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CMAC Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center

4.5
·2k reviews·Canandaigua, United States

Iconic indoor/outdoor venue hosting major concerts, theater, and dance with both seated and lawn options.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Evenings

Warm nights, lake breeze

CrowdHigh
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Weezer

CMAC Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center

Best Time

Summer Evenings

Warm nights, lake breeze

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic indoor/outdoor venue hosting major concerts, theater, and dance with both seated and lawn options.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"One of my favorite places to see concerts with great sound quality no matter where you are."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Consider parking at nearby Applebee's or Lowe's for an alternative to CMAC lots. 🚗

🎒 Bag Policy Awareness

Only clear plastic bags are permitted. Leave larger bags at home to avoid entry issues. :handbag:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 2,377 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lawn Seating Experience

Lawn Seating Experience

General Admission Lawn

Enjoy concerts under the stars with a relaxed atmosphere and great sound. Bring a blanket!

Covered Amphitheater

Covered Amphitheater

Seated Sections

Catch big-name acts with excellent acoustics and a clear view from the covered seats.

Lake Breeze Ambiance

Lake Breeze Ambiance

Throughout the venue

Experience a pleasant breeze off the lake, especially on warm summer evenings.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating CMAC: Parking & Entry

Plan your arrival! While CMAC lots are convenient, some travelers suggest parking at nearby Applebee's or Lowe's for a potentially better experience. Be prepared for security checks and strict bag policies; only clear plastic bags are allowed. Reddit

Comfort is Key: Seating & Sound

CMAC offers both covered seating and lawn areas. The lawn provides a more relaxed vibe, but comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to stand. Sound quality is generally excellent throughout the venue, whether you're under the dome or further back. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer Evenings
Why
Warm nights, lake breeze
Crowd
High
When
Weeknights
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

CMAC & parking

The Lumineers put on a fun show at CMAC last night. I love that venue, it just feels like summer babyyyyy. So cool that we have it so close. I’ve been to plenty of CMAC shows over the years though and never had parking issues like last night. I think we crawled for over an…

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Consider parking at nearby Applebee's or Lowe's for an alternative to CMAC lots. Reddit 🚗

🎒 Bag Policy Awareness

Only clear plastic bags are permitted. Leave larger bags at home to avoid entry issues. :handbag:

reddit.com

CMAC questions

My husband and I are thinking of getting tickets for Dwight Yoakum and Old Crow Medicine Show. There are a bunch of tickets left. How is the seating section in the back? Lots of tickets there. Is the lawn section okay? How's the parking? Is the extra pay lot worth it? We don't…

reddit.com

CMAC driving and parking

We’re driving in from a hotel in Geneva for the Zac brown concert. I’ve heard route 20 is really busy before shows, but it’s only a 20 minute drive. Still worth it to take it? Going around adds an extra 15 Minutes. Also heard parking around Applebees/Lowe’s is a better option…

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for the lawn or if you plan to stand in seated sections. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Hydration Strategy

Water bottles are not allowed in. Plan to purchase drinks inside, though prices are high. :droplet:

reddit.com

CMAC show parking

Going to CMAC show this year and never been to that venue or that area of New York ever. It says online there is a first come first serve lot for like $10. My question is how good or bad is the parking? Do the lots get packed quickly? Is it well organized? Etc etc.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Smart Parking Options

Consider parking at nearby Applebee's or Lowe's for an alternative to CMAC lots. Reddit 🚗

🎒 Bag Policy Awareness

Only clear plastic bags are permitted. Leave larger bags at home to avoid entry issues. :handbag:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for the lawn or if you plan to stand in seated sections. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Hydration Strategy

Water bottles are not allowed in. Plan to purchase drinks inside, though prices are high. :droplet:

🎶 Sound Quality

Enjoy great acoustics from the covered dome to the back of the lawn. :musical_score:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

CMAC is widely loved for its excellent sound quality and the vibrant atmosphere of its lawn seating, making it a top choice for live music. While many praise the friendly staff and enjoyable summer evenings, some visitors find drink prices steep and express concerns about crowd control and venue rules like the strict bag policy. Reddit+1

