Radio City Music Hall Bag Policy: What You Can and Can't Bring
Radio City Music Hall, affectionately known as the “Showplace of the Nation,” sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at Rockefeller Center. It opened in 1932 and quickly became one of New York’s most famous entertainment venues. The building is an Art Deco landmark. It hosts everything from film premieres and concerts to the annual Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®. The Great Stage is huge and well equipped. Many legendary performers have appeared there. Before you go to a show, it helps to know the rules. Security checks, what you can bring, and how bags are handled matter. If you have luggage or a large bag, plan ahead. On-site storage is not available, but convenient Radio City Music Hall storage points can be found nearby so you won’t be weighed down while enjoying the show.
Beyond the performances, the building itself is a big part of the experience. Designer Donald Deskey created a rich Art Deco interior with ornate chandeliers, grand staircases, and murals. The main auditorium seats nearly 6,000 people beneath a row of proscenium arches that form a sunrise effect. Even the lounges and restrooms have custom design touches. You can take guided tours to see the Great Stage and its hydraulic systems up close, and sometimes you might even meet a Rockette. Whether you come for a concert, a stage show, or a tour, the hall is a step into the golden age of entertainment.
Radio City Music Hall Bag Policy
Security checks at big venues can be stressful. Knowing the official radio city music hall bag policy helps avoid delays. Staff will screen all bags when you arrive. The main rule is that bags must fit comfortably under your seat. The venue does not list strict dimensions, but a common guide is the standard airline carry-on size for under-seat items: about 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high. If a bag is larger than that, it may be considered oversized and not allowed inside. The easiest approach is to bring the smallest bag you need.
Types of Bags Allowed
So, can you bring a bag into radio city music hall? Yes—if it meets the size rule. Small purses, clutches, and compact shoulder bags usually work well. Diaper bags are allowed for guests with small children, but they must fit under your seat and will be screened. Soft-sided small coolers may be permitted for medical needs, but you should get pre-approval from guest services. Keep in mind that security checks will look inside bags, and contents matter as much as size. Bring permitted items and you will save time at the door.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
The venue enforces a firm list of banned bags to keep aisles clear and seats safe. Large backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases are not allowed. If you arrive with a travel backpack or a big laptop bag, you won’t be admitted with it. Hard-sided briefcases and large coolers are also on the no-go list. Since Radio City Music Hall does not offer on-site bag or coat check services, anyone with a forbidden bag will be told to find storage off-site. Plan ahead to avoid being turned away.
Radio City Music Hall Lockers
If you hope to stash things at the hall, be warned: Radio City Music Hall does not provide public lockers, bag checks, or coat checks. This is a security and logistics decision. Whatever you bring must stay with you at your seat for the entire event. That includes big coats, shopping bags, and oversized luggage. Entrance staff will not hold items and will refuse entry for prohibited bags. Because of this strict policy, packing light or arranging off-site storage before you arrive is essential.
Radio City Music Hall Transportation
The hall sits in a busy part of Manhattan but is easy to reach. The subway is often the fastest option. The B, D, F, and M trains stop at 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center, which drops you almost at the door. Other nearby stations include the 1 train at 50th Street and Broadway, the N, Q, R, and W at 49th Street, and the E at 53rd Street and 5th Avenue. These are all within a short walk.
Buses are a good choice if you prefer to stay above ground and see the city. The M50 crosstown bus runs along 49th and 50th streets and stops at Rockefeller Center. The M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M7 run along 5th and 6th avenues and stop nearby. Check the MTA schedule for current routes and times, since service can change.
If you’re coming from regional rail, Radio City is reachable from the big terminals. From Grand Central Terminal, it is about a 15-minute walk west across 48th or 49th Street, or a short ride on the B, D, F, or M trains from Bryant Park. From Penn Station, you can take trains uptown to Times Square and transfer, or walk north for about 20 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, but expect traffic delays during busy hours and holidays. Allow extra time.
Radio City Music Hall Camera Policy
The venue has clear rules on cameras and recording to protect performers and other guests. Still cameras with non-professional, non-detachable lenses are usually allowed. That means your smartphone or a small point-and-shoot camera is fine for photos in the lobby or a quick selfie. Flash photography is always banned because it can endanger performers and annoy other guests.
Professional cameras and all types of recording devices are forbidden unless the event explicitly allows them. This ban covers cameras with detachable lenses, telephoto lenses, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, GoPros, and camcorders. Recording the performance without permission violates copyright and can get you ejected without a refund. Staff take this seriously and will enforce it. Before you go, check the event page on the official website for any show-specific rules, because some artists set stricter limits.
Radio City Music Hall Food Policy
Radio City Music Hall does not allow outside food or drinks. That includes sealed water bottles, snacks, and thermoses. Bags are checked at security and any outside food or drink must be discarded before you enter. This rule exists for safety, cleanliness, and to support the venue’s concessions.
You can buy food and drinks inside. Concession stands sell popcorn, pretzels, candy, and a variety of beverages such as soda, water, beer, and wine. You must be 21 with a valid photo ID to buy alcohol. Prices at concessions can be high, which is common at major venues, but they are convenient if you want a snack before or during intermission.
Other Radio City Music Hall Rules & Information
There are a few more rules that visitors should know. Radio City Music Hall has a strict no re-entry policy. Once your ticket is scanned and you go through security, you cannot leave and come back. So bring what you need before you enter. Smoking is banned inside the building, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers. If you choose to smoke, do it outside in the designated areas, but remember you cannot re-enter.
Certain items are clearly forbidden, like weapons, laser pointers, signs, banners, and loud noisemakers. Guests must follow the Guest Code of Conduct and be respectful to performers, staff, and other visitors. Disruptive behavior can lead to removal from the hall.
Radio City Music Hall offers accessible seating, elevators, and restrooms. If you or someone in your party needs special accommodations, contact the Accessibility Services Department ahead of time to arrange seating or assistance. Staff aim to make visits accessible, but advance notice helps.
It is wise to arrive early. The area around Rockefeller Center is busy, and security lines can grow long. We recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before showtime. That gives you time to get through security, find your seat, visit the restroom, or buy concessions without rushing. It also lets you enjoy the architecture before the lights go down. It really is worth a few extra minutes.
Tips for Visitors
The most important