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CMACMarvin Sands Performing Arts Center
4355 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424, United States
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Ch
Review №1

First time going here and wow, was is amazing!!! About an hour drive from where I live and easy to navigate through. Parking was spacious, walking to the location was easy. Very large pavilion to sit under as well as lawn seats in the back, further up. Prices for drinks were much more reasonable than the Amphitheater in Syracuse NY. Clean bathrooms and plenty of walk space. Very friendly and safe atmosphere, looking forward to going back.

Ma
Review №2

A nice place for an outdoor concert. The night I was there it was Brooks & Dunn in concert. A very good concert. Opening performers were a band called High Valley. Very good performance by this group that the lead singers were two brothers.

JO
Review №3

First time at cCmac.....I prefer Darian lake. The beer prices were higher, didnt see bud light, labatt etc... its like hey its wine country, your going to pay more and like it. Parking at Cmac was $10...darian grass $0. Had fun none the less. Luke Bryan was great.

Br
Review №4

Been here multiple times for concerts and the venue is amazing. Good view everywhere. Sound is great everywhere as well

Ka
Review №5

Great location, plenty to do. If there just wasnt that guy with the big head in front of me blocking the view. Really enjoyed my time there.

Le
Review №6

Awesome venue! we make a point of catching one great concert here every year.

Er
Review №7

Would have 5 stars if they sold a better variety of beers. Here are some suggestion Twisted Tea, Blue Light, Bud Light. Oh and a wine slushie machine for my wife please.

Da
Review №8

The venue is amazing but they need to have better ways to direct traffic afterwards. It was an absolute cluster of cars, no order. Some lanes were going. Others literally didnt move for over 15 minutes.Didnt take away from the amazing show, Pentatonix, put on!

Je
Review №9

Awesome venue! Long bathroom lines but awesome military precision so it went super fast! GREAT EXPERIENCE!

Sh
Review №10

Excellent sound quality and comfortable, spacious seating. A bit of a cluster getting out after the show but plenty of officers and traffic directors to help move things along.

Wi
Review №11

Concert with Brooks and Dunn was very good. They always have a crowd and manage to entertain.

Do
Review №12

Great place to see a show. The beer selection was horrible though. Were surrounded by great craft brewreies...step it up.

Ke
Review №13

Great view from any seat. Dont waste your money on premium parking, regular just as close. Eat before you go, everything wildly overpriced, especially alcohol. Excellent, comfortable place to see a show

Sa
Review №14

Great place for outdoor concerts. Always enjoy coming to CMAC in the summer time . You know it is summer when the CONCERTS ARE AT CMAC

Fr
Review №15

This is an amazing venue for appreciating live music. Beautiful covered Amphitheater and also grassy lawn. Very clean and well-maintained with plenty of nearby parking. Food trucks and drink are available with clean restrooms as well. Very well organized with plenty of friendly staff to point you in the right direction. Draws a diverse and friendly crowd.

Sa
Review №16

We had a great experience at CMAC! Everyone was very helpful and friendly! We received accommodations that allowed access for an individual with special needs to see the performance, which was great! Especially the staff whom were assisting my group, they were very kind individuals who helped without judgment and a warm smile. We had great seats and the sound was amazing!

Br
Review №17

The acoustics inside are pretty good. The lawn is larger than you think and gives you room to be comfortable. Also has a good view from the lawn so its worth the price of lawn seat admission. Inside, the seats are traditional, so its a little tight, but expected. When the music is good, the tight spaces dont become an issue.

Al
Review №18

Great venue for concerts under the stars, tonight was a night never to be forgotten shared with the Beach Boys. Great music, great snacks and a wonderful evening.

Co
Review №19

Alan Jackson Concert was awesome he still performed even though he was not 100% but you could not tell Great Performance!

ch
Review №20

Went to see keith urban, very nice venue easy to park and a short walk to the facility. 10. parking. food and beverages are avail. actual bathrooms as well as porta potties. nice and clean, well lit.

Fr
Review №21

Best outdoor concert venue here in upstate New York! Doesnt matter where you sit even from the lawn, you will have a very good view. The sound system is great too. The parking is organized and easy to get in and out of. The people who work there are also friendly .

Al
Review №22

Amazing venue. Beautiful view and the acoustic of the venue does not disappoint! Will be on my list of venues to frequent!

