I came here for a weekday evening concert. Parking is plentiful in Baltimore; there's lots of garages in the area, so my advice is to shop around and pick a lot that's a short walk away to stay out of the post-concert queue. We reserved a spot in advance via SpotHero, which was about a 10-minute walk from the venue, and there was literally no wait to exit the garage (cheaper too!). The venue has a clear bag or small clutch policy, which is strictly enforced. Security was standing by the entrance to pull people with non-compliant bags aside and send them back to their cars. They also had lockers outside for rent if you didn't have a nearby place to stow them in. Security was a little snippy to people who pushed back on the bag restrictions, but it's clearly communicated on the website in advance and the concert norm these days, so that's just poor planning on their part. We came during the first opening act so there wasn't a wait to get in. They had multiple security lines and the ticket-scanning for entry was seamless. With an outdoor venue, it had festival vibes. There were lots of drink, concession, and merch stands, even food trucks stationed around. On a hot summer day, there was even a misting tent. It's not a huge venue, so there's not much to walk around and do once you enter, besides go to your seat or wait in line to buy things. There are a few places to look out on the dock and enjoy the waterfront, but it's facing the opposite direction of the stage. There's also nothing from stopping people who don't have tickets from listening on the other side of the pier. There's benches across the way for people to plant themselves for the evening; we even saw people on the other side setting up lawn chairs. Boats on the water were also floating about to get a listen. You obviously don't get the full experience, but, free concert! The bathrooms were a little janky, but better than portapotties (which are also placed around the venue). They actually had bathroom attendants to direct you to an available stall. Some of the attendants were seated outside the restrooms, smoking. One of the bathrooms had bowls of candy (but I did not partake). Another had a tip jar, which I thought was a little tacky for the atmosphere, but they did work hard to manage traffic inside the restrooms and were constantly tidying up the place and wiping the counters down. Water coolers were also placed near the restrooms to refill water bottles. We had seats under the pavilion but there was no enforcement or ticket checking by staff at all to verify the lawn seat ticket holders vs. pavilion people. I guess they figure people will just manage their own seats and escalate if needed. The lawn was small and there are no screens, so if you're sitting on the lawn, it really is just to listen. That being said, many people did just crowd against the pavilion wooden railings, so you could easily position yourself there to get a view of the band. The pavilion floor isn't very sloped, so if you get stuck behind tall people, your view could be obstructed, unfortunately. Beware of the tent poles which can also block your view and are not clearly indicated on the website as an obstruction. Sound quality of the concert was good - it was loud and in full effect. I also liked how Pier Six Pavilion posted the estimated set times on the website ahead of time (not guaranteed to be accurate/exact, but helpful for planning purposes). Just based on location, I don't plan on frequenting Pier Six Pavilion, but sometimes, seeing one of your favorite artists play live demands it. read more

I'm wishful for warmer weather right now, so that's why I'm reviewing MECU Pavilion - an outdoor venue in Inner Harbor - in the middle of chilly January (on a day when the 'real feel' is currently 7 degrees!). I saw a concert at MECU Pavilion towards the end of summer before COVID struck. The line-up was Rancid, Suicidal Tendencies, Pennywise, and the Aquabats. A group of us drove down to Baltimore for this concert, and ended up making it a little weekend trip - staying at a local hotel and checking out spots around Inner Harbor and Fells Point. I remember not having an issue getting through the ticket line (mobile app passes since it was a Live Nation event) and going through security. The Pavilion is right on the water, so you get good views. Tickets gave you an assigned seat but you could walk around and/or go in the pit. The sound was pretty good, and the MECU had your standard lighting set-up - no frills or lasers at that show. One thing I remember here was that Security was good inside. If it looked like someone was hurt or maybe looked a little too under the influence, staff was there to help or offer help in a professional/non-jerky way. While it was a ruckus rock show with a huge crowd, you still felt safe there (no one was tearing down metal fences or doing dumb stuff). I also remember not having an issue leaving once the concert was over - the crowd moved calmly and orderly (though, can't underestimate this being a result of people being in a good spirits after having a fun time at the concert). read more

Rise Against! This was the first show I've been to in over a year for various reasons that I'm sure you don't know what I'm talking about! Coming here was what's totally good as this was a great show at a fun little venue that was outside and next to the water they had a good set up of a small pit area and lots of seats with the lawn behind it's making for a fun layout and a good spot just about wherever you are. The sound was good the show was fun and I really had a good time coming here hopefully I'll get here again at some point because who doesn't love a good show! Overall Rise Against and Descendants how can you go wrong the sound was good and just awesome vibes all around! See you in the circle pit! read more

