Last year I rated this venue the top 5 Stars. Having been recently renovated I would now rate this venue even higher. Having visited this venue multiple times in the past, we always thoroughly enjoyed attending concerts on the original stage. The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation was established in 2007 with a clear mission: to enrich the Delmarva region through the transformative power of the arts. Founded to honor the enduring legacy of Josh Freeman--a dedicated business leader and philanthropist who believed deeply in community--the organization was built upon the fundamental principle that the arts should be accessible to everyone. This vision became a reality in the summer of 2008 with the debut of The Freeman Stage at Bayside, which originally featured a modest, covered wooden stage set on a small grassy patch within the Bayside community. What began as a simple summer performance series rapidly blossomed into a cherished community gathering spot, welcoming local families, national touring acts, school groups, and thousands of enthusiastic arts lovers each season. Driven by a phased expansion strategy and a capital campaign, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is transitioning into a premier outdoor performance venue capable of hosting around 4,000 guests, equipped with state-of-the-art production technology and enhanced comforts for both performers and attendees. We attended the grand opening of this new stage on July 8th to catch the Matteo Bocelli World Tour. Arriving around 5:45 PM, we found the main lot completely full and had to park in the secondary lot to the right of the entrance. After waiting in line for about 20 minutes, we entered using our QR-coded tickets. We walked up the boardwalk to our seats in section 303, row P, seats 17 and 18. The total cost for our two tickets including Allianz Global Assistance insurance was $375. I am not sure how much the insurance cost was, but days before the concert we could have purchased similar row P seats for under $100 per seat without any insurance. Next time we will not purchase insurance. The new stadium seating is a massive upgrade over the previous flat lawn setup with folding chairs; these seats are permanently set in concrete and offer plenty of space to stretch out and unwind. For our next visit, we intend to secure seats closer to the main stage in sections 202 or 102. Matteo treated the crowd to an encore, which we stayed to enjoy, before making our exit during his final number. By taking the alternative route via Sound Church Road out to Route 54, we successfully bypassed the typical post-event traffic. Refer to my many videos and pics from our event. I will return here with my friends for a George Thorogood And The Destroyers concert so more to come from me. read more

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My wife and I have attended several concerts at this venue over the past several years with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Most recently (Oct. 2026) we had the opportunity to see Styx. The pavilion underwent a complete renovation in 2025 adding more seats, a larger stage and more food vendors. It seats approximately 4500 people including the lawn area. All of the seating is outside with no roofing. I found it strange that with the renovations covered seating would not have been added. Every seat offers an excellent view of the stage, due to the seating being arranged like a stadium. Acoustics are very good with plenty of speakers allowing the music to be heard throughout. There are approximately six food trucks and several concession stands offering Mexican food. seafood, burgers, fries, etc. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including beer are also offered. Food prices average about $20/person. Parking is free and plentiful and well organized by the venue staff (all volunteers). There a couple of regular bathrooms as well as Port-a-Potties. More bathrooms would be useful and helpful. Lines are common during events. The crowds are well behaved and security consists of volunteer staff members and Delaware State Troopers. I appreciate that the pavilion helps support the music arts and our youth. This is a beautiful venue in a beautiful area. I recommend this location for a nice, relaxing evening out with friends and family. read more

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Visited here in late June to see four popular 70's bands in one night. Arrived early to get the best seats since it is general admission. Parking was easy and efficient in and out. Found fantastic seats. As with all outdoor venues, patrons are not allowed to bring in their own food and drinks so those for purchase can be on the expensive side. Food was OK: burger only so so but chicken was great. Live music pre-concert near picnic area was very enjoyable. Grounds are lovely. Portable toilets were clean as were the public restrooms. Concert area very well managed with rows chalked in the grass. We had a great night and hope to be able to see another concert here this summer. read more

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I saw the Sam Hunt concert at the Freeman Arts Pavilion on July 24th, 2025. The venue is not that big. It is outdoors, and they have fold up chairs on the lower deck and an open field on the upper deck where you can bring your own chairs. They only have porta potties. The concession stand sold seltzers and beers however, the only food was caramel popcorn, pretzels, and chips. There are food trucks right outside the main stage area and picnic tables as well, so if you get there early you can grab a bite. There are a lot of people walking around that work there so if you need help, you can just ask one of them. There's also free parking but I suggest getting there early if you want to find a spot easily. read more

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We saw Matteo Bocelli on July 8 and I am still in awe of him, his voice, his connection to the audience, and the experience left me wanting more! Not to mention, this venue has been renovated and it is just fantastic! We sat in reserved seating. The seats were comfortable and we really liked the cupholders, made it convenient to store my wine while I ate my great food from the Cantina! I can't say enough about the staff, the venue and the overall experience. This is a highly satisfied customer, and would recommend this venue to EVERYONE! read more

This venue is really very well run with a staff of hundreds of volunteers. Friendly and helpful from entry to exit m. The food concessions are plentiful and offer wide armrest of drinks and snacks. Restroom are of the deluxe kind in a mobile trailer. It is a great environment for not singles and families. Recommend you to attend a show or two each season. Many shows are free events. And there is also a Shuttle service. read more