Vi
Review №23

Everythings well organized and runs smoothly. People are respectful of each other and the venue. Nice size...big enough to attract big names, yet small enough to get in and out without trouble or a long wait.

In
Review №24

Really nice outdoor venue located in the beautiful Finger Lakes. Sound quality was great.Parking was in a big open field and a bit pricey at $10.Did not purchase any food or beverages so cannot speak to the pricing or quality, but imagine its costly and of the usual type.Would love to see a show again here sometime.For those who need overnight accommodations, there is a Holiday Inn Express and another hotel within about 1 mile of the venue.

Ja
Review №25

I bought my wife and I tickets to Pentatonix and to my surprise Rachel Platten was and is the opening act. I liked both but Rachel was funny and had some real moments with the crowd. As for cmac itself, it was a beautiful night and it went well.

Ja
Review №26

Clean venue. Professional and courteous staff. Fair pricing. It had been almost 20 years since I was last there, and I was pleased to see the experience was a lot smoother and more professional than it used to be. Logistics like getting the cars out of the parking lot in a sensible fashion. Also nice to see free water for designated drivers, recycling and composting options, and plant-based water bottles.The one big disappointment was their tech. The video kept glitching and the sound mixing was AWFUL. Everything was ramped up so most of the sounds bled together, with static and lots of distortion. Didnt do justice to the awesome band.

Mj
Review №27

Great place for a concert. Sound was excellent. Good food choices, limited drink choices, all very pricey. Good place to arrive early and tailgate. Traffic was controlled and flowed relatively steady, security was tight, crowd was well controlled.

M
Review №28

Havent been here since the 90s. Very impressive venue. No bad seats. Steller audio. I was seated in the amphitheatre but I wouldnt be disappointed with lawn seats. Alcohol prices were way up there so for me, not worth the cost. There is a variety of food but I didnt indulge so I cant comment. I do miss the days when you could bring in your own but thats probably not allowed anywhere anymore. Staff is very friendly.

Ki
Review №29

Walked the FLCC trails on a sunny fall day. One of the bridges has been damaged from some fallen branches. We were able to step over the damaged area, but someone might have difficulty balancing. Trails were harder to make out in the woods because of the fallen leaves but fairly easy to retrace despite being covered. Such a beautiful area.

Mi
Review №30

Played ridiculously loud and ridiculously late on a Saturday evening, couldn’t sleep at all at the Economic lodge.

Ra
Review №31

I am in a wheelchair and accessibility is good. Always a great line up year after year!

Mi
Review №32

Great venue for concert. Tedesski& Truck Band was great. The 2 warm up bands were also excellent.

Va
Review №33

This place is amazing for concerts! Saw Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds on 6-18-19. Drove 5 hours from Pittsburgh and it was definitely worth the drive. Beautiful venue. Friendly people. Coming back here, for sure!

Bi
Review №34

One of the best venues to catch a concert in the NE. Large enough to feel youre at an event but small enough where there is not a bad seat in the house. Lots of food and drinks vendors. Only downside is connectivity, particularly when you need to download tickets.

bo
Review №35

Not is the sound here great and the venue super clean, but the food and alcohol is both reasonably priced and of outstanding quality.

Li
Review №36

Best place for a concert in the Rochester area! The parking is a well oiled machine! Sold out show and was out of the parking lot in less than 10 minutes. Beautiful venue all around!!

Al
Review №37

Nice facility. Beautiful sunsets from the lawn. Ample parking. Traffic isnt so bad. One of my favorite places to catch a show!

mi
Review №38

Very nice venue. Lots of good and drink options, but expensive ( no surprise). We always get reserved seats so no comment on how the lawn is. Dont bother with Premium Parking. Total waste of money. Last event it took us over 45 minutes to just exit the lot. Park off-site for $20 and walk a little bit, much quicker.

Va
Review №39

Awesome venue for a concert!!

Al
Review №40

The sound was not good. I could see the musicians complaining. I want to see them at another venue.

M
Review №41

Amazing venue, home to my very first concert many moons. After moving back to the area it still feels like home. Now that live nation has purchased the venue I’m excited for more jam bands and less country shows.

