Tucked into the rolling hills of Burgettstown about 30 miles west of Pittsburgh, The Pavilion at Star Lake has been a summer-concert destination since Billy Joel was the opening act in 1990. It’s a classic outdoor amphitheater, with a covered pavilion up front, a big grassy hill behind it, and crowds that come from across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The next time you’re headed to The Pavilion at Star Lake for a concert, be sure to refer to this guide for the bag policy, parking information, and other tips that’ll make your evening the best it can be.

One thing to note: Besides the alfresco music, The Pavilion at Star Lake is famous for its traffic. There’s one main way in and out, so the rule is simple: arrive early and expect to stick around for a while afterward. Do that, and Star Lake is one of the best places in the area to catch a show.

The Pavilion at Star Lake: Bag Policy, Parking & Visitor Guide

Best Seats in the House

You have plenty of different options for choosing where to sit when it comes to a 23,000 capacity venue and each comes with their own pros and cons.

• The PIT (or orchestra) is right up against the stage. If you want to be in the thick of things, this is the spot, though it may come with a higher price tag.
• The reserved 100, 200, and 300 sections sit under the pavilion roof, with clear sight-lines and shelter from the weather. On a night with rain in the forecast, covered seats are worth the extra money.
• Roughly 16,000 of the venue’s spots are general-admission grass. They’re the best value and the most social, but two things can trip up first-timers: The pavilion roof’s support beams jut into parts of the lawn and can block the stage outright, so stand where you plan to sit and check your sightline before spreading out your blanket. Also, the hill is on a real incline, and strollers are not allowed. For lawn seats, arrive by the time the gates open if you want a good patch of grass.

How to Get to Star Lake

Nearly everyone arrives via US-22 and PA-18, both of which can clog badly on show nights. We always recommend leaving much earlier than you think you need to. Regulars show up hours ahead to beat the surge, and Hanover Township police recommend carpooling. On the way out, plan on anywhere from 40 minutes to more than an hour just to clear the lot. One way to make the exit easier is to buy a Premier or Reserved parking pass, which offers easier entry and a faster exit and can be especially useful for a big show.

Pro tip: The venue sometimes posts alternate routes, such as the Bavington exit, on its social media accounts, so check before you leave.

Bag Policy

Star Lake follows the standard Live Nation clear-bag policy.

• Must be a clear plastic bag no bigger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small clutch, wristlet, or fanny pack no bigger than 6 by 9 inches.
• You can bring food in one clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag per person, along with an empty reusable plastic water bottle to fill inside. No metal or glass bottles.
• No outside alcohol, weapons or strollers are permitted, and outside lawn chairs are prohibited. You can rent lawn chairs inside instead.
• All bags are subject to search at the gate.

Where to Eat and Drink at the Venue

Concession stands throughout the venue serve concert classics including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. There are also Pepsi fountain products, water, and Red Bull, as well as a full bar with beer, hard seltzer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks.

• Bring a valid ID: You’ll need to show it every time you buy alcohol.
• The Pavilion is cashless, but Cash-to-Card booths in the plazas and at Guest Services convert bills dollar-for-dollar with no fee.
• You’re allowed to bring your own food in a single, clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag, one per person.

Insider Tips and Tricks 

• Entry is mobile-ticket only, and your phone handles everything from entry to payments to parking directions. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you arrive.
• Once you’re in, there’s no in-and-out re-entry.
• You can’t bring your own lawn chair, but you can rent one inside at the rental huts. Blankets and seat upgrades are also available for rent or purchase.
• Bring an empty reusable plastic water bottle to fill for free at the water stations. Metal bottles and glass are banned.
• If rain threatens, pack a poncho. Golf umbrellas and metal-tipped umbrellas aren’t allowed. And if the weather is nice, aerosol sunscreen is prohibited, so bring lotion instead.

Parking at Star Lake

General-admission parking is free with your ticket, and lots open two hours before gate time. But, there are other options to make your night as seamless and as personalized as possible.

• You can pay for a pass to get in even earlier for tailgating.
• Premier and Reserved parking are available for every show and are the easiest way to speed up your exit. Buy them in advance through Live Nation rather than on-site.
• Tailgating is allowed in the lots, but no glass bottles, fire pits, open flames, generators or deep fryers.

Alternate Transportation

There are no direct public-transit routes to Star Lake, so your realistic options are a taxi or rideshare from Pittsburgh or a nearby town, along with occasional event shuttles. Check the event page for shuttle information. Be warned that getting a ride home while 20,000 people spill out of the venue at once can be tough and pricey.

Pro tip: Because of the long night and slow exit, many concertgoers book a room nearby and stay over. The Holiday Inn in Weirton, West Virginia is a common option.

Where to Eat Before the Show 

Burgettstown is rural, so many people tailgate in the lot or eat on the way out from Pittsburgh. But there are a few local options.

• Theo Yianni’s Greek American Restaurant: A well-liked sit-down Greek spot.
• Coal Tipple Brewery: A local brewery for a pre-show pint and a bite.
• Kenny B’s Bar & Grill or Korki’s Pizza: Casual, quick options for a meal before heading to the lawn.
• If you’d rather eat somewhere with more choices, stop in the Robinson Township/Settlers Ridge area on the drive out.

Story by Kenny Gould
Photo From The Pavilion at Star Lake

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