Merriweather Post Pavilion’s iconic shakedown scene, long a staple in the wooded parking lots surrounding the venue, has shifted heading into the current festival season. While longtime fans recall the robust pre-show vendor activity outside the gates, ongoing venue development has trimmed these traditional outdoor spaces significantly.
This year, festival maps highlight a designated “shakedown street” inside the festival grounds, ensuring attendees still have solid vendor access from the moment they enter. Official vendor spots inside are plentiful, and early music start times combined with a no re-entry policy mean most of the trade and party will take place indoors rather than the scattered parking lots.
Local law enforcement will maintain a typical friendly yet watchful presence, allowing vendors to operate within expected boundaries. Reddit chatter from veteran jamband and phish communities confirms this adjusted approach, advising attendees to expect a vibrant inside marketplace with limited outdoor activity.
If you’re looking to catch that classic pre-show vibe, it’s worth scouting the remaining wooded lot edges—but be prepared for a more curated, inside-the-fence experience. The festival organizers have balanced tradition with changes in venue layout to preserve the spirit of shakedown culture for 2025 and beyond.
Source: r/jambands