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The Concord Pavilion is the largest concert venue in Contra Costa County and one of the Bay Area’s top spots to see live music each season. Since opening its doors in 1975, the open-air venue has hosted a wide array of acts, including Bing Crosby, Gladys Knight, Jimmy Buffett, Al Green, REO Speedwagon, Bonnie Raitt, Wu-Tang Clan, Bruce Springsteen, Iron Maiden and perhaps most famously, the Concord Jazz Festival.
The 12,500-capacity venue is owned by the City of Concord and operated by Live Nation. Here’s what else you need to know before you go.
2019 concert highlights
This season’s best bets include Elvis Costello and Blondie Aug. 8; Wiz Khalifa Aug. 11; Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top Aug. 24; the sixth annual Hot Summer Night with Blackstreet with Teddy Riley, Ginuwine, SWV, Guy and more on Sept. 1; the Lights On Festival with H.E.R., Jhené Aiko, Daniel Ceasar, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox and more Sept. 14; and Peter Frampton, who will appear on Oct. 12.
And make sure you mark your calendar for the big 50th anniversary celebration of the Concord Jazz Festival on Aug. 3.
Where to eat before a show
The pavilion’s concession stands at the top of the lawn, as well as on the plazas on the east and west sides of the venue, offer all the usual suspects — burgers, hot dogs, beer, wine and other drinks — and you can bring picnics (but not alcohol).
But for dining before the show, here are our restaurant critic’s recommendations for three tasty options that offer Himalayan, Mexican and Italian fare, all within three miles of the venue.
Parking and transportation
Basically, everyone who goes to Concord Pavilion drives — or Uber/Lyfts — and parks at the venue’s onsite parking lots. General parking is free, but folks can pay to park in the VIP/premier lots which are closer to the theater entrance (the pavilion website has details).
Concert traffic at this venue can be a bear, especially on a weeknight for a sold-out show. It’s not uncommon to see a backup of slow-moving vehicles on Ygnacio Valley Road and other main paths that lead to the venue on a show night. Give yourself plenty of time for the drive.
What you can bring into the venue
The Concord Pavilion website includes tips on what you can bring to the venue, including small purses, backpacks, small soft-sided coolers (6-pack sized and capable of fitting through a 12.5 inch circle), picnic food in clear 1-gallon size bags, factory-sealed plastic bottles of 1 liter or less (nonalcoholic beverages only), low-profile beach chairs (legs can be no higher than 9 inches), and small umbrellas or parasols.
Prohibited items include large bags, coolers or ice chests with hard sides or wheels, large picnic baskets, video or audio recording devices (unless specifically allowed by the artist performing that night), alcoholic beverages, cans or glass bottles and professional cameras, a category that includes anything with detachable lenses.
The nitty gritty
Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road in Concord. Find tickets and show schedules at LiveNation.com.
