The Coves FAQs
The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake
The Coves is a private, thriving community of beautiful homes nestled among quiet walking trails on the western shores of Smith Mountain Lake. Our owners are passionate about the outdoors, living in concert with nature, and sharing live music on our stage in support of food aid for children in need. Learn how you can be a part of our vision and own a home at www.covesatsml.com.
How did the Coves Amphitheater come to be?
The Coves began presenting live music to support and raise money for children in need in the fall of 2020, using the front porch of a cabin to serve as the stage. To provide relief from the first year of the COVID pandemic we all confronted, artists such as The Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk, and Jerry Douglas played intimate and socially distant-concerts onto our open fields. From this began the building of a state of the art venue on a sloping field with stunning views of the Lake and the Blue Ridge mountains. Since 2021, nationally known artists played to adoring crowds including Sarah Jarosz, Michael Franti, Paul Thorn, Pure Prairie League, Tommy Emmanuel, Ricky Skaggs, Tab Benoit, Crawford & Power, Bruce Hornsby, The Allman Betts Band, The Mavericks, The Marshall Tucker Band, Asleep at the Wheel, and many others. In 2023 you will see even more improvements to your concert experience with another stellar line up of top notch performers.
How do Charities Benefit from these Concerts?
The Coves Amphitheater is made available to our charity partners to host concerts, led by Smith Mountain Lake Good Neighbors. Net profits are shared with our partners, with special emphasis on food aid programs aimed at children. Since we began, thousands of dollars have gone to help support these programs. In 2023, we hope to leverage our success and experience to raise even more money to help these charities deliver on their mission.
Where is the Box Office located?
While most tickets are bought online (covesatsml.com), our physical box office is at The Coves located at 301 Ivy Lane, Union Hall, VA, 24176. The box office is only open on show days starting at 4pm.
What are the ticketing options?
- PREMIUM SEATING has you seated right at the downstage edge, as close as possible, to experience your favorite artists. Come as you are, as comfortable seating is already in place. Ticket includes preferred parking next to the amphitheater, nearby bathroom facilities, dinner and 2 drink tickets. Proceeds from this very limited upgrade will benefit SML Good Neighbors. Not all shows will offer this option. When purchasing tickets, you can see if this option if available
- GOLD SEATING is a gently terraced, seated area close to the stage providing up close and personal interaction with your favorite artists. Come as you are, as comfortable seating is already in place. This is a first come, first served section with lighted walkways and prime seating and sight lines.
- FIELD SECTION is a first come, first served section where you can spread out on the hillside with blankets, chairs, or hammocks to enjoy the show. The upgraded field features improved lighted pathways and stunning views of the mountains and lake surrounding the artists.
- MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE TICKET: ADA PATRONS & THEIR GUESTS ONLY! American Disability Act accommodations including any necessary seating, parking, or other arrangements. Tickets for accessible seats may be sold to individuals who require accessible seating themselves (even due to temporary injuries), their companions, or to someone purchasing tickets on their behalf. Please contact covesmusicinfo@gmail.com to discuss how we may prepare for your arrival.
You can print out tickets or they can be scanned from your mobile device.
For shows that do not sell out online, tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of show. We recommend that you secure your tickets ahead of time to make sure you can join us inside the amphitheater.
Can children attend for free?
Children 12 and under are admitted free to the general admission field area with a paid adult.
Are dogs allowed?
No, please leave all furry friends at home. Only certified service animals will be permitted.
Where can we park?
The Coves has four fields for parking. Please follow directions from our parking crew as you enter the property. We ask that you do not tailgate. Which means NO tailgating. Great food, beers & wines, water, and other drinks are available in the venue. Proceeds from drink and concession sales are used to help support local food banks.
What time does the actual show begin?
Each show has information for when amphitheater gates open and Show time. Please check times when purchasing tickets.
Are coolers containing outside food and beverages allowed?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Exceptions for dietary restrictions are allowed. All bags are subject to search at the gate to the amphitheater.
Can we come early to explore the miles of hiking trails, enjoy the vistas, lake, and pavilions?
Guests who arrive as early as 5:00 PM may, up until showtime, enjoy exploring the walking trails and “big view” seating pavilions on areas marked “open space” in The Coves community. This is an added perk of attending our shows, which may be suspended or revoked at any time (e.g. wet weather).
Are chairs provided?
- GA Gold Section - YES!
- GA Field Section - NO. So please bring your own chairs, blankets or hammocks if you would like a seat during the show. Chairs will not be provided for GA.
Can we bring umbrellas or pop-up tents?
Please be considerate of audience sightlines and leave your pop-up tents at home. If you have a low-lying shade tent or personal umbrella that will not block the view of the audience behind you, you are welcome to bring that with you. Personal umbrellas are permitted, even recommended if rain is in the forecast.
What does the field look like?
There are great views of the stage from the entire tree-lined field. Many areas are shaded and provide a perfect place to hang a hammock and enjoy the evening. Guests assume all liability for their own safety when using hammocks or other items they bring to the event.
Will these shows be canceled in the case of bad weather?
All Coves shows are rain or shine. All ticket sales are final. We will do our best to provide a great experience, no matter the weather, so bring your gear and a positive attitude! However, if a show is postponed, you may hold on to your tickets for the rescheduled date or request a refund. If a show must be canceled without a reschedule date, all ticket holders will receive a refund.
Will alcohol be available at these shows?
Yes! We will have a variety of adult beverages (craft and domestic beers and wines) for sale inside the venue. Those buying alcohol will be ID’d and wrist banded.
What food is available inside the venue? Will there be vegetarian/GF/vegan options available?
One or more food trucks will be at every event, depending on anticipated audience size. Their menu offerings will vary. Check the Facebook page the week of events for the vendors and menus available. Waters, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages are always available.
Can we smoke inside the venue?
The Coves is in a heavily wooded area, so we must be mindful of the fire hazard in that environment. Smoking is allowed, but only in designated areas and is subject to cancellation based local emergency fire prevention advisories. Please respect others by only smoking in designated areas and be mindful to police all of your trash. It is critical that smokers use the containers provided to discard all cigarette butts.
What restrooms are available?
Portable toilets are located around the perimeter of the amphitheater. Tidy Services will provide sanitized portalets as well as hand washing stations, all serviced in advance of each concert.
Is your venue ADA accessible?
Yes. There is a parking area for patrons who have special needs. It is located near the entrance for parking lot C. We also have wheelchair accessible bathroom units on site. If you have questions or need further accommodations, feel free to email us: covesmusicinfo@gmail.com.
What Covid precautions are in place?
We remain committed to providing a clean and safe environment as prescribed by the CDCs most current guidelines for events. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the events at The Coves in a safe and responsible manner.
I have more questions. How do I get in touch?
By far, the best way to get in touch with us is via email covesmusicinfo@gmail.com
We can also be reached via Facebook messenger (https://www.facebook.com/covesatsml).
Both of those accounts are checked daily.
For all other venue related questions, comments, or requests, please email us at: covesmusicinfo@gmail.com