MECU Pavilion - Rise Against - Music Venues Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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What a cute location right along the eastern part of Baltimore's Inner Harbor near Little Italy and Fells Point! Looking for parking is probably the number one planning issue if you don't like to pay a lot for parking - right near the venue is the most expensive, but if you don't mind walking, there are cheaper options, and even, if you're lucky, you can find street parking. The location is near a lot of other activities and businesses, but a little bit off to itself. This makes sense given the cacophony you hear when there is live music. It's almost tempting when you know a band is playing to stand somewhere in the surrounding environs, but, don't do it - it will sound like cats and raccoons in trash can alley. Also, don't let your ears be deceived to believing the sound quality in the venue is horrible - it's not. The venue has a paved walkway all around it, where there are various vendors selling beverages and food, as well as band merchandise (t-shirts). The pricing is as expected for a music venue, so, don't be surprised to pay more than you'd like for a beer or a snack. Prices do not reflect quality, either! Folks also do walk around selling drinks, but, the venue isn't so large that you can't go get a drink/snack, and make it back to your seat before too much time has passed. That said, you have to also decide what kind of attendee you'd like to be. I've been here in the seats up front near the band, and it's awesome, but, of course, it's always strange to have seats if you're listening to certain types of music... seek out the circle pit if that's your jam. If you are concerned about people being too excited or rowdy, well, my friends, go for the lawn seats. Those are also a great way if you're on a budget to still "see" live music. When the show starts, you don't have to be in your seat, you can go to the lawn area or somewhere along the edges of the seating area if you're more comfortable there. The seats are definitely not the most comfortable, but if you're listening to live music, it's likely you'll stand up anyhow, right? Especially if everyone else is standing up. It's nice that the venue is an open space, so you can see what's around and if you're lucky enough for a nice night, you can see the sky with the moon and stars - awesome. The location lends itself to some breezes as it's right on the water - so that's a great touch. It could get cold though, so, plan accordingly. Folks on the lawn area had blankets and lawn seats. However, you cannot bring your own food or beverages, and large bags are not permitted. Great little spot for live music with decent acoustics, open air and a fabulous view into the Inner Harbor from certain locations. I'm sure I'll be back. It's pretty affordable and not pretentious. read more

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Great artists come here and yet the venue is lacking big time! Thanks for using paper straws but I didn't see one recycle bin and you are sharing a harbor with Mr. Trash Wheel...you should probably get It together. Other than the disregard for the environment, I mean the close proximity to the harbor means that you have to be better than other venues and restaurants, I like the venue. Great pit area, a small lawn area, and lots of seating. Another great aspect is that they take storms very seriously which is important because when i am sitting in a metal chair under a tent, I do not want to be electrocuted. read more

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In looking back at the show last evening, I feel like the venue itself, the sound and the location were fantastic, HOWEVER, the support staff was absolutely subpar. I had numerous interactions with yellow shirted crew, all very professional and exceedingly nice. In fact, I assisted filling the 5 gallon water container near that bathroom by carrying it back and forth from the concession area located there as they were overrun with people procuring alcohol. One of my friends entered the restroom near the western entrance and was attempting to use a stall, but the door would not latch. It repeatedly swung open while she was in a rather compromising position with her pants down and her purse HANGING OUT OF HER REACH ON THE DOOR. She was forced to try the hold the door shut while keeping her clothing off the floor and retrieving toilet tissue. She eventually tried to close the door to engage the lock and it came off the hinges, falling and striking her. She cleaned up but was thoroughly embarrassed. She flagged down the yellow shirt who was working as an attendant ( a thankless job) and reported the incident, not to complain but to simply offer an explanation. She then waited to report further, if necessary. It was at this point that a black shirted "safety officer" who neglected to offer his name when asked (6 feet 2 inches tall, late twenties perhaps with an injured finger on his right hand that was wrapped in gauze) ACCOSTED her. Accusing her of actively attempting to destroy "his" property and effectively treated her like a criminal as she was nearly in tears trying to explain what happened. He then proceeded to tell her she could no longer use the bathrooms in the venue. I won't get into the implications of that particular logic at this time. Is that a standard punitive response to accidental damage that was a direct result of faulty infrastructure? At this point, I intervened and asked him what she should have done and, like a truly mindless automaton, he repeatedly told me she shouldn't have "damaged his venue". I asked his name and he responded that he was not obligated to give it. I then asked to speak with another security person or a shift supervisor. Denied. My friends and I have attended shows in more than thirty states and in all types of venues. We are support staff for Harrisburg University's Riverfront venue in Harrisburg PA. We volunteer with street teams and work directly with musicians to support their live shows. WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED UNPROFESSIONALISM AND ACCUSATIONS TO THIS DEGREE. I'm not sure what that gentlemen's malfunction was, but it has soured me on ever attending this venue again. I expect that nothing will come of this, and there will be no repercussions for a SERVICE STAFF employee who was obvious to busy fondling his radio to assist a patron, but you asked why I gave a rating of 0 out of 10 and that's my statement. read more

