EVERYTHING NEEDS IMPROVING!! Arrived 25 minutes early, already had tickets, had to shuffle through slow, unorganized lines, which were not designated for ticket holders-just "Show entrance". Our $221 seats were folding chairs jammed together with no room, in spite of our entire row being empty (along with many other rows half empty) The overhead fluorescent lights were unnecessarily blaring. The acts themselves were great -the venue embarrassing. Came out smelling like the greasy food being sold as the doors were left open for all the smells. Will not return or recommend this completely disappointing venue. read more

Family night out - show starts at 7.... They don't let anyone enter until 7 so good luck finding your seat in the dark, never mind get a refreshment or use the restroom without missing the opening act - which I caught the very end of and she was probably pretty funny. Not a good customer experience at all. The show itself was great, I was done being cranky about the bad start by the time Jim Gaffigan came on. There has to be a better way - who ever thought the way we were treated was good business should be fired. read more

There are no more concerts at this venue. It's all rubbish shows there. I guess the new owner doesn't want to spend the money to have great live bands play at the civic center anymore read more

Great place! Snack bar is always open and good food for a decent price. Always ample lighted parking and within walking distance to good restaurants. read more

Parking is a nightmare. Getting inside is a free for all. Our show started almost an hour late because people were still coming in. No fault of the audience, it's just a logistical nightmare getting inside. Not enough bathrooms either. This place is overdue for an overhaul. The floor seats are folding chairs (comfortable and padded) that are ridiculously close together. You are full body touching the person next to you. And I'm an average person. Thank God we got the 2 seats on the aisle because would have been truly miserable in the middle. Also, floor area is all flat so if person sitting in front of you is taller, guess what? You can't see the stage. A slight incline would fix that. If you are going to see a show if any kind here, get the 200s section. Those seats are better, spacing between is slightly better and on an incline so you can see. If you want a drink, go to the 200 section. It's cash only but line is much shorter. That said $12 for a can of beer in a crappy venue is Highway robbery. We were in the area and wanted to see Sebastian Maniscalco. So we did. But I will never come here again. It was just good timing that had us in Poughkeepsie for this weekend. Ticket prices were ridiculous to be that uncomfortable. read more

We traveled over 3hours to see Dwight Yokham and the Mavericks it was so disappointing no fault of the singers. The seats are so close together no room to move you are literally touching the person next to you. the sound system was horrible all muffled and scratchy and way too loud someone said sounded like a speaker was blown. who ever was running lights kept blinding people flashing these white lights at the audience . we have heard the Mavericks several times so we know what they're suppose to sound like they an amazing band. would have been nice to see Dwight somewhere else where we could have enjoyed his singing. would never go there again to listen to a band. read more

This place sucks they rarely get any good shows any more the acoustics suck the concessions suck nasty bathrooms parking sucks poughkeepsie has turned into a cesspool. It was nice years ago Avoid at all costs. read more

It was the most rundown cheap theater . My Kids school auditorium is better . I drove 1.5 hrs fromNYC to see Kevin Hart he was amazing !!! I felt bad for him because the theater was so warm I can't imagine how hot the stage must've been. Before the show started they had us all waiting in The rink its was about 85 degrees in there. Then there was the Chairs they were cheap plastic flimsy chairs and so uncomfortable. The theater is small so there isn't a bad seat for views in the house unfortunately the stage lights were so bad and cheap so all u could see was a glare from the lights. I was impressed that Kevin Hart would voluntarily perform here . This theater is in need of a major major renovation and if this is not going to happen then they should shut it down. It's not a nice place for the performers or for the customers. read more

I've only been to the Civic Center for a few different Wing fests and I have enjoyed it so far. Space is ample, it's close to the PK train station (walkable too) and has the hotel nearby. I've never felt too crowded but then again I have only gone for events that were walkable inside, not seated. In the future, if more events are held here, I wouldn't hesitate to return. read more

Great place and amazing staff.....I would highly recommend attending a show at this facility

