Premium parking at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts can make the experience of attending a concert or event there much more convenient. However, it comes at an additional cost over general parking. Is paying extra for premium parking really worth it? There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase a premium parking pass.
What is premium parking at Bethel Woods?
Premium parking at Bethel Woods refers to parking areas that are closer to the venue entrance and offer easy in/out access. There are two main premium parking options:
- VIP Parking – This is the closest parking to the main entrance, right by the box office. VIP parking pass holders can enter the venue 30 minutes before general admission.
- Premier Parking – These spots are a short walk from the main entrance and have easy access back to Route 17B after the event.
General parking is free and has two main lots – North and South parking. These are farther from the venue entrance and can involve longer walks. Premier and VIP parking spots are limited and must be purchased in advance.
What are the costs of premium parking?
Here are the typical costs for Bethel Woods premium parking passes:
Parking Type | Cost |
---|---|
VIP Parking | $40-60 per pass |
Premier Parking | $20-40 per pass |
Pricing varies depending on the event. Bigger concerts like sold out shows or festivals usually have parking passes at the higher end of these ranges. Smaller events or shows have lower pricing.
General parking in the North and South lots is included free with the ticket purchase.
Benefits of Premium Parking
Here are some of the major benefits that premium parking provides over general parking areas:
Closer proximity
The biggest perk of premium parking is getting a spot much closer to the venue entrance. VIP parking is right by the box office, so no long walks across the parking lots or waiting for shuttles. Premier parking is also a short comfortable walk.
This proximity is hugely convenient on the way into the event and even more so on the way out when general parking lots can become crowded and chaotic.
Shorter waits
With premium parking spots right up front, you won’t have to wait in long queues of cars to exit the lots. After general admission events, the northern parking lots especially can become bottlenecked trying to funnel thousands of cars back out to Route 17B. Those with premier and VIP parking can bypass the gridlock and get on the road faster.
Early venue access
VIP pass holders get to enter the venue 30 minutes before general admission. This gives you first access to merch tables, bars, bathrooms, and getting the best spot for the show. If you really want to settle in before the crowds, early entry is a nice perk.
Guaranteed parking
Premium parking passes guarantee you will have a spot waiting in the prime areas. For sold out shows or festivals, general parking can sometimes fill up and require parking in overflow lots and taking shuttles. With a premium pass you know you’ll have a dedicated spot close by.
Perks depending on event
Some events may offer extra perks bundled with certain premium parking packages, like exclusive lounge access, drink tickets, merchandise coupons, or collectible laminates. VIP parking especially may come with some extra swag at higher profile concerts.
Downsides of Premium Parking
Despite the perks, there are some potential downsides to purchasing premium parking instead of opting for general parking:
Higher cost
The main drawback is obviously the higher price tag – sometimes up to $60 more per pass compared to free general parking. For a family or group attending together, those fees can add up quickly.
Potential to sell out
Because there are limited VIP and Premier parking spots available, for high demand events they may sell out early. If you don’t plan ahead you might miss out and be stuck with only general parking options.
Geographic constraints
The Premier parking areas are most easily accessible coming from Route 17B. If coming from other directions, it may actually be closer to park in North or South general lots. So Premier parking convenience depends on approach direction.
Questions on value
For cheaper tickets at smaller events, paying extra for parking may not feel worth it if general parking is ample and not crowded. The value differs depending on the event scale.
