mountain park

We saw the Dropkick Murphys, and it was one of the best nights of my entire life! No tailgating in the police patrolled parking area (a good thing), so you get a better fan element attending. Excellent acoustics for outdoors. Bring your beach chairs and enjoy!

Loved the led zep tribute band last summer. they came around August. The drinks (beer) and snacks are costly, so drink and go out to eat before you get there. Other than that, bring a lawn chair and enjoy...

We also saw Bonnie Raitt on June 8th and thought that the 10 minute drive from Route 91 to the park might take a little longer than usual. However we were unprepared for the nearly two hour gridlock for that short distance and completely missed the first act, Mavis Staples. We thought that the Iron Horse Group would have had their act together since this is not their first year at this location and they are not novices when it comes to concerts. But they really missed it this time. Too bad because the venue itself is gorgeous with the nicest grass I have ever seen and beautiful views. The crowd problems were evident as well at the food concessions and portable toilets. Since you can't bring in any food or drink, there should be more food and drink outlets available to avoid another 30 minute wait for sustenance, and a few more porta potties would have been welcome. Also be forewarned, there are NO covered areas in case of bad weather.

... on the site of the old Mountain Park Amusement Park... it is now a concert venue for the Iron Horse Entertainment Group. Although a beautiful, intimate site for a concert with a lush lawn to spread out on... the problem is getting in and out of the place. We saw Bonnie Raitt here and bought the $75 tickets thinking we would be sitting inside a shed in case of rain. There is NO INSIDE SEATING here so save your money. You will get just as wet in the expensive seats as someone sitting on the far reaches of the lawn. And after sitting in the expensive seats I would prefer the lawn... great view, sound, and you can sprawl out and dance. Food and alcohol are available inside but the lines are long and the beer is $7 a pop. No re-entry so make sure you have all you need. We got here when the park opens... 5 o'clock... but if you are running late there is a good chance of missing the first part of the show because traffic is so slow. Main act comes on at 8. You can tail gate in the parking lot but uniformed Holyoke police officers patrol and scurry you in at concert time. Getting out must be a nightmare... again because there is only one way out. We left early and did not want to find out how long it would take to get out of there... my guess is an hour or two at least. If there is an artist that you really like then this is a nice under the stars venue. Unless you like sitting in traffic... get here early and leave early as well. Worth one visit anyway to decide for yourself.