Went to see a hilarious comedian here Friday 2/28/20- tight seating for sure. We had floor seats and I'm an average size person and I was squished- in my folding chair . Forget about getting up to go to the bathroom or get a drink- there is zero room to get by people to get to the aisle. Oh and if you're the first show, don't expect to use the restrooms afterwards on premises. They had security line up in front of the restrooms when the show ended. I saw many angry customers, who paid a lot of money to be there, get told to go next door to the hotel and use their bathrooms.....uhhh...what??? Cmon man- you don't send people to someone else's business just so you can keep your timeline for the 2nd show. Parking is easy. Only bonus. read more

Securities inconsistencies will keep me away from this venue permanently. The website clearly states bags 4.5 x 6 bags or smaller so I made sure to bring my smallest bag that complies. I have an asthma inhaler that I need on me at all times. I asked security outside if my bag was okay and the older gentleman told me I'd be fine after I explained my asthma inhaler inside. We waited in line about 20 minutes to get inside and once we got in the security guard inside at the second line refused to let me in, even after explaining that I needed a rescue inhaler. I walked all the way back to the car and was at least able to skip the line but once inside the venue there was people with way larger bags that were not clear. I had to leave my rescue inhaler in the car and risk needing it once inside and people with large purses were allowed inside. I'll never come here again. Oh and if you buy water they don't let you keep the bottle. Yep. They don't just take the cap. They poor it into a cup. read more

See all

Over the years, my activities here have changes as my interests have changed. When I first moved here, I would go the ice arena for skating on Wednesday nights. Years later, I would come here for concerts. WPDH used to help get some halfway decent concerts here, but the acoustics for rock concerts were horrible. My ears would typically ring for 2-3 days after, and there had been no way to put in tiered, elevated seating; everybody sat at ground level, and if the people in front of you stood on their chairs, you were out of luck. These days, I go here mostly for shows and expos, for which they do a decent job. For these sorts of things, the civic center is right-sized for the crowds and events. Their website advertises parking at the garage in-between the civic center and the Poughkeepsie Grand hotel, but often you cannot park there; the parking garage across the street is still convenient and reasonably inexpensive. The center is showing its age. The stairways could be a bit wider, and the elevators could be more convenient. But in general, everything was clean and well-maintained. read more

This place suckkkkeeeed. All 100 level seats were on a flat floor with no incline so good luck seeing anything. Stuck on line for so long we missed the beginning of the show. Please go elsewhere -- if the comedian wasn't so good it would have been an awful night with how disorganized, thoughtless and cramped this place was read more

Went for a comedy show and the venue is horrible. The seating is ridiculous. We payed $130 per seat and we were squished in like sardines. I couldn't believe it. We had to sit like that for 2 hours while the temperature was probably 98 degrees inside. How can you charge $130 for those seats? For that venue? Never in my life I will be back there. They should remodel that place. Get rid of the folding chairs!! No wonder everybody makes fun of our city. We don't even have a proper venue for these kind of things. Horrible. I'm actually mad. read more

The security and staff offered by the Mid Hudson Civic Center was superb! Not only did they do a great job on every detail with the event, they went above and beyond to offer ideas of places to eat in the surrounding areas. The staff was flexible and accommodating. The sound and lights were incredible! I would definitely host an event here again! Thanks for giving the NYDM a place to host their 15 year annual celebration!!! read more

This is a horrible excuse for an arena and events center. The place is falling down and no repairs have been done. The marquee in the back and front are both broken and there have been no attempts to fix it. Speaking specifically about the ice arena, the ice gets done maybe once a decade, if you're lucky. The locker rooms are in atrocious states, some with no locks, which really makes you feel great about leaving your valuables in there, and "service" that is nonexistent. Butch Anderson's wife has taken over to "oversee" the Civic Center and to "help" it, but I wouldn't be surprised that that conflict of interest leads to nothing being done. DO NOT GO. read more

I should have read all of the other reviews before paying to see a show here because they are all true. We went here last night for a comedy show and the seating was ridiculous. I do not recommend seeing anyone live here. I'm an average size person and it was uncomfortable for myself to be squeezed in my seat. I will not be attending a show here ever again. I am pretty easy going, but there was absolutely no space for people to breathe. Not worth paying to see anyone here ever. Travel farther to see someone live if you're thinking about it. Money not well spent. read more