"Great live music venue! Parking was $10. Staff was friendly and helpful! Drink prices are insanely high. $35 for one drink and a water. Lots of praying mantis and gnats flying around. Still a great night with a nice breeze off the lake! Sublime/Interrupters ❤️"

Courtney Hubler

"This is one of my favorite places to see concerts. The hill on the south side is sloped a lot and we had to help my mom. Not incredibly clear what chair I was allowed to bring (I have a spinal disability and cannot sit in camp chairs). Switching between the grass and standing is usually just fine though. All in all, I'm always very happy with the sound quality no matter where you are (dome or all the way back by the Corona cabana."

Amy Olson

"I just came back from the killers concert and i gotta say, the venue itself was nice, However crowd control was so bad and unorganized.
I really thought i got a good spot on the lawn but security was just letting people stand on the walkway by the time the show was starting.
It felt like they sold out more tickets than they should have because there was a point when people didn't seem to find a spot.
It would be nice if they had staff directing foot traffic."

Stephany

What People Like

Great sound quality
Lawn seating vibe
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

High drink prices
Crowd control issues
Strict bag policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

CMAC is located in Canandaigua, NY. Many visitors drive, with Route 20 being a common approach. Be aware that Route 20 can get busy before shows. Some attendees suggest parking at nearby businesses like Applebee's or Lowe's as an alternative to the official CMAC lots. Reddit

CMAC offers on-site parking, typically for a fee (around $10). Some visitors find parking at adjacent commercial areas like Applebee's or Lowe's to be a viable option, potentially avoiding some of the traffic congestion directly at the venue. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to CMAC are limited. Most attendees arrive by car. If you are staying in a nearby town like Geneva, driving is the most common method. Reddit

Route 20 is the most direct route from Geneva to CMAC, though it can experience heavy traffic before concerts. Taking alternative routes might add about 15 minutes to your travel time. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, drop-off points are usually available near venue entrances. It's advisable to check the official CMAC website or contact them directly for specific drop-off procedures. 🚗

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically available through the official CMAC website, Ticketmaster, and other authorized ticket vendors. It's always best to purchase from official sources to avoid counterfeit tickets. 🎟️

CMAC has a strict bag policy. Only single, clear plastic bags are allowed. Larger bags, backpacks, and non-clear bags are prohibited. Reddit

Yes, CMAC utilizes metal detectors and security personnel for entry to ensure the safety of all attendees. Reddit

No, CMAC generally does not allow outside water bottles. You will need to purchase beverages inside the venue, though prices can be high. Reddit

Gate opening times vary depending on the event. It's recommended to check your ticket information or the CMAC website for specific event details, but generally, gates open 1-2 hours before the show starts. 🕐

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

CMAC offers both covered seating in the amphitheater and general admission lawn seating. The lawn provides a more casual experience, while the seats offer a direct view of the stage. Reddit

The lawn seating is on a slope, which can be comfortable for some but may require assistance for those with mobility issues. Bringing a blanket is recommended for the lawn. Reddit

The sound quality at CMAC is consistently praised, with good acoustics reported from both the covered sections and the back of the lawn. Reddit

Yes, CMAC has concessions selling food and beverages. However, be aware that drink prices can be quite high. Reddit

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to sit on the lawn or stand during the performance. Consider the weather, as summer evenings can be warm. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal cameras are allowed, but professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy, as some artists may have stricter rules. :camerawithflash:

The venue offers scenic views, especially during sunset with the lake nearby. Capturing the stage lights and the crowd's energy can also make for great shots. :camerawithflash:

The lawn offers a wide perspective of the stage and the audience. For close-ups, seated areas provide a better view of performers, but be mindful of security restrictions on professional equipment. :camerawithflash:

Yes, using your smartphone for photos and short videos is generally permitted. Ensure your flash is off to avoid disturbing performers and other audience members. :iphone:

Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed at CMAC to ensure clear pathways and unobstructed views for all attendees. :camerawithflash:

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CMAC Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide