
Frost Amphitheater
A historic Stanford University outdoor concert venue hosting diverse musical artists in a beautiful, natural setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm nights, great vibes

Frost Amphitheater
Best Time
Warm nights, great vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Stanford University outdoor concert venue hosting diverse musical artists in a beautiful, natural setting.
"A fantastic outdoor venue with great sound and a beautiful setting, though exit can be congested."
🚗 Beat Traffic & Parking
Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic. Parking is generally easy, but plan ahead for popular shows.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Evenings can get chilly, especially on the lawn. Bring a jacket or blanket for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lush Lawn Experience
General Admission Lawn
Enjoy live music under the stars on tiered grass seating with great stage views.
Iconic Artist Performances
Main Stage
Witness world-renowned musicians and emerging artists in an intimate outdoor setting.
Beautiful Natural Setting
Amphitheater Grounds
Immerse yourself in the serene, tree-lined environment that enhances the concert atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat Traffic & Parking
Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic. Parking is generally easy, but plan ahead for popular shows.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Evenings can get chilly, especially on the lawn. Bring a jacket or blanket for comfort.
🎟️ Secure Your Tickets Early
Popular concerts sell out fast! Be ready when tickets go on sale; some describe it as a 'blood bath'.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to save money, though food and drink options are available and tasty. [^reviews]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat Traffic & Parking
Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic. Parking is generally easy, but plan ahead for popular shows.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Evenings can get chilly, especially on the lawn. Bring a jacket or blanket for comfort.
🎟️ Secure Your Tickets Early
Popular concerts sell out fast! Be ready when tickets go on sale; some describe it as a 'blood bath'.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to save money, though food and drink options are available and tasty. [^reviews]
🪑 Lawn Seating Rules
Check venue rules for lawn seating – some shows have restrictions on blankets and chairs. [^reviews]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Frost Amphitheater is widely praised as a beautiful and well-managed outdoor concert venue with excellent sound quality and a pleasant atmosphere. Attendees appreciate the natural setting and the quality of performances. The main drawbacks are the expensive food and drink prices and the potential for congestion when exiting the venue.
"This was our first time visiting Frost Amphitheater.
We came here for the Tiësto concert and were really impressed — it’s a great outdoor venue. The amphitheater is spacious, clean, and the sound quality was excellent.
The crowd was well behaved and we stood in the middle as didn’t want to enter crowded areas
The restrooms were well-maintained, and the food stalls offered a good variety of options. We arrived early and had no issues getting in.
Overall, a fantastic experience"
Shree S
"The venue itself is pretty - surrounded by trees and the grass is kept clean. Sound was good for being an outdoor venue too. The bathrooms were very nice for concert venue bathrooms. There was a cleaner in it always it seems. Food is expensive, as expected, but the charcuterie plate I got was tasty. The big con is getting out of the venue. The walkways are so narrow and they don't really open any of the gates that would allow for the crowd to disperse from the venue better. So it's big walkway traffic jams getting out."
Teresita S
"A very lovely venue for a smaller concert. The lawn offers tiered rows so you get a great view of the stage without any sliding downhill.
Downside to Frost Amphitheater is the stringent rules forbidding even low lawn seats and larger blankets. Ticket prices can be very expensive for many of the shows."
J Duffy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Frost Amphitheater is located at Stanford University. Driving is a common option, with parking generally available, though it can be busy for major events. Public transportation is also an option, but requires checking local transit schedules for routes serving Stanford. Allow ample time for travel, especially during Bay Area rush hour.
Yes, parking is generally available and considered easy for many shows. However, for high-demand concerts, it's wise to arrive early or check for specific parking advisories from the venue or Stanford University. [^reviews]
Many concert-goers opt to drive, but ride-sharing services are also popular. Consider carpooling to ease parking congestion. Public transport options exist but may require transfers and longer travel times.
Yes, drop-off points are usually available near the venue entrance. This can be a convenient option if you're using a taxi or ride-share service. Confirm specific drop-off locations with the venue if possible.
While Stanford University is served by public transport, direct routes to Frost Amphitheater for every event may vary. It's best to check with VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) or Caltrain for the most up-to-date information regarding routes and schedules that align with event times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically sold through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster or directly via the venue's website or Stanford Live. For popular shows, tickets can sell out extremely quickly, sometimes described as a 'blood bath' for sales.