Here's the deal, we've been to a few shows here. Some good, some not so good. The sound can really be an issue here. Everything is overpriced per usual. Security is always insanely nice. We only buy lawn tickets here. It's just easier getting in and out. I find the prices for the layout and comfort of anything seated to just not be worth it. The location is great. You're right on the water! It's fun to watch boats go by while you're jamming' out. We park in the Harbor garage. It's a few blocks to the venue but we just find that garage has better prices and parking. read more

MECU Pavilion - Music Venues Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Easy parking nearby, it was a short walk with beautiful views. Set up on its own island, slightly outside the main harbor, the venue gives off a very 'downtown vibe'. There was a lot of security to go through, which was a good safety measure, but felt a bit excessive when I had to unfold, shake out, and empty my blanket/bag to get in. Inside the space was much smaller than typical venues in the area. The pit, seats, and lawn are all very close together. This close proximity was ideal since we were holding lawn tickets; we weren't too far away-easy to see- and the noise levels are fantastic. But then again when thinking about it, I realized if I had bought expensive seats and most of the lawn ticket holders just easily moved up during the concert, I would be slightly annoyed. Not a lot of food or beer choices. Plus they were some of the highest prices I've seen at a venue. read more

1) Excessively rude staff 2) REALLY aggressive security 3) Distractingly poor sound quality 4) Ridiculously small seats 5) Crazy priced drinks This place does not realize that we are CUSTOMERS who have paid hundreds of dollars to watch a show, they see everyone as a potential criminal. I still can't believe I went back here after being treated so badly last time, but my favorite band was playing and I couldn't resist....never again. I don't believe in "stealing" the concert, but I will never give this place a my money again. I now understand why people bring lawn chairs on adjacent piers. read more

Came here for the first time since it's become the MECU Pavilion to see Social D. I used to frequent this spot back when it was Pier 6 along with just about every other venue that has existed in Baltimore in the last 20 years. The fact that there's only a few reviews of MECU so far speaks volumes in my opinion. Seating - My fellow reviewers are totally on point. I had front row seats and even they were, quite frankly, the tiniest seats I've ever seen in my life. NOT worth $200+ whatsoever. If you think airplane seats are tiny just wait till you see their excuse of seating. And that's coming from a petite punk rock chick. Pit - The above being said, one would think $200+ for a front row seat should come with access to the pit. Nope, not here. Granted that might be something more specific with the promoters but it's something that needs to be worked on since people are beyond uncomfortable in your tiny metal seats. VIP Packages - One of my biggest concerns as I did not want to deal with toting around my stuff that was part of the package. You can check in early, get the goodies, and leave and come back later on. You don't have to enter the venue (sometimes this isn't the case) so that was a nice touch. Staff - I agree with my fellow reviewers on this one. They came across as unusually rude and nasty. I made friends with my front row neighbors throughout the show and on numerous occasions we had to point out to security people sliding into our row and our seats with lawn tickets. Still waiting for my reimbursement check MECU/Live Nation for doing the job of your yellow shirt front row staff. Overall - Listen to the others. I enjoyed me experience but next time I'll either save my money and get lawn seats or else just set up my own seats outside of the venue nearby. Not worth dealing with their staff who seem to be in serious need of an attitude adjustment. read more

Formerly Pier VI Beautiful views, acceptable sound for the most part, and assuming that it's not too crowded, the lawn seats are quite acceptable to see and hear the band. (bring a chair and blankets) We bought seats but they're so cramped that we stood in the very back lawn area and danced the night away. Horrible food selection: a few food trucks selling fried chicken tenders, pretzels, and mystery meat sandwiches. But don't worry: everything's way overpriced so you won't buy much anyway. (Would it kill you to offer a salad????) Oh ... there's PLENTY of alcohol stands and they sell alcohol with vendors walking through the stands. Disgusting porta potties (do they EVER empty them?). Hey, people? Have you ever heard of a lawn mower? Take a little pride in your venue and mow the lawn. What's the cigarette smoking policy? Barely a minute went by without my having to breathe second-hand smoke. And $30 for parking. read more