Fun Fact: Which Maryland County has a Swimming Pool at its Concert Venue?

Merriweather Post Pavilion in Howard County, Maryland is one of the country’s most unique concert venues. The Merriweather has a back stage swimming pool for concert performers and their families. 

Merriweather Post Pavilion Facebook Page

Opening July 14, 1967, Merriweather Post Pavilion originally was built to be the home of the National Symphony Orchestra. Merriweather was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, who is best known for defying architectural conventions. Located within 40 acres of parkland known as Symphony Woods, Merriweather has provided fans with entertainment for more than 50 years.

Artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Willie Nelson to Foo Fighters and Florence + The Machine have flocked to this unique oasis between Baltimore and Washington, DC, drawn by its grassy, tree-filled surroundings and welcoming atmosphere. Jimi Hendrix debuted his rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner here, and on May 25, 1969, the venue hosted the only show Led Zeppelin ever played with The Who.

Merriweather has gone through several renovations throughout its history. For Green Day’s concert, Billie Joe Armstrong, had Merriweather rip out the first 15 rows of seats to build a GA mosh pit for their American Idiot tour. By the early ’80s the lawn sections were added using 700 truckloads of dirt to give it the perfect slope for viewers.

For its 50th anniversary the venue went through several renovations including the addition of a swimming pool, several dressing rooms and other upgrades to attract the best talent. Some of the new renovations for attendees included the all-new SkyBoxes and SkyLawn, giving fans a new, elevated view of the stage. The SkyLawn consists of two natural grassy knolls overlooking the pavilion, 40 feet in the air. The roof was raised by 20 feet to enhance views and acoustics, and allow for even more impressive stage productions to fit inside the shed.

Merriweather has implemented a range of efforts to protect the environment, including installing solar panels that power the house lights and building new structures using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

For more than 50 years, Merriweather has hosted a diverse range of artists and events, offering the area’s absolute best in contemporary entertainment. Visit the Merriweather Post Pavilion to see more information and upcoming events.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.