Factors to Consider
When deciding if premium parking is worth it for a particular Bethel Woods event, here are some important factors to weigh:
Type of event
– Major concerts & festivals: Premium parking highly recommended
– Medium concerts: Could be worthwhile
– Small events: May not be necessary
Timing of event
– Weekend evenings: Premium parking is useful to bypass post-event crowds
– Weekday evenings: General parking may suffice since crowds are smaller
– Daytime events: General parking often fine as lighter traffic
Group size
– Large group: Splurge on premium parking for easy meetup/exit
– Couples or singles: General parking provides adequate access
– Families with young kids: Premier parking adds convenience
Budget
– Big budget: VIP parking maximizes experience
– Moderate budget: Premier parking is a nice-to-have
– Limited budget: Stick with free general parking
– Want extras: VIP parking sometimes bundles merchandise and other perks
Directions traveled from
– Coming from Route 17B: Premier parking most convenient
– Coming other directions: General parking may be closer
– Unfamiliar with area: Premier parking simpler to find
Recommendations by Event Type
Based on the factors above, here are some recommendations on which type of parking may be most ideal depending on the Bethel Woods event:
Major Concert Events
For high-demand, sold out concerts like legacy acts or current chart-toppers, springing for premium parking is highly recommended. Go for VIP parking if budget allows, or Premier parking for a slightly cheaper but still convenient option. These big events attract huge crowds that can make general parking a headache.
*Examples: Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews Band, Imagine Dragons*
Medium Concerts
For medium sized concerts by established artists but not quite household names, Premier Parking is likely the sweet spot. Crowds will be substantial but general parking is less likely to be a major issue. The small splurge for closer parking spots is a nice-to-have.
*Examples: REO Speedwagon, Smokey Robinson, Spongebob Musical*
Smaller Events
For niche concerts, comedy acts, small festivals or daytime events, general parking is probably sufficient. These attract smaller audiences where the general lots are unlikely to fill up or have major delays exiting. Save money and opt for general parking.
*Examples: Dark Star Orchestra, Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, Happy Together Tour*
With Families or Special Needs
For events where you’re attending with young children, elderly family, or have special mobility needs, Premier Parking is worth the convenience factor. Getting parked closer, quicker exit, and avoiding big walks and crowds is especially helpful for families and those who can’t walk long distances easily.
How to Get Premium Parking
If you decide premium parking is a good choice for your specific Bethel Woods event, here is how to go about getting passes:
Buy early
Passes can sell out, especially for hot shows. Purchase parking as soon as you have event tickets in hand to secure your spots.
Buy with tickets
Some ticketing outlets like Ticketmaster will allow you to purchase parking passes bundled with event tickets for simplicity.
Buy on Bethel Woods website
Parking passes can be purchased separately direct through the Bethel Woods website. There is a parking FAQ page with direct links to purchase.
Buy at box office
If not sold out, parking passes are available for purchase at the on-site Bethel Woods box office on day of event. But availability is not guaranteed.
Look for deals
Some radio stations, promotional partners, and third-party vendors may offer discounted premium parking bundled with tickets as special deals.
FAQs on Premium Parking
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about premium parking at Bethel Woods:
Does Bethel Woods sell out of premium parking?
Yes, for very high demand concerts VIP and Premier Parking can sell out in advance. It is recommended to buy early for major events.
Can you buy premium parking day of event?
Passes may be available at the box office day of event, but could be sold out for the biggest shows. Buying in advance is best.
How early should you arrive with premium parking?
There is no need to arrive extra early. VIP can enter 30 mins before general admission. Premier allows easy entry at any time.
Can premium parking be purchased at the gate?
No, premium parking must be purchased in advance online or at box office. No parking passes are sold on-site at the gated lots.
How far of a walk is premier parking?
Premier parking lots are a 5-10 minute comfortable walk on paved paths to venue entries and seats. Much closer than general parking.
Conclusion
For major concerts and events at Bethel Woods, premium parking can be an extremely worthwhile upgrade. The closer proximity to the venue entrance, shorter wait times, and convenience for groups makes it highly recommended for high demand, sold out shows. For smaller events general parking is usually sufficient, but premier parking is great for families or anyone needing a shorter walk. To decide if paying extra is worth it, evaluate the event size, timing, budget, group size, and driving directions. Purchase passes early directly through Bethel Woods website or box office to secure premium parking spots for the best experience at this legendary venue.