Shed

Shed is industry slang for an amphitheater — a partially outdoor venue with a covered stage and open-air seating. The term likely comes from the covered pavilion structure looking like a large shed, though the exact origin is debated.

Shed season

"Shed season" runs roughly May through September in the US — the window when outdoor amphitheater venues are operational. Well-known sheds include PNC Bank Arts Center, Jiffy Lube Live (now Jiffy Lube Live), the Xfinity Center, and Merriweather Post Pavilion. For mid-to-large touring acts, the shed circuit is a core part of summer routing. Major shed networks (Jiffy Lube Live, PNC Music Pavilion, etc.) form reliable routing options across the country.

Using the term

You'll hear "shed" in internal touring conversations — booking agents, tour managers, and crew. It's not a term used in marketing or on tickets. "Amphitheater" is the public-facing word; "shed" is the industry shorthand.