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Although we appreciate the performances that come to the newly renovated Freemann Pavilion, they have taken the security stuff to a level that is ridiculous. Not only must you take your chair out of its sleeve, one volunteer took our chairs aside and dug down looking for contraband. There was rain in the forecast, but no umbrellas allowed, although no material specified that restriction (we were told we could purchase cheap little rain ponchos for $1. They were $4 each.) My purse had to be inspected and tagged as such, even though it fit under the approved dimensions. No texting, calls, videos, or social media allowed before or during performance (no problem with that; protecting the artists' intellectual property), but nowhere did it say we couldn't use the Internet to check the weather. Give a guy a yellow shirt with Security embroidered on it, and he gets drunk with power, ordering, not politely, to put the phone away (another stricture that was not listed). It felt like Freeman is designing policies to make patrons feel like criminals. It'll take a lot to bring us back. read more

On Tuesday evening my friend and I saw Andy Grammer and Fitz and the Tantrums! This is a super cute venue which has food trucks and little concession stands for booze and pretzels. I just bought water to drink and splash myself with! My friend bought some white wine. Prices are nutty, but remember you're there for the show! Also, support the venue-- because it's a good one! I will start by saying, we went on a MEGA hot day. Guys, no breeze in the air. At 6pm, the sun is still high and we had sun all throughout Andy Grammer's set... poor guy even said he didn't think he had ever sweat this much in front of anyone! His energy was incredible, BTW. Go see him! I did not know why there was a table full of bug spray close to where we entered... UNTIL the sun went down. It was such a relief to not have the sun beaming down upon us with no breeze..... little did we know, the bugs came out to the party too. We were getting eaten up left and right! Everyone was fleeing to that bug spray table. LESSON LEARNED: bring bug spray!!!! Save yourself -- arms and legs and everything in between! I don't think there is a bad seat in the house even if you are on the lawn :) I forgot to mention, they have free parking-- super easy, quick little 2 min walk to venue and we brought our own chairs! Remember, to bring clear bags too! read more

Freeman Arts Pavilion - I even danced by the metal fence during Fitz and the Tantrums because I was trying not to getting bitten! No one seemed to mind! - Music Venues Near Me - Selbyville, Delaware

We went to our first concert at the Freeman Arts Pavillion to see Keb Mo and Sheryl Crow. It was a great concert and venue. We sat in the reserved seating--which was awesome and gave us a great view and proximity to hearing the concert really well. I especially liked all of the food choices at the Canteen and the variety of food trucks--and was especially thrilled to get seafood at one of the food trucks. There was also a good selection of reasonably priced alcoholic beverages. My only suggestion would be making the reserved seating chairs a little more comfortable. We are looking forward to seeing Fitz and the Tantrums and Andy Grammer. read more

Freeman Arts Pavilion - Great food truck selection. - Music Venues Near Me - Selbyville, Delaware

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. We have been waiting for almost an hour for John Fogerty. No one has told us anything. The opening act played for a half hour(7 to 7:30) and they kind of sucked. read more

We are sitting right now at the three dog night concert. It was BILLED that it would start at 7:00 p.m and currently it is 7:55 with no sign of the band. It is 88° and they're making no announcements. Very POOR customer service! Tix were not cheap, this stinks. read more

If you are ever in Bethany Beach, DE be sure and check out the Freeman Arts Pavilion. Great entertainment, tasty food/beverages, helpful volunteers and spacious venue grounds. read more

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I can't imagine a better concert experience than here. Very friendly staff, great sound, facility and amenities. Decent food and drinks. read more

Freeman Arts Pavilion - Bring you own chairs for this concert. - Music Venues Near Me - Selbyville, Delaware

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I don't reccomend this facility, at all if you are disabled. Heavy slant/hills/ and no real access in seating areas in any zone (food/show) Pickup food is helpful but if you travel to get there a wheelchair the pitch is will have you fighting to be on the pavement and not headed to the pond. If you are disabled, don't come alone. read more

What a pain to get in! No nothing, no water, no keys, no bag for the chair they recommended you bring. Good luck! It's nice enough once you make it through, but really-- try carrying everything in then ordering food and a beverage and carrying those too -- it doesn't work unless you're a sponsor or have been here before with you're previously purchased water bottle; again what a pain! read more

Great concert venue. Great parking garage calledFitzgerald right across street. Fair pricing. Great bar/grill right across street called Brass Tap read more

This venue is AWESOME! I saw Step Afrika perform here and it was AMAZING! The venue is not huge and very intimate. I loved the fact that even if you didn't bring a chair a blanket in the lawn was perfect and people were very considerate about obstructing views. The venue is on the water so with it being muggy, that breeze off of the manmade lake was love! They serve food here but I didn't get anything as we ate before we arrived and I'm not sure if you can bring in your own concessions, but when I looked at the prices on the way out that were much in line with other venues I have frequented. Also if you are a germaphobe and don't like using public bathrooms...it's all good...it's not a port a potty but a real bathroom! I'll be back...it's a nice little get away spot read more

Good location and good vibes. Great venue for any concert. The big screens makes it easy for you to sit anywhere without missing anything. Looking forward for the next concert. read more

