Where to find parking at local music venues

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While Merriweather Post Pavilion doesn't charge for its on-site parking, it can sometimes take as long as 30-45 minutes to get out of the lot after the show. But you don't necessarily have to park in Merriweather's main lot. While the nearby Mall in Columbia frowns on parking in its lots because it wants the spaces for shoppers, there are a few free parking garages just across Little Patuxent Parkway. During the day, they're reserved for office workers, but at night and on the weekends, they're fair game for concertgoers.

1st Mariner Arena

It's not uncommon to find street parking near 1st Mariner Arena, depending on the show. Look for spots along North Liberty Street and Park Avenue, as well as Pratt Street, which is only a few blocks away. If the Hippodrome is dark, spots abound on North Eutaw and Paca streets as well. Street parking is much easier on the wallet than the arena's garage.

Verizon Center

Good luck getting street parking outside the Verizon Center. It's a crapshoot on regular days, let alone during shows. Instead, a good option is to drive to the Greenbelt Metro station, park there (which costs $4.25) and take the Green Line to the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop, which is right below the Verizon Center itself.

(Baltimore Sun archive photo)