Summer 2022 guide to Blossom Music Center: Parking, restaurants, directions and more
Blossom Music Center’s summer concert season is in full swing, which means a refresher on the ins and outs of the music venue is in order.
Dozens of artists will perform at the outdoor music center between now and Oct. 4, though there is always the possibility of additional concerts. The genres on stage will range from country to rock to modern pop.
The decision to see an artist or band at Blossom creates a host of important questions: What are the venue’s COVID-19 policies? Do their vendors accept cash? Where should we eat beforehand? Luckily, the answers to those and more questions are below.
COVID-19 protocols for Blossom Music Center
This summer, masking, testing and vaccination requirements vary according to each concert. Live Nation advises fans to check the venue's website for details on their specific event close to show day as protocols are subject to change based on the latest local guidelines.
Blossom Music Center COVID-19 rules 2022: What to know about COVID-19 protocols before heading to Blossom Music Center
In 2021, social distancing was not required at Blossom, but the unvaccinated were recommended to wear face coverings unless they were eating, drinking or exempt from wearing a face covering.
Blossom's Do's and Don'ts: What to expect when attending Blossom Music Center concerts
How to get there, where to park and using Uber/Lyft
The key to a good experience at Blossom Music Center is to arrive early, whether that be in your own car or using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. We’re not talking 30 minutes or an hour early: It’s best for concertgoers to arrive at least two hours before showtime so they have adequate time to park and walk to the amphitheater.
The main entrance to Blossom, off Steels Corners Road, is what most people use to get in and out of the music venue, but the entrance off Northampton Road also is an option. Those dropping off a guest should use the Steels Corners entrance and stay in the far-right lane when arriving. Parking staff will direct drivers to the designated drop-off area at O’Neil Road.
There will be construction on Steels Corners Road and state Route 8 this summer, so Live Nation suggests using alternate exits to get to Blossom. A helpful tidbit for those coming from the north: The section of Akron-Peninsula Road from state Route 303 to Truxell Road is open and will remain so while under construction this spring.
Akron-Peninsula Road opens: Rebuilt stretch of Akron-Peninsula Road set to open Wednesday
Attendees using an Uber or Lyft should notify parking attendants so they can be directed to Blossom’s designated Uber/Lyft area. When using these applications to get picked up, ensure the driver arrives no later than 9 p.m. (about two hours before most concerts end) so they can be directed to the pickup area in parking Lot B. Drivers who arrive later than 9 p.m. will have to wait on Steels Corners until they are directed by the sheriff’s department to grass Lot 4.
The first of Blossom’s two parking locations is a grassy area that requires a short walk to the amphitheater; the other is a paved lot recommended for older and disabled people. Parking passes are available for purchase until 10 days prior to each show.
Restaurants near Blossom Music Center
A good portion of events, no matter how inherently thrilling, are made tedious on an empty stomach — and concerts are no exception.
Blossom eats: Fuel up at these 9 restaurants before attending concerts at Blossom Music Center
Whether you’re craving barbecue, seafood or traditional American cuisine, there are quite a few places to fuel up on great food before heading to Blossom. The Beacon Journal has identified nine locally owned restaurants up to the task of satisfying concertgoers, check them out here online. Also, as an added bonus, each place is within a 15-minute drive from the Cuyahoga Falls music venue (not considering traffic, of course).
Blossom's concert schedule for summer 2022
The music venue’s summer concert series often has last-minute additions, so be sure to check out Blossom Music Venue’s concert schedule regularly. Some of the concerts are newly announced, and others are rescheduled from 2021 dates that were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ticketing
All events will be Mobile Entry, meaning concertgoers will use their mobile device to gain access to the event. Tickets will not be emailed or available for print. Tickets for previously scheduled shows where buyers selected “print at home” or “mail” will be honored accordingly.
Tickets purchased for a group or individuals arriving separately will need to be transferred using the Live Nation app. This should be done before arriving at the event. For step-by-step instructions on how to access your mobile ticket and transfer tickets, visit the mobile ticketing section of Blossom’s website.
Do merchandise or food vendors accept cash?
No, all points of sale at Blossom will only accept credit, debit or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay).
What to bring or leave at home
Concertgoers will need to put their belongings in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that are no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches or small clutch bags no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches.
Permitted:
Blanket.
Lawn chair with a seat bottom no higher than 9 inches off the ground. A standard beach chair is recommended, and chairs also will be available for rent.
Food in a clear, 1-gallon Ziploc bag. One bag per person.
Water: one 20-ounce, factory-sealed or empty bottle per person; other drinks are not permitted.
Standard size, 3-foot-diameter umbrella.
Ponchos and raincoats.
Pocket-size digital or disposable camera: non-professional only, with no detachable lenses.
Small binoculars.
Non-aerosol suntan lotion and bug repellent.
Not permitted:
Weapons of any kind: including but not limited to knives, guns, mace, pepper spray etc.
Alcohol.
Illegal drugs or substances.
Glass containers.
Cans.
Hard-/soft-sided/large coolers.
Laser pointers.
Animals (except service animals).
Fireworks.
GoPros.
Selfie sticks.
iPads or tablets.
Video cameras.
Drones.
Golf umbrellas and umbrellas with metal or plastic tips.
Large signs, posters or flags.
In-line skates, skateboards, bicycles or action sports equipment.
Wagons or large non-collapsible strollers.
Boot spurs.
Any other item that may pose a threat to other guests, staff or performers.
Aerosol suntan lotion or bug spray.
Wallet chains.
Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What to know before going to Blossom Music Center