The Freeman Stage is a serious gem located in lower Sussex County Delaware! The outdoor live music venue has 360 degree beautiful views and they have a range of concerts for everyone. I went to Colbie Caillat a couple of days ago and the show was absolutely amazing and not expensive! I think it is fun of everyone brings their own lawn chairs and has a very chill and casual vibe. They have a ton of drink options (I got the tequila lime canned cocktail and it was delicious), they also have wine carafes for $38 which saves money if you are having multiple glasses! You can also get it refilled for cheaper and bring it back to other concerts to save money in the future. Highly recommend coming to a show at this venue! You will not regret it - but make sure to only buy tickets directly through their website in order to avoid fraudulent/overpriced tickets. read more

My husband and I went to the Train show tonight. It was a fantastic show. This was our first time at freeman arts pavilion and it will definitely not be our last. As soon as we drove in, there were attendants everywhere to show you where to park. Upon entering the area itself, more attendants were Available to show you where your seat was. We've been to other venues like this and they were no where near as organized as freeman arts. Can't wait to go back read more

We saw comedian Tom Papa at the Freeman Arts pavilion. It's a beautiful venue. I'd love to visit again on our next beach vacation.

We went to this venue last night for a concert and the volunteers that work there were so friendly and helpful. I felt like I had walked through the pearly gates of heaven. It was so refreshing to have staff be so incredibly nice. Since Covid my expectations have dropped to the point of not expecting anything. I would go there again just to be treated the way we were treated last night. read more

Melissa concert 1st time here thankfully no rain love the pod seating 4 person socially distance we'll see about how the leaving after concert goes but love it so far read more

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The Freeman Stage is an amazing venue for concerts and events. Sim beautiful and quaint location. They bring great acts to the area and support the arts and the local community read more

Didn't realize when I booked that Freeman was significantly rearranged with everything so far away from each other that it is completely handicapped inaccessible unless you are in a wheelchair. Parking, food, Drinks and bathrooms are so far away from the pods that you can't get there comfortably on a cane or walker. Don't bother if you have mobility issues. Also, they sent out an email with the 3 food trucks for the night so I looked them up and chose my options. Got there and none of them were correct. Food was inedible- eat at home! read more

Really bummed I didn't discover this place before. Slower Lower Delaware is really a desert for "big time" entertainment, Freeman Stage being the exception. Parking is free and super easy, lots of friendly volunteers whom another reviewer characterized as "geriatrics", but I'd take being old over young and snarky any day. At least the poor lad has time to improve himself. Check it out, free parking at a concert with nice people to help you find a spot. Try that one in Philly or Baltimore, smarty pants. Three food trucks, the usual merch table, and unusually a nice outdoor bar/cafe area selling very passable wine, beer, and premixed cocktails at not outrageous prices, proceeds apparently fund the arts in the area. The best part? It's a half hour from my house. I call this place a winner. read more

I bought tickets for Brian Setzer. I thought I was buying them from the Freeman Stage directly. But to my surprise I was re-directed to TICKETCENTER.COM. I ordered 2 tickets for a total of $336.50. I just found out that I could have gotten them for $60 EACH. TICKETCENTER charged me an EXTRA $216.50 for the tickets!!!! TICKETCENTER is a bunch of RAPISTS!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Why can people not sit down? While I am glad there is a big screen, could not even see that. Not only that, people talk loudly to volunteers. It is so distracting to the show. read more

Love this place, close to home and usually good acts. Wish there was more food and beverage choices.

While the Freeman stage is awesome (especially in nice weather) the food offered is terrible. We ordered the chicken sandwich and got a bag of chips, chicken on a plain roll, not even lettuce and tomato! Yuck. While the wine in a carafe is nice, the food is really awful and choices extremely limited. There wasn't even ice cream available on summer evening! Freeman really needs to up its game. Recommend to Freeman folks that they offer similar fare as is offered at Wolf Trap in Virginia. It is so nice to go to Wolf Trap and purchase picnics to go in advance and enjoy a nice dinner on the lawn. There is also a really good menu for onsite dining. Since Freeman stage is in such an upscale neighborhood, the food ought to be upscale too! Better food options would truly enhance the venue! read more

Highly recommended going to Resort Golf Club which is onsite before going into the venue. You won't be disappointed as the food and drink options here are friendly. You can even bring the kids along. Just ask to sit outside. As for the venue itself, beer is priced reasonably and the wine is too. They offer a carafe which is $38. HAHA, won't be getting that. The seats are HARD plastic make your bottom hurt chairs. Do yourself a favor and bring a good cushion to sit on. Now for the real disaster. Parking is free and plentiful BUT getting out was a nightmare. Ok, I get it, it's a small venue but the geriatrics they got directing traffic has gotta go. They "herd" you like cattle out of the lot. We sat for over 30 minutes waiting to get out. If you can bike or walk to this place, you will thank yourself later. They had "rent a cops" at the intersection when the easy fix would be to take the intersection light to a flashing light and offline to get people out quicker with the assistance of the rent a cops. Will I go back, sure, will I park there. NOPE. Freeman Stage has a lot of logistical issues to get figured out read more