Merriweather Post Pavilion is gearing up for a sold-out, two-day music festival with 36 artists across multiple stages. All Things Go, with headliners including Hozier and Reneé Rapp, will run from September 28 to 29.
If you’re heading to Columbia for the event, here’s what to know ahead of time.
Who’s Playing?
The lineup is full of popular acts, with a focus on indie and alternative genres. Headliners on Saturday are Icelandic singer Laufey, who will appear with the Kennedy Center Orchestra, and indie band Bleachers, led by frontman Jack Antonoff. Also expect to see Janelle Monáe, Remi Wolf, Ethel Cain, and Julien Baker.
On Sunday, headliners are Hozier, whose music has folk and soul influences, and Mean Girls star Reneé Rapp. Other acts include Conan Gray and Maren Morris. Chappell Roan was on the original set list, but announced on September 27 that she would not perform.
Since there are two stages, you may need to decide who to skip, though set-time overlap is minimal. Check out the schedule to figure out your must-see list.
Those big names mean the event was a hot ticket. Passes sold out rapidly when they went on sale in April, and there was so much demand that the organizers later announced a sister festival in New York City to run at the same time, with many of the same acts appearing on alternate days. (Reneé Rapp, for example, will headline in NYC on Saturday, then in DC on Sunday.)
What Can I Bring?
Merriweather Post Pavilion’s list of prohibited items includes bottles, glass, and cans; outside beverages, except one sealed water bottle; professional cameras; weapons; any tobacco products or vapes; and pets. Bags must be smaller than 13-by-15 inches.
While lawn chairs are normally allowed for those seated on the lawn, they are not allowed during the festival.
You can bring one personal food item as long as it’s in a clear, disposable, non-glass container.
Guests may not have alcohol, grills, or glass in the parking areas.
Where Can I Eat Near the Festival?
Inside the venue, you’ll find concessions like burgers, sandwiches, and cocktails for sale. But if you’d rather get your own grub before heading in for the show, there are a few options in the vicinity.
Less than a half-mile walk from Merriweather Post, there’s a plaza with several food options. There’s a Peter Chang for Chinese food, or Dok Khao Thai Eatery for Thai. Busboys and Poets offers American food with lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options, coffee, and cocktails. Bandito’s Tacos & Tequila offers just that, with a menu of Tex-Mex bites and specialty drinks.
Other Info
All Things Go will happen rain or shine, so pack an umbrella or poncho in case it rains and don’t forget the SPF if the forecast calls for sun.
Parking is free at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and you can reserve a spot in one of the four parking zones ahead of time. Budget some time for parking, as there’s often high traffic entering and exiting the area during large events.
There is no re-entry to the festival once you leave.
Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland
Feature image of Merriweather Post Pavilion by Michele Kettner
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
