People who come to hear us at Boston Landmarks bring chairs, blankets, etc. There used to be a lot of security, but no check-ins this year. People start to trickle in slowly by 5 or 5:30, for the front row seats. But, later is fine for just sitting anywhere. They have a very good sound system for us, at least! Unless the 9th and H&H draws a much bigger crowd (like the Pops on the 4th), these have been my observations over the years that I perform there.
The website says no on backpacks but we had no issue bringing in ours.
Chairs sit near the back. Low chairs in the middle. Blankets near the front.
In past years there has been bag searching, but more recently (including this year), there hasn't. Blankets recommended! These performances make great picnics with friends and family. Even if you arrive after the performance begins, it's easy to hear the music anywhere in the seating area. Unlike Shakespeare in the Common, seeing the stage has never been the most important thing for me. The magic is from the atmosphere of the event. However, you might prefer to sit close to the river so you don't hear traffic on Storrow Drive as much! I would always expect a hassle with parking anywhere in Boston. This venue is so close to the T that it makes more sense to take the Green or Red line in. Whether you drive in or not, one thing you should be aware of is that this year (summer 2021) the main footbridge over Storrow Drive is closed for construction. You will need to walk over from the Dartmouth St. Bridge -or- the newly-renovated one by Charles/MGH.
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