Da
Review №42

With 2 exceptions it was a good experience. The screaming girls/ladies? behind us that drown out the music you could do nothing about but the other was the mean lady in the private party tent. We were headed out and there was maybe a song or 2 left. It started to rain so we stepped in. She was cleaning up and it was closed. Previously to that she let her friends from the lawn (with lawn chairs in hand ) in. she clearly knew them as one lady was rubbing her arm. There must have been 6 of them or so. She lead them right to the front and they were so excited and enjoying the encore so we stepped back in. She came to us and told us we could not be in there. Not so nice either. Absolutely not right. I can understand if it were the beginning or middle of the show but we were walking out and she had her friends in there. I was very disappointed in such dishonesty and favoritism. Im sure if confronted you would get a different story as to protect herself but I have absolutely no reason to be dishonest. Other than that it was great.

Ca
Review №43

Neat, clean, and tight security with 100% wanding. Love it. You can relax with no worries.

Jo
Review №44

Outstanding venue! The staff and security were off-the-charts courteous and very helpful! A very big shout out to Tracy Williams, volunteer coordinator... Thank you again!

GE
Review №45

Easy venue to get to. Good seating, with lots of options under the roof as well as on the lawn. Four big screens help the viewing experience. Reasonable parking at $10.

St
Review №46

Nice venue. Cool view of sunset over the lake. Good sound quality coming from the amphitheater . Youre gonna get wet on the lawn seats in the rain but if you dress for it you can still have a good time with everybody else out there with you. General Parking and walking in isnt bad at all, compared to say, Darien Lake. Premium Parking isnt worth it unless you need accessibility accomdations. I will say that Ticketmaster (30% e-ticketing fee) absolutely SUCKS for this venue and all others, but that is not reflected in thus review rating.

Jo
Review №47

Great venue! Bring a great collection of acts. If you dont get seating, then you can set up a blanket on the hill, which is almost better! Also lots of food and drink vendors.

Mo
Review №48

I love attending concerts here! Its such a great place close to home to watch live music. My only issue is the uncontrolled smoking/vaping out in the lawn area. I would take my kids to more shows if that were a little more under control.

Kr
Review №49

Lost my phone during a concert, and they got it back to me the next day! Great venue. Great people!

Go
Review №50

Went to Beach Boys concert. They put on a great show. The younger members have a lot of talent. The old songs sounded great.

Ge
Review №51

Nice summer venue. Not nearly enough parking. Food & drinks are expensive (as expected) so plan to tailgate outside before you come in.It would be much better if the rules for entry on the website actually matched the rules at the gate!! (Stupid rules that make no sense are a huge pet peeves of mine!)Overall, though, a pleasant experience.

Ji
Review №52

CMAC is one of the best outdoor venues in New York. The layout and location of everything is well thought out. Parking is good, but there are also lots of additional places to park on private property that are easier to exit from, so keep that in mind.

Le
Review №53

Lawn seating is the way to go. Using the seating area would result in hearing loss. We always enjoy the concerts here. However, drink pricing is ridiculous. $20 for 2 glasses of average wine and then they do not let you keep the lid. So now I am threading my way through a crowd and up a hill trying not to slosh red wine on everybody near me. I dont want to spill and waste it anymore than you want to wear it!

Al
Review №54

Finding what you want to eat / drink is ridiculous as every stand has something different, so you have to hunt and search while fighting the crowds. I understand there being different fare offered at each of the food trucks, but all of the standardized vendors that appear to be run by CMAC should all offer the same things. Parking was also ridiculous as I had come from Rochester but was exited out to the left, which made my drive unnecessarily long. Its completely frustrating to drive out of the way, just to have to pass by where everyone else is getting to exit out onto 5 and 20 in a more direct route. Plus, in the dark and when its raining, the left onto 5 and 20 having gone out the back way feels dangerous because there is no traffic light. Get with the program and find a way to direct traffic that doesnt include making people go in a giant loop out of their way, further extending their drive back to Rochester.

Mi
Review №55

Great venue. Every seat in the house is good. Lawn is cheaper and perfectly fine as long as its dry. Otherwise its miserable. Under the awning is more expensive but no risk in ever getting wet.

Sa
Review №56

Love this venue. The way its set up, there is not a bad seat in the house.

Ro
Review №57

Love the concerts there, been to many, just it gets ridiculous when you have a handful of drunks standing up thru the whole concert, giving you a great view of their backs. Security most of the time does nothing. Also never get seats by the center walkways you will see the stage just nothing but people walking back and forth in front of you for the whole night

Su
Review №58

Venue itself is easy to get to, parking is easy and plentiful, staffing appreciate. There are lots of stairs to climb so not a problem for healthy and fit.Lawn views are okay, screens could be much bigger (eg. Amphitheatre in Syracuse) but under the shell the whole experience is much better.This was my first time there in many years and I was disappointed at the mediocre to poor light show. There were also two instances of sound difficulty. This should not happen, but was it the musical act or the venue? All I can say is this act/concert experience was 10 times better in Syracuse

Jo
Review №59

Cmac is in my opinion the best place as far as a large venue to see a show. Prices are at this point starting to inflate but it is what it is. As far as nice facilities and the operation of the place its fantastic

Mi
Review №60

Went to a concert and enjoyed our evening without the kids!! Was short and had no parking lot fun, but still had a great memorable experience

Rh
Review №61

Parking us a big issue.. Especially handicap. Waiting time for golf cart so long. Should address that problem. Realize Most of concerts are for the young but I am,older 87 and went to Hall and Oates,

Ky
Review №62

Thank you for having Steve Martin and Martin Short at your venue. Hilarious show and great venue!

Ro
Review №63

This is a great venue, with good sound (especially for an outdoor stadium). However, if your really want to see the show so it in the seated area. If you just want the crowd and to say youve been then the ham is fine. Everytime we do the lawn is drunk people smoking, drinking and talking the whole show. Its really disappointing they do nothing to stop the haze of smoke. I guess they are concerned about loss of tickets. Pay the extra and sit inside if you can.

Ca
Review №64

Love this place! One of the best in the area! Easy parking, well run venue!

Su
Review №65

Favorite venue. Not small but not overly big. Food vendors, drinks, and plenty of bathrooms. Large amount of seating under a canopy while being open outdoors. Sound is good from bands.

We
Review №66

Great times await you here! Even though the website declares no tailgating, you will find it is not an issue to pop out some chairs and a cooler to enjoy your time before a concert with your friends. I have never had a bad time here, and it is tucked away just enough to where you feel like your entering a different state, or into a hidden forest. GA is at a gentle slope downward, and it is a great idea to bring a folding chair. Great choice of a venue!

Ge
Review №67

Great place to see a show. Had a wonderful time. Would definitely come back.

Me
Review №68

We waited in traffic for an hour and 15 minutes and missed the concert we went to see. The ticket and bathroom lines were ridiculous. I cant believe we wasted so much time and money on this venue.

Mi
Review №69

Very nice venue. Interesting setup. One if a kind I have ever been too!

Da
Review №70

Easy to find, parking is a bit high. The lawn is a pretty steep hill but I still had a great time at concert.

Sh
Review №71

We were here to watch fireworks across Canandaigua with our son & grandsonVery nice show

Ch
Review №72

I have been going to at least one show per season for many years. I love sitting on the lawn, and watching the sunset. This year, I had a temporary handicap. We got there extra early. I had a hard time negotiating the venue. They have one golf cart driver with 5 seats on it to take handicapped folks from the parking lot. They need at least one more cart running people, in a continuous loop. We had to wait a long time, and were almost late for the opening act. Theres nowhere to sit while waiting, other than a guardrail. Benches would be good. Once inside and up a few steps, we took the handicapped ramp, which was much easier.The beverage prices are sky high--$4 for a bottle of water; $9 and up for beer. You used to be able to bring in one sealed plastic bottle of water, but apparently not any more.Near dusk as the main act came on, we witnessed many young people jumping the perimeter fences in the woods to get in. I spoke to security, which was walking around in the crowd, but they seemed to shrug it off.

Wi
Review №73

Very cool place!! Saw a couple concerts here. I do have some problems, such as the water being four dollars! I do understand that that is how this venue makes money, but four dollars is outrageous! Their other food it good, typical food you would find at places like this. Now one day, it was raining like crazy, and the staff was telling people to go back to their cars? This was for the Earth Wind and Fire thing, and everyone was confused and everything, and I guess the shell was not open because of lightning. That was hectic, and should be more organized about things like that. But everything else was great!

