Your Guide to Accessing Back Cove Music & Arts Festival at Payson Park
To ensure a smooth arrival and departure for all attendees, please read below for detailed information about how to access the festival.
EXPLORE THE BACK COVE GROUNDS
Want to see where everything’s located ahead of time? Check out our official Back Cove Festival Site Map for details on entrances, stages, food vendors, restrooms, accessibility areas, VIP viewing locations, and more.
Plan ahead, travel smart, and get ready for a beautiful weekend on the Back Cove.
NO ON-SITE PARKING
Please note: There is no public parking available on-site at Payson Park. We encourage all attendees to take advantage of our FREE citywide shuttle service, ride a bike, or walk to get to the festival with ease.
Driving via I-295 South? Use Exits 6A & 6B for the most direct access to nearby festival parking.
free festival shuttles
We're proud to offer a FREE roundtrip shuttle program for all Back Cove attendees. Shuttles will run continuously on both festival days, August 2nd & 3rd, from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Shuttle drop-off is located at Catafalque Drive, right at the festival’s main entrance.
Shuttle Pick-Up Locations:
Old Port Portland:
Lincoln Park - Congress St & Pearl St
Congress Square Park - Congress St & High St
University District:
University of Southern Maine - 88 Bedford St
North & East Portland:
Casco Bay High School - 196 Allen Ave
Lyman Moore Middle School - 171 Auburn St
University of New England (Bishop Parking Lot) - 102 Bishop St
Deering Neighborhood:
Deering High School - 370 Stevens Ave
Longfellow Elementary School - 432 Stevens Ave
Ocean Avenue Elementary School - 150 Ocean Ave
All shuttle rides are completely free of charge - just hop on and enjoy the ride to the festival!
Portland Metro Event Bus Route
In partnership with the Greater Portland Metro, a FREE roundtrip route has been added for the festival weekend. Buses will be running on 30 minute intervals, August 2nd & 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Shuttle drop-off is located at Catafalque Drive, right at the festival’s main entrance.
Route
Route 9B - North Deering via Washington Avenue
Route 9A - North Deering via Stevens Avenue
Metro bus rides to/from Back Cove are completely free of charge!
BIKE VALET PRESENTED BY THE BICYCLE COALITION OF MAINE
Thanks to our friends at Bicycle Coalition of Maine, we’ll be offering a secure, complimentary Bike Valet on-site near the main entrance. Ride in, check your bike, and enjoy the festival knowing it’s safely looked after.
WALKING TO THE FESTIVAL
For Portland locals or those staying nearby, walking is a great option! Payson Park is easily accessible via the Back Cove Trail and multiple city sidewalks. We’ll also have a dedicated Walking & Bike trail on show days along Front St. which leads directly to our Main Entrance.
