The Woods Amphitheater At Fontanel

I feel like this is a lot like Santa's Pub as one of Nashville's hidden secrets.

Absolutely wonderful place to see a show.  Easy parking, not too terrible to get out of post-show, doesn't have the overbearing security like most venues.  Tailgating allowed.

Please don't ruin this Nashville, I like it a lot.

A tip on this place:
-Bring a camping chair.  This is a MUST.  Your 'seat' is whatever grass you claim for yourself as the venue is general admission.

I bought our tickets to see Sigur Ros when they went on sale ages ago and from then up until the day before the show I thought the Woods was in Franklin and it would take us 2 hours to get down there with Friday evening traffic. Another friend thought it was in Mboro, another friend thought Bellevue - which leads me to believe that The Woods is actually Camelot lost in the mists of fairy land! I figured out that it's actually north and only 9 minutes from our front door.

Although I had no idea where the place was, I had done a little bit of research ahead of time concerning the parking situation and I'm so glad we arrived early and parked near the exit. We had friends who said it was complete and total chaos leaving. It took one couple upwards of 45 minutes to leave after the show. The problem is  road rage meeting the lack of parking attendants to guide traffic out. My friends said people were lifting ropes for cars to go under, honking and screaming at each other. Also VIP show goers are totally screwed because they park you up by the stage across the creek which is great when you arrive but then when the show is over the bridge that leads out is being used by pedestrians so you have to wait to leave. INSANITY.

The place itself is okay. I've heard varying things about different shows. If they set up chairs on the lawn and you happen to sit at the front right you can't see the stage. Also you are elbow to elbow with the chair next to you. If it's lawn seating you can bring a blanket or lawn chair but it's useless because most people end up standing up anyway. Strangers came and sat in our laps twice! No joke, sat on our blanket right in front of us. Seriously we almost had more than a verbal altercation go down at one point. The portable potties are horrific and the food/drink options by the stage are pretty narsty. We had an okay view of the stage but I wish we were actually closer to the middle and back for sound purposes. Some folks had even brought in hammocks to put between the trees along stage right.

Having said that, seeing Sigur Ros at night, outside and during perfect fall weather couldn't have been more amazing. And so I would recommend seeing a show here if it's the right band, if you've eaten before you've arrived just plan to get there early and park in a good place.

It's nice to see bands under the stars, but the location of this venue is unfortunate. It's only accessible from one road. Expect to wait the better part of an hour to get out of the parking lot. Furthermore, the beer selection is mediocre.