Animals and party girls, tonight we’re going har-har-har, ha-ha-hard because your queen of pop is coming back to Pittsburgh as Kesha takes the stage at The Pavilion at Star Lake on August 25. Get ready to throw it back (your body and the music) to 2010 and live out all the songs that carried you through your teen years like TiK ToK, Die Young, and Blow. Since entering her independent artist era, Kesha has been able to embrace her art again (both new and old) in a way that’s true to herself; sexy, confident, and truly free. Come ready in your fishnets, glitter, ripped clothes, or even with your nips out because at a Kesha concert, We R Who We R.

But, before you find yourself at the venue gates, come prepared with everything you need to know before you go to see Kesha at Star Lake. From the bag policy and setlist to the best way to deal with the venue’s terrible parking situation, we’ve got you covered so you can make the most of the night like we’re gonna Die Young.

Seeing Kesha at The Pavilion at Star Lake? Here’s Everything to Know From Parking to the Setlist, Bag Policy, and More

Parking

Since the concert is taking place at The Pavilion at Star Lake, parking is something you’ll want to plan for ahead of time. The venue has a reputation for difficult traffic flow, largely because there’s essentially a single main route for getting in and out.

The good news is that standard parking doesn’t cost anything. You can arrive, find a spot, and head into the venue without paying an additional parking fee. However, if you’re willing to spend a little extra, upgrading your parking could save you a significant amount of time when the show ends.

The Premium Parking Pass puts you near the exit and prioritizes your section, making it much easier to get on the road once the concert is over. Instead of sitting through the worst of the post-show traffic, you’ll have a more direct route out of the property. Another option is an Early Tailgate pass, which allows you to enter before the general parking lots open and gives you a better chance at landing a spot closer to the venue.

Not interested in paying for an upgrade? Your best bet is to arrive with an exit strategy in mind. If you can snag a space near the turn-off from the main road, you may have a longer walk to the gates, including a hill, but getting back to your car afterward can be considerably easier. The farther-out areas tend to fill up later, and those are often the spots where drivers face the biggest delays when everyone is trying to leave at once.

A.D.A Parking

The Pavilion at Star Lake also offers accessible parking for guests with ADA or handicap permits. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended if you want the most convenient parking location.

Guests who arrive early can typically find accessible parking just to the right of the left-side entrance gate. If those spaces have already filled, you may be directed to the parking area closer to the main road. From there, golf cart transportation is available to take guests to the main entrance.

Keep in mind that the golf cart service can become especially busy after the concert, and wait times may be longer as crowds head toward their vehicles.

Overall Tips

At the end of the day, you’re going to have to accept one thing when visiting Star Lake: traffic is part of the experience. Whether you’re arriving before the show or trying to leave afterward, there’s a good chance you’ll spend some time sitting in your car. Rather than letting the wait ruin your night, come prepared to make it as comfortable as possible.

Pack some snacks and drinks so you have something to enjoy while traffic slowly moves. Some concertgoers even turn the parking lot into a mini tailgate, breaking out portable grills and cooking up food while they wait. And since it’s a Kesha concert, who knows, you might just see a dance battle break out as the party keeps going after the show.

Though bringing a deck of cards can also help pass the time, and if you’ve been on your feet all day, catching a quick nap in the car might not be a bad idea either.

Most importantly, be patient. The traffic eventually moves, even if you’re still sitting there well after midnight.

Pro tip: Before heading into the venue, make a quick note of your parking row and the gate you used to enter. This small step can save you a major headache later. Once it’s dark, thousands of people are heading in the same direction, and after a few drinks, finding your car can suddenly become a lot harder than you expected.

Rideshare and Transportation

The one way to avoid most of the traffic of Star Lake is to take advantage of rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. The venue has a specific drop-off and pick-up lane for rideshare guests just a short walk down then up the hill to the gates.

Purchasing Tickets

Good news party Animals, Kesha’s show at Star Lake still has plenty of official tickets available on Live Nation and at afford prices, too. You can always opt for general admission lawn tickets that are $40 a piece but for the same price you can also nab seats inside the back of the pavilion. For just a little more at $54.50 per ticket, you can sit up to row K in the pavilion on the side sections or up to row EE in the center section. If you happen to feel up to splurging a little, there are still tickets available for the front three sections of seating as well as the general admission PIT right at the front of the stage. PIT tickets will run you $158 while the front sections (one, two, and three) cost $122 for a ticket.