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the artist and seating location. Lawn seats are generally more affordable, while reserved seating can be quite expensive, especially for major headliners. [^reviews]
Yes, there are often restrictions. For lawn seating, some shows may have rules against larger blankets or certain types of chairs. It's crucial to check the specific event's policies regarding bags, outside food, and seating items. [^reviews]
Gate opening times vary by event, but it's generally recommended to arrive early, especially for popular concerts, to secure good spots on the lawn and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere. [^reviews]
The availability of a physical box office for on-site ticket sales can vary. For most major events, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance online, as on-site availability may be limited or non-existent. Check the venue's official website for the most current information. [^frost amphitheater box office]
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Frost Amphitheater offers both reserved seating and general admission lawn areas. The lawn is tiered, providing good sightlines from most spots. [^reviews] [^frost amphitheater seating]
The sound quality is generally considered excellent for an outdoor venue, with clear audio reaching across the seating areas and lawn. [^reviews]
Yes, restrooms are available and are noted as being well-maintained and clean for a concert venue, with cleaners often present. [^reviews]
A variety of food stalls offer good options, though prices are typical for a Stanford/Bay Area venue and can be expensive. [^reviews]
Exiting can be challenging due to narrow walkways and traffic congestion, as not all gates may be opened to help disperse the crowd efficiently. [^reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for non-professional use, but professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy, as rules can vary. [^frost amphitheater photos]
The tiered lawn offers great vantage points for capturing the stage and the crowd. For unique shots, consider the surrounding trees and the amphitheater's architecture during daylight hours before the show. [^frost amphitheater photos]
While casual photos are usually permitted, flash photography is often discouraged to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. Be mindful of others and the performance. [^frost amphitheater photos]
Popular photos often capture the artist on stage with the crowd, the natural beauty of the venue, and the overall concert atmosphere, especially during sunset or nighttime performances. [^frost amphitheater photos]
Yes, using your smartphone for photos and short videos is generally allowed. Many attendees share their concert experiences on social media using their phones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks (if allowed by event policy) to keep little ones happy, as venue food can be pricey. [^reviews] Dress everyone in layers, as the temperature can drop significantly after sunset. While the venue is generally welcoming, always check the specific event's age restrictions or policies for children to ensure a smooth experience for your family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look out for less mainstream artists or early-season shows, which might have lower ticket prices. [^frost amphitheater tickets] While parking is available, consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services if splitting the cost makes it more economical than individual parking fees. Planning your visit during off-peak times or for less hyped events can also lead to better deals.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Keep a close eye on the Frost Amphitheater schedule and Stanford Live announcements for upcoming shows. [^frost amphitheater schedule] Many attendees rave about the intimate feel of the outdoor setting, which allows for a deep connection with the music and the performers. [^reviews] Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, electronic, or indie, Frost Amphitheater offers a memorable stage for unforgettable musical moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Frost Amphitheater Experience: More Than Just Music
The surrounding trees and well-maintained grounds contribute to the venue's charm, making it a picturesque spot for live performances. While the natural beauty is a significant draw, attendees should be prepared for the elements. Evenings can become quite cool, prompting advice to dress in layers. The sound quality is generally praised for an outdoor space, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the performances. [^reviews]
Beyond the music, Frost Amphitheater also serves as a significant location for Stanford University events, such as Convocation ceremonies, welcoming new students and their families. This dual role highlights its importance as a community gathering space, offering a memorable backdrop for both academic traditions and world-class entertainment.
Navigating Concerts at Frost: Tips from Attendees
When it comes to ticketing, be prepared for high demand. For sought-after artists, tickets can disappear rapidly, with some describing the sales process as intense. It's also worth noting that while lawn seating is a staple, specific events might have rules about what you can bring, such as restrictions on certain types of blankets or chairs. [^reviews] This means checking the specific event's guidelines is crucial to avoid any last-minute issues.
Finally, while the venue offers food and drink, be aware that prices are on par with Stanford and the Bay Area, meaning they can be quite expensive. [^reviews] Many attendees find packing a picnic to be a cost-effective and enjoyable alternative. [^reviews] The exit process after a show can also be a point of congestion, so patience is key as you depart the venue. [^reviews]




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit