House of Blues Boston Bag Policy 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Show

Updated Apr 9, 2026 · Concerts

What Is the House of Blues Boston Bag Policy?

Planning to catch a show at Citizens House of Blues Boston? Located at 15 Lansdowne Street in Boston’s vibrant Fenway neighborhood, this iconic music venue hosts everything from intimate concerts to high-energy performances. Before you head out for your night of live music, it’s essential to understand the venue’s bag policy to ensure a smooth entry and avoid any disappointment at the door. The venue allows bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, and all bags will be searched prior to entry. Knowing these requirements ahead of time will help you plan accordingly and get you inside faster to enjoy the show.

What Bags Are Allowed at House of Blues Boston?

House of Blues Boston has implemented a clear bag policy to enhance security and speed up entry for all guests. Here’s what you need to know about acceptable bags:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags with a maximum size of 12″ x 6″ x 12″
  • Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand with a maximum size of 4.5″ x 6.5″
  • Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search
  • All bags will be searched prior to entry

If you’re bringing a bag, your best bet is to opt for a clear bag within the size restrictions or a small clutch. Backpacks are not allowed in the venue and cannot be checked at coat check. Medical bags may be permitted but will be subject to thorough inspection, and any medication must be accompanied with proof of prescription.

What Items Are Prohibited at House of Blues Boston?

To maintain a safe environment for all concert-goers, House of Blues Boston strictly prohibits the following items:

  • Backpacks and oversized bags
  • Guns, knives, weapons, pepper spray, projectiles of any kind, or any other item that could be used to inflict harm
  • Personal video cameras, Go-Pros, selfie sticks, drones, masks or laser pointers
  • Professional audio, video, or audio recording equipment (including detachable lenses, tripods, zooms or commercial use rigs)
  • Bottles, any item that can be used as a weapon, glow sticks or light sticks of any kind, banners, posters or signs
  • Lighters (not allowed in the venue)
  • Smoking and vaping materials (not permitted per City of Boston ordinance – violators will be asked to leave immediately)

Note that personal cameras are allowed in the venue, but professional equipment is not. The use or possession of any illegal drugs will not be tolerated anywhere inside or outside the venue, and security personnel and narcotics officers will be working and enforcing all drug related laws.

How Do You Get Through Security at House of Blues Boston?

To make your House of Blues Boston experience as enjoyable as possible from the moment you arrive, follow these practical tips:

Arrive Early: The venue recommends arriving early to allow enough time for you and your guests to move through the queue and enter the venue. Prior to entering, guests will be searched (wand or walk through metal detection and/or pat-downs) to ensure that none of the restricted items enters the building.

Leave Valuables at Home: The venue suggests you leave valuable and unnecessary items at home. You may be asked to empty your pockets of all items so that they can be examined. Bring only what you absolutely need for the show.

Plan for No Re-Entry: Citizens House of Blues Boston has a strict No Re-Entry policy – once doors open for the concert and you enter the building, you must stay inside until you leave for the evening. Make sure you have everything you need before entering.

Box Office Information: The box office opens day of show ONLY starting one hour prior to doors. If you need to pick up will call tickets, Will Call is available 1 hour prior to door time, and customers must present their valid photo ID and actual credit card used for purchase.

Parking Considerations: The venue recommends booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, and you can reserve your parking spot by visiting the Citizens House of Blues Boston parking page. The Lansdowne Street location can get busy on show nights, so planning ahead is wise.

Accessibility: Citizens House of Blues Boston is wheelchair accessible, and it is encouraged that guests who require accessible accommodations arrive 30 minutes prior to doors opening. For questions about accessibility, you can call 1-888-693-2583.

By familiarizing yourself with the bag policy and security procedures at House of Blues Boston, you’ll breeze through entry and spend less time in line and more time enjoying the incredible live music this legendary venue has to offer. Remember to check the specific event page before your show, as policies can occasionally be updated for special events.

Can You Bring Food and Drinks to House of Blues Boston?

No, outside food and beverages are not permitted at House of Blues Boston. Bottles and outside drinks are prohibited at the venue. Contact the venue directly for their current policy on water bottles.

Umbrellas, Electronics, and Other Items at House of Blues Boston

No, smoking and vaping are not permitted at House of Blues Boston per City of Boston ordinance; violators will be asked to leave immediately. Personal cameras are allowed, but professional video cameras, Go-Pros, selfie sticks, drones, and laser pointers are prohibited. The content does not address umbrellas or laptops.

Other Venue Policy FAQs

What is House of Blues Boston's bag policy?

House of Blues Boston allows clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12" x 6" x 12", or small clutch bags up to 4.5" x 6.5". All bags will be searched prior to entry, and non-clear bags will be subject to additional search.

Are backpacks allowed at House of Blues Boston?

No, backpacks are not allowed at House of Blues Boston and cannot be checked at coat check.

Can you bring a camera to House of Blues Boston?

Yes, personal cameras are allowed, but professional video cameras, Go-Pros, selfie sticks, drones, and laser pointers are prohibited.

Can you bring outside food or drinks into House of Blues Boston?

No, outside food, drinks, and bottles are not permitted at House of Blues Boston.

Is smoking or vaping allowed at House of Blues Boston?

No, smoking and vaping materials are not permitted per City of Boston ordinance; violators will be asked to leave immediately.

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