Je
Review №74

Reminds me alot if Raleighs pavilion. Very charming. Great acoustics. Not a bad seat in house.

Ke
Review №75

Great venue for a concert!! Lawn seats were awesome and the sound is great. Would definitely go again!!

Tr
Review №76

Great venue, great performers! Just wish there were more places to stay since were from out of town. Ill be back!

Sc
Review №77

The venue is beautiful with great sound, the parking, as well as the easy in and out makes CMAC a great place to see a show. Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds was amazing this year.

Ke
Review №78

Pros: Very good sound system. Top name acts.Cons: Popular concerts = too crowded in food/ drink/ bathrooms area. Food sub par with very high prices.

Mi
Review №79

Wow what a cool venue! I just saw Train and the Goo Goo Dolls. Everyone singing along. Great experience. Nice job to all involved.

Jo
Review №80

Despite having lawn seats, views were decent and the venue has a nice atmosphere.

W
Review №81

I will start by saying, Ive attended 100s of concerts in my life. CMAC is one of very few venues that actually charges to park, $10 for parking is outrageous! Then theres the food/beverage prices, $15 for a 24 oz. domestic beer is absolutely ridiculous! You can buy a 12 pack of GOOD beer for that price!Id also like to know why there are screens under the pavilion? The people in seats can already clearly see the stage, why arent there screens for the people in the lawn!!?? All of these reasons are why I only attend events at CMAC if the band I want to see isnt playing anywhere else. I would rather travel for a concert, rather than go broke to attend a concert at CMAC!

Te
Review №82

Great venue but they need to work on the summer line up. Other than Chris Stapleton, not feeling many of the other artists this year. Little less country and a lot more rock n roll?

Ri
Review №83

Best lawn venue

Ke
Review №84

Awesome place to see a show. Easy in and out. Not a bad seat in the house.

Bi
Review №85

Loved Micheal McDonald.. Nice show..the sound levels were set so one could enjoy the music.. $10 for 4oz of wine was unacceptable however

Le
Review №86

Great concert venue. The healthy food truck had great wraps

Kr
Review №87

Awesome Amphitheater. Great concert.Bring your money if you want to eat and drink $$$

Jo
Review №88

My favorite outdoor concert venue in the Finger Lakes/WNY region!! The scenery is gorgeous! There is always a wide variety of incredible (current)!music options throughout the season. There are plenty of food & beverage options. Easy to get to and plenty of parking.

Su
Review №89

Where Nature and music meet. Great view of stage and excellent screen shots too. Enjoyed yummy nachos and orange Sunkist. A large usher woman insisted on my ticket again even though I was already at my seat and returning with drinks and food for four! Comfy stadium seats, clean bathrooms and lots of green lawn to walk about.

Al
Review №90

This place is beautiful. From the nice paths and layered setup, you can exit to the food and drinks area easily and get back to your seats without missing too much. The truck stands were delicious! Especially the meat truck with sirloin steak sandwich!The sound was good as well and you get a good view even from the middle to back seats.

Ka
Review №91

Small, intimate, outdoor venue. Saw Luke Bryan and Come Swindel. Pleasant people working and attending.

Da
Review №92

Best venue I have been to easy in and out . The sound was amazing sat in the lawn it was nice . Would definitely go back again Chris Stapleton was awesome

Fl
Review №93

Place is absolutely fabulous! But drinks are short short on selection and long on price. Last time we tailgated.

Ca
Review №94

Great clean place, easy access to bathrooms and food, you can almost see the stage from anywhere. I liked it.

Ni
Review №95

Great concert I think their security is a little too much military like but other than that it was a great show and great time.

Ma
Review №96

Usher Nancy was great with my young lady in wheelchair. Very friendly and helpful thanks nancy

Ri
Review №97

Another great concert at CMAC. Our young neighbors could have been a little more courteous but hey, we had a great time.

Le
Review №98

Just a beautiful venue...clean,friendly staff,pricey but every event venue is. Good security and well organized

Na
Review №99

Great venue rob Thomas was amazing and sounded so clear

Co
Review №100

Covered and open air lawn seating. Also had tv screens to see.better.and loud sound system

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:4355 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424, United States
  • Site:http://www.cmacevents.com/
  • Phone:+1 585-394-4400
Categories
  • Performing arts theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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