Tanglewood Policies & Information
Tanglewood Code of Conduct
By entering the Tanglewood grounds, you agree to the following code of conduct:
- Shirts are required everywhere on the Tanglewood grounds. Shoes are not required outside, but they are required in all concert halls.
- For security reasons, we reserve the right to inspect bags and other items brought on campus.
- No areas of the lawn may be cordoned off for any reason.
- Pest repellent damages the Tanglewood lawn. Please apply carefully and never directly on the grass or in the direction of other patrons.
- Patrons are not permitted to use tents or open-sided canopies. Please refer to the section below for further details regarding Tanglewood's policy on umbrellas.
- During Shed concerts, children may play ball in designated areas around the Tappan Manor House and in the Apple Tree Lot of Ozawa Hall. Please be mindful of other patrons seated on the lawn. Ball playing is not permitted on the Shed lawn at any time when the grounds are open for a Shed concert.
- No eating or drinking (except water) is permitted inside any of the concert halls.
Prohibited Items and Activities
- Motorized vehicles, except transport devices used by individuals with mobility impairments.
- Weapons with or without permit.
- Animals, except service dogs.
- Drones, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.
- Cooking, open flames, grilling, fireworks, etc.
- Tents of any kind
- Open-sided canopies
- Photography and video recording during concerts.
- Smoking or vaping of any substance.
- Unauthorized ticket resellers, solicitation, and distribution of materials.
Tanglewood has the right to refuse entry if any of the above conditions are not met. Thank you for your cooperation and help to create a safe environment on the grounds.
Intermission Entry Policy
Once intermission of the performance has concluded, re-entry or entry will not be allowed. If you have items that you are returning to your vehicle, we ask that you take care of this prior to the end of intermission break.
Grounds Clearing Policy
For all evening performances in the Shed, we ask that all guests exit the property no later than 30 minutes of the concert end time.
Tanglewood Umbrella Policy
Please note: canopies, open-sided canopies, tents, pup tents, or similar large non-umbrella overhead coverings are not allowed on the lawn.
Guests may use umbrellas under the following conditions:
- Umbrellas must not exceed six feet in diameter.
- Umbrellas inserted into the ground must have stakes of no longer than six inches and may not have threaded screws.
- Guests must position umbrellas upright (not at an angle).
- Umbrellas may not have any hanging sides that will obstruct view for patrons around you
- For evening concerts, all umbrellas must be taken down at sunset, except in cases of rain, weather conditions permitting.
- Tanglewood reserves the right to require guests to dismantle their large umbrellas if staff feel they pose a danger due to wind or other inclement weather conditions. For this reason, we encourage guests to bring personal hand-held umbrellas to supplement their large umbrellas if rain is forecasted.
Note: The Shed is ticketed separately from the Lawn and is not a rain shelter for guests with Lawn tickets (except when Tanglewood announces an official lightning emergency, at which time instructions will be communicated by Tanglewood staff). Please prepare for rainy conditions accordingly.
Anti-Harassment Policy
Tanglewood has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and citizenship. Harassment includes but is not limited to stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention. If you are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please immediately report any concerns to Tanglewood staff or security personnel so appropriate action can be taken.
Health and Safety
Please read our health and safety protocols before visiting Tanglewood.
Accessible Seating and Services
Accessible seats and other accommodations are available by calling 617-638-9431 or emailing access@bso.org.
- Balcony levels of Ozawa Hall are not accessible by elevator. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, please inform the Box Office when purchasing tickets so we can provide you with orchestra-level seating.
- Learn more about accessible accommodations at Tanglewood.
Ordering Group Tickets
Groups of 20 or more receive discounted tickets to most Tanglewood concerts. Other group benefits include special event planning, personalized service, and flexible payment plans. For more details, call the Group Sales Office at 617-638-9345 or 800-933-4255.
Welcome Center
Located at the Main Gate next to the Box Office, this is your one-stop shop for general information, literature, and lost and found. For information, call 413-637-5180.
Children at Tanglewood
To minimize disruptions, children under 5 are not permitted in the Shed during concerts (except for Family Concerts) but may enjoy the music on the lawn.
Severe Weather Evacuation Policy
In the event of severe weather conditions, a coordinated campus-wide alert will be issued. Patrons and staff will be directed to shelters in a safe and orderly manner. We regret there can be no refunds, even in the event of inclement weather.
