Step Inside: Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in North Carolina

Music and nature unite in harmony at Wilmington, North Carolina’s Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Nestled in 250 acres of protected parkland in downtown Port City’s Greenfield Park, the picturesque venue provides a captivating backdrop for year-round nighttime performances. Discover everything beneath the bandshell and beyond at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater below.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater History

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater was built in Greenfield Park as a mutual project between the City of Wilmington and the Wilmington Rotary Club in 1962. Located in a heavily wooded area along the south side of Greenfield Lake, the open-air music performance space was formally named the Hugh Morton Amphitheater after the late local conservationist.

In 2008, the entire venue underwent a $1.2 million renovation that replaced wooden benches with more comfortable seating, expanded stage coverage and installed a stage house, concessions, restrooms and a box office. As part of Greenfield Park, the amphitheater was designated as one of Wilmington’s Local Historic Landmarks in 2011.

Grammy-nominated country artist and Raleigh, North Carolina native Tift Merritt played the first show following the renovation in 2008. Since then, a wide variety of artists have performed on-stage including Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, James Taylor, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and The Head and The Heart. In addition, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater has been the site of annual local events like Riverfest and the Azalea Festival.

Get to Know Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Venue Features

The key feature of Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is all around as guests can take in the venue’s intimate, scenic setting. Tall cypresses surround the lakeside stage, adding natural acoustics to an outdoor-optimized sound system. The park atmosphere continues inside the gates with open, grassy areas in every direction for dancing and space for children to play. Also, take an occasional glimpse past the amphitheater to spot kayakers!

Seating and Viewing Options

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is general admission-only with no assigned seats. Viewing options verge between a seated area in front of the stage and standing room to the sides and behind the seats. Although there is no designated VIP area at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, experiences and upgrades like blankets and clear bag vouchers can be purchased for select shows. The venue also does not provide roof coverage for the audience, though shows go on rain or shine.

The capacity at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater reaches 1,200 guests, divided between 900 seats and 300 standing spots. Check out Greenfield Lake Amphitheater’s seating layout (by upcoming act) here.

Venue Accessibility

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is an ADA accessible venue with designated seating in the middle section of the audience area, however, there are no reserved seats. Guests seeking the ADA section should contact a venue staff member upon entry. Accessible parking can be found next to the amphitheater’s main entrance, and all bathrooms, concessions and merch stands are ADA accessible.

Guests requiring assistive listening devices or any specific accessibility needs are advised to contact the venue or call the box office at 910-632-5093 no less than two weeks before the concert.

Parking and Admission at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is located at 1941 Amphitheater Drive in Wilmington, North Carolina. Parking can be found along Lakeshore Drive between North Carolina Avenue and Honeysuckle Drive and is typically free on-site. Due to delayed exit times, parking on Amphitheater Drive is discouraged. Street parking is also available nearby, but be aware of restricted parking areas for local businesses.

Fans can begin to enter the venue generally one hour before showtime. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is an all-ages venue, though restrictions may vary by event. The bag policy blocks any clear bag larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or small clutch larger than 6″ x 9″. Notably, the venue does not allow any lawn chairs. See the full list of prohibited items on the visitor page.

Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Below are a number of dining options within a short distance of Greenfield Lake Amphitheater:

• Winnie’s Tavern, 1895 Burnett Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Pelican’s SnoBalls Greenfield Lake, 1826 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield Street #6123, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, 206 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
• True Blue Butcher and Barrel, 110 Greenfield Street Suite 114, Wilmington, NC 28401
• The Harp, 1423 South 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hotels Near Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Below are a number of hotel options just a short drive from Greenfield Lake Amphitheater:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West – Medical Park, 839 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park, 2320 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Extended Stay America Select Suites – Wilmington – West, 2657 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Wilmington Medical Park Downtown, 2177 Stonecrop Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412