
CMAC Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
Iconic indoor/outdoor venue hosting major concerts, theater, and dance with both seated and lawn options.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm nights, lake breeze

CMAC Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
Best Time
Warm nights, lake breeze

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic indoor/outdoor venue hosting major concerts, theater, and dance with both seated and lawn options.
"One of my favorite places to see concerts with great sound quality no matter where you are."

🚗 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:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 2,377 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lawn Seating Experience
General Admission Lawn
Enjoy concerts under the stars with a relaxed atmosphere and great sound. Bring a blanket!

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

Lake Breeze Ambiance
Throughout the venue
Experience a pleasant breeze off the lake, especially on warm summer evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating CMAC: Parking & Entry
Comfort is Key: Seating & Sound
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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. 🚗
🎒 Bag Policy Awareness
Only clear plastic bags are permitted. Leave larger bags at home to avoid entry issues. :handbag:
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…
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:
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. 🚗
🎒 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
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, CMAC utilizes metal detectors and security personnel for entry to ensure the safety of all attendees.
No, CMAC generally does not allow outside water bottles. You will need to purchase beverages inside the venue, though prices can be high.
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.
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.
The sound quality at CMAC is consistently praised, with good acoustics reported from both the covered sections and the back of the lawn.
Yes, CMAC has concessions selling food and beverages. However, be aware that drink prices can be quite high.
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.
📸 📸 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:




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit