have parking right next store and it's also great to have many pubs near by too and it's always a good time no matter who your seeing Please keep this going for years to come its one thing I enjoy about Summer. read more

Totally enjoyed a memorable evening last night at Gregg Allman Band show, preceded by Jaimoe's Jasssz Band (more blues than jazz). Both shows were great. We had been at this venue for Herbie Hancock, in the past, and really love this place. I honestly think it depends on what show you go to. We had VIP tickets for this show and had called the Box Office in advance to see whether VIP seats were pre-identified. They are not. We were told the park would be open at 2:00 p.m. to claim your seat. We did this, as did others, and it worked out just fine. We did note that pretty much the entire lawn was already staked out with blankets and chairs that people were able to place at 7:00 a.m.! I felt bad for those who thought they could come later and get a good seat. In the VIP section, we had the great fortune of having Steve as our executive security person. He provided a wealth of information, was truly professional and vigilant in removing seat crashers. A really great guy! We did witness a couple of disturbances, one in which someone who had placed their blanket early at the front, left, and then had someone come and squeeze onto a postage-stamp size of grass in front of them (I think they moved the fence to accomplish this). I don't think it's a great idea to come, stake out a spot, and then come back at the last minute. It leaves you vulnerable for this type of squatter. I actually had the opportunity, while walking around before the showing to sit with Dave, bass player for Jaimoe's band, and have a brilliant conversation. Very memorable! The only correction I think should take place at this venue is better training for a couple of young security kids near the merchandise table at the end of the show. One of these guys was abusing his power a bit and very unnecessarily using very profane language in asking people to step back. I finally told him to stop with the language as there were young children present. He did abide briefly but resumed thereafter. Very bad representation for park security given the park's amazing encouragement of having children under the age of 12 attend free. This security person did not have the maturity to handle this type of position. I would urge whomever hires these young men to do a better job training them or put them in less powerful roles. I felt bad for the parents whose children were subjected to this very poor behavior. read more

Big open space, I like it I like watching the folk bands play here during the Lowell folk festival there's even enough room for me and my main squeeze to dance up front read more

I went to the Pat Benatar concert, her voice is the same as ever!!! I like that a warm-up band is NOT apart of the entertainment at the concert. It seemed Pat B shortened some songs at the concert. However, it still was a good performance!! I felt there were too many staff members telling people to not step, stand or dance in the asphalt area up front. The people in back can still see, even with people in that area.That should be a designated dance area, as in the Folk Festival. People love seeing people dance and have a healthy good time, it creates a active atmosphere!!! The only place that is obstructed is the when people get behind the posts in the front. Let people dance and enjoy themselves, as they are not obstructing anyone view or their ticket value during the concert. People are dancing there during the Folk Festival and it is not a problem. It promotes active participants which are more apt to return to concerts. read more