Kesha also has two VIP options still available for this tour. The first is an Early Entry VIP Experience that gets you a PIT ticket or close reserved seat, VIP-only tour poster, a Kesha merch bundle, and early entrance to the venue for $273.90 to $310.50 depending on your seat. The second option gets you up close to Kesha ahead of time in an intimate setting with a VIP Soundcheck Experience for $426.40 to $463. With this VIP pass you get the same choice between PIT or reserved seating as well as a look at Kesha’s traveling exhibit featuring outfits and memorabilia, two concessions tickets, a VIP-only tour poster signed by Kesha, a merch bundle, early entry, and access to her private soundcheck before the show.

Bag Policy

When it comes to what you can bring into Star Lake, the venue has a fairly strict bag policy. Guests may carry a small clutch, wristlet, or fanny pack, provided it measures no more than 6” x 9”. Clear plastic bags are also permitted, as long as they stay within the 12” x 12” x 6” size limit.

There are several other items you can bring with you as well. Nonprofessional cameras are allowed, along with food packed inside a plastic zip-top bag. Guests can also bring either a sealed water bottle up to one gallon in size or an empty plastic bottle. Blankets are permitted, and umbrellas are allowed as long as they are less than 3 feet in diameter.

As always, it’s a good idea to double-check the venue’s current policies before heading to the show, since prohibited items and bag requirements can change from event to event.

Door and Show Times

Kesha: The Freedom Tour kicks off on August 25 at The Pavilion at Star Lake at 7 p.m. with opener Erika Jayne before Chromeo hits the stage around 7:50 p.m. and then Kesha around 9 p.m. But, if you want to make the best of your concert experience, you’ll want to arrive closer to when doors open at 5:30 p.m.

For those looking to tailgate, you can purchase an Early Tailgate Parking Pass for $20 that gets you into the parking lots at least an hour ahead of time. This way you get one of the best parking spots in the venue with easy access to be able to leave after and you have plenty of time to pre-game.

Or, if you plan on arriving with everyone else, purchase an AAA Fast Lane Pass for $12 that lets you skip the line to get through the gates. As soon as you zoom through you can take your time getting concessions and drinks, picking out a spot on the lawn, or hunting down a spot on the barricade.

Who’s Opening for Kesha?

It’s no surprise Kesha picked two powerhouses to join her on tour. Her first opener at Star Lake will be pop-star Erika Jayne who reminds us of Kesha in the best ways. She’s provocative, hyper-fem, campy, and a party diva at her core. Even if you haven’t heard her music before, you probably recognize Erika’s name, or at least her attitude, from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Her music embraces the same 2010’s dance-club vibes as Kesha’s so as long as you’re a Kesha fan, you’re sure to enjoy Erika too. Songs like XXPEN$IVE, Bounce, and How Many F**ks? welcome you to a realm where it’s okay to get a little sloppy, a little freaky, and you’re invited to enjoy life to the fullest. It’s that genre of electro-pop that leans on the raunchy side but in a fun and entertaining way. After all, we are at a Kesha concert.

After Erika and before Kesha, you’ll hear from electro-funk duo Chromeo, another integral group of the 2010’s with a retro style. Made up of vocalist Dave 1 and P-Thugg who takes care of the keyboards/synth, Chromeo have been pushing out music since 2002, creating their own brand of disco-inspired dance music that sounds like the 1980s and ’90s had a baby with a robot. Even one of their newer songs, Lost and Found, sounds fresh out of a different era where everything is simply groovy. Their sound is actually the perfect warm-up for Kesha because it gets you moving without wearing you out too soon. Basically these two charming but goofy guys are going to take you to the nightclub for a little boogie before your main star takes the stage.

The Setlist

Whether you’re here for 2010 Kesha, 2026 Kesha, or every era in between, you’ll be happy to hear the setlist for her Freedom Tour covers it all.