The place need some TLC, Investors and to step into this century. I was just at the civic Center for a Sesame Street Live show. Now I should preface my review with saying that it was my choice to see the show here because of pricing. What would have cost nearly $800 at Madison Square Garden cost me $260.00. A VIP Meet and Greet and Second Row seats for 4 people. So - yes I know what I was getting into regarding the venue and the drive. The place is just old. Reminded me of the Nassau Coliseum. the decor, signage and seats - all old. We were escorted into a room in the lower level for the Meet and Greet - it was a decent looking room and nicely decorated with Balloons and Sesame Street step and repeats. Watching my girls interact with Elmo and Cookie Monster - Priceless. The venue for the show - not bad. Sound was good and our view was amazing! I think the place works for a small kids show but I can not imagine a concert in this place. The concessions reminded me of a High School Wrestling Tourney or a Cheer-leading Comp. Although I must say pricing was GREAT. $21.00 for 6 people getting snacks and drinks. Getting in and getting out - smooth!!!! Free Parking although there wasn't much guidance regarding why it was free, ticket to get into the lot, a worker, nothing. I parked and prayed that the car would be there at the end of the show. So would I return - based on the getting in and out with no pushing or headaches, the pricing be great and giving the girls the experience of a meet and greet and front row seats at an affordable price...Yes - should I have the opportunity to see another kids show here...I will. As long as I remember that you get what you pay for! read more

Such a great venue and nice workers. Bathrooms were clean sound was great. I'll definitely comeback and recommend the place. We had our NYDM 15 year annual there and it was a great experience read more

Excellent arena for live events, with a LARGE stage, GA and seating. Staff and security are wonderful. Looking forward to seeing more events here. They also have a nice ice skating rink, if you are a skater, or into hockey. read more

Thanks for allowing us to have the NYDM annual with you guys!!! Every staff member I saw/interacted with smiled and was friendly, there's not a bad thing I could possibly say and I spent the better part of two days at this venue.... read more

I am a promoter and organizer for the 2018 15th NYDM Annual Music Festival. A little less than 2 weeks prior to our event, we were advised that our capacity would exceed the max permitted at our venue. In reaching out to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, they were more than accommodating and worked overtime to assist us in moving to their venue. Their professionalism, experience and tenacity enabled us to bring a two day music festival to life on a legendary stage which had once seen the likes of legends such as Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Motörhead, Ozzy, Ringo Starr and so many more. The sound in the room was terrific. Our professional sound team filled the room with impeccable quality sound to rave reviews. The venue management, security team, concession workers, housekeeping and every worker pulled together to go above and beyond to welcome us. Our NYDM production team and the Civic Center team pulled together, unified, to create an incredible successful event. Lydia and Danielle (Civic management team) were an absolute pleasure to work with. We hope to partner again in the future to continue to invigorate the live music scene in Poughkeepsie, NY. Our NYDM mission is to support live music in the 40 states and 12 countries of our operations. We are an organized club of volunteers, made up of promoters, musicians and music enthusiasts with the mission to perpetuate the live music scene and to bring kids to music with all age shows. We had attendees from across the US and as far as Australia and England at our event. It was important that we had a great venue to represent our brand. Civic Center recognized and supported our vision. We can't thank them enough for being such great advocates and partners for our event. We highly recommend this venue and look forward to doing more events there. Respectfully, Dorre Daniela NYDM/Rockland County NY Chapter read more

My son, who is a paraplegic and in a wheelchair, went to see the Drop Kick Murphys last night (2/17/19). According to your website, you do have ADA compliant seating/ access for people with wheelchairs. Unfortunately, my son was not afforded this option. He was ushered to the main floor. Apparently, the elevator was not working so he could not get to the top area to view the show. This is not acceptable by no means. read more