Those still living in the days of cheetah print, neon colors, and smoky eyeshadow can look forward to old hits like TiK ToK, Crazy Kids, Blow, Cannibal, Take It Off, Dinosaur, Die Young, Your Love Is My Drug, and We R Who We R.

But, Kesha’s new transformation comes to life too with her more recent catalogue featuring ORIGAMI!, JOYRIDE., YIPPEE-KI-YAY., Praying, BOY CRAZY., and Only Love Can Save Us Now. She even throws in some of her most famous collaborations like Good Old Days with Macklemore and Timber with Pitbull.

The mix of songs here carries a purpose since Kesha’s show takes you through her own journey of rediscovering herself after her musical autonomy was stripped away. Throughout the choreography and even in between songs, you’ll catch peaks into Kesha’s, life whether she’s giving up herself for stardom, or taking a hold of the darkness in her life and rising above it.

Pro tip: Since we are in the age of 2026 though, be prepared to scream “F*ck P Diddy” instead of “Like P Diddy.” (We don’t support abusers in this house.)

Navigating the Venue

One of the first things to know before arriving at The Pavilion at Star Lake is that the venue operates completely cash-free. There are reverse ATMs available if you need to convert cash to a card, but it’s easiest to arrive with a debit or credit card ready to use. This applies throughout the venue, including the merchandise stands.

The venue also has three main entrances: East, West, and South. Choosing the right gate can make getting to your seats a little more convenient. The East entrance is generally the most useful for guests parked or seated on the left side of the venue. If you have lawn tickets, the West gate is a good choice since it brings you out near the top of the lawn area. Guests parked or seated on the right side will typically find the South entrance more convenient.

That said, you aren’t locked into one section of the venue once you enter. Walking paths around the hill and between the lawn and pavilion seating make it relatively easy to get from one side to the other.

You also won’t have to go far to find the essentials. Restrooms are located throughout the property, including areas on both sides of the venue and farther up the hill. Wherever you’re spending the night, food, bathrooms, and other amenities should be within a reasonable walk.

Tips for General Admission Lawn and More

If you need to rent a lawn chair or blanket, or you’re interested in changing or upgrading your seating, look for the rental huts located throughout the venue. You’ll find them on the left and right sides, as well as farther up the hill. Food and drink stands are also nearby, making it easy to grab something to eat or drink without going too far from your spot.

For guests with lawn tickets, arriving around the time the gates open is your best bet if you want to choose from the available spots. That said, there really aren’t many bad places to sit on the lawn. The natural slope gives you a better view over the people sitting in front of you while still allowing those behind you to see the stage. If you want to mark your place, bring a blanket and get comfortable on the grass while you wait for the show to start.

One thing to keep in mind is that Star Lake has fairly steep inclines throughout much of the property. If you’re attending with someone who uses a wheelchair, take your time navigating the venue and don’t hesitate to ask staff for assistance. For an easier route, consider entering through the East or South gates instead of tackling the larger hill.

What to Eat and Drink

Star Lake offers the classic concert food you’d expect, but there’s also a surprisingly wide selection of options spread throughout the venue. Along the outer loop, you’ll find everything from burgers and crispy chicken to pizza, Bavarian-style food, dumplings, and tacos. There are also plenty of grab-and-go snacks and frozen treats for anyone looking for something quick.

The drink selection is just as varied, with bottled water, coffee, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, shaved ice, and frozen drinks available at different locations. Whether you’re feeding a picky child or looking for something a little more elevated, there should be an option that works. Depending on the bar, wine may also be available for guests who prefer it.

Keep in mind that concession lines can vary quite a bit from one location to another. If one stand has a huge crowd, it may be worth walking to another part of the venue before committing to the wait. Each area has its own mix of food and beverage options, so exploring a little can pay off.

For those who just want a quick drink, mobile beverage carts are also stationed throughout the grounds. These vendors carry options such as water, beer, and seltzers, making it easy to grab something without waiting in a full concession line.

If you’re coming into the area early or staying through the next day, we suggest you ‘wake up in the morning’ and grab one of Pittsburgh’s best espresso martinis to celebrate in true Kesha fashion?

Story and Photography by Kylie Thomas

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