I was there for the Beer fest .. the festival was great.. the Civic Center needs to tighten up their box office with better service.. the line was long and only 1 person in the box office and that person was just slow.. And somebody that said he was a manager was outside just telling people where the back of the line was.. he should have been in the box office helping. read more

The place looks like it's seen better days. Went to a concert there recently and I enjoyed it since it was easy in- and out, parking was free and the concessions prices were reasonable. I don't think the facility could handle anything major, but kind of shocked that there are very few concerts scheduled there. Of course, not privy to the economics of running the place, but just seems to this layperson like a waste of space. read more

Went to see The Dropkick Murphy's on 02/17/19. The beer vendor was totally unorganized and my have committed a crime (?) by charging $10 for a 12 ounce cup of beer, and then, once The Dropkick Murphy's started playing, they raised the beer price to $15. There was no advance notice of this change. It was very embarrassing finally getting to the front of the unorganized line only to find out I didn't have enough money to buy a beer for both my wife and I. Shameful! read more

Towards the beginning of June, I sat for a show. The usher was kind, but didn't listen to his own rules. He told us to wait on line, and that we would be the first ones in. However, when the doors opened, we seemed to have been forgotten about. People who were waiting in other areas were ushered in first. Then, when we got inside (the building)and were waiting to be ushered to our seats, the area was cramped. I squeezed in so much, there was no space to get past. One of my parents had to use the restrooms(and they could not get past others who were trying to do the same thing.) THEY NEED to ENLARGE THIS SPACE DESPERATELY, so they can comfortably and efficiently let people wander in. I've seen several performances there before, but this one specific incident almost two months ago, had me starstruck-I just had to tell everyone about it. Bathrooms are on an upstairs area, with no elevators nearby. According to another usher, they said that people need to bring winter fur coats to the restrooms, as it's located right underneath the cooling station for the ice for the ice-arena. Seating wasn't the worlds greatest either. Although the seats were slightly padded, there was almost no leg-room, and since there were people next to me, no arm room as well. That's where little kids get off easy(although they got their fair share of problems at this center too, since most kids can't see from the front seating areas). Be careful at looking at ticket prices. If you go for a concert and buy cheap seats that sit near the front, you may very well be sitting right directly in front of the blasting speakers. We weren't going for a concert this past time, but several years ago, this was the story, when we attended a Beach Boys concert there in 1996. (I've had other performances I've seen that were enjoyable), but this performance may have detered my appearance and money there, the next time I make the decision. read more

What happened to the MHCC? I remember my friends and I used to see some really good shows here (Ozzy,Pantera,Slayer,Megadeth,etc.) now it has been reduced to Kids Expos,Marist Fashion Shows, and other sorts of mediocrity. I guess The Chance Theater took over where the MHCC didn't. read more

Let me first start by saying REO was awesome. We saw them a few years ago at Bethel Woods when Kevin had a throat problem and I was hoping that wasn't going to be his voice moving forward. Happy to say it wasn't. Again, the band was great. Now onto the venue. It was like listening to a band in a school gymnasium. I'm curious what the large sum of money donated recently went to because it certainly wasn't the area we were in. My wife and I paid for tickets that put us on the right side pretty close to the stage and near the isle. Well it wasn't long before a lot of people rushed up front and stood by the stage and even in the aisle. So much for being able to see. After about 1/2 hour of this I went to find security. The gentleman said there really wasn't much he could do. REALLY? I showed him all of the people in the freaking aisle standing. Finally after about another 1/2 hour security did come and disperse everyone. That lasted about 20 minutes or so. Because security didn't stay there people eventually came back. I could have bought crappy tickets too if I knew I was allowed to stand up front and block others (being sarcastic). It's a sad statement that it wouldn't ever cross someone's mind that they aren't made of glass and I can't see through them or that maybe, just maybe they were blocking others. I guess that goes along with the whole entitlement mindset. Some people could give a crap about anyone but themselves. To all of those idiots doing this so they could record with their phones... put your freaking phones down and be in the moment. Those on Facebook really don't care about your awesome evening at the REO Speedwagon concert. To sum it up, REO great, venue bad, security useless and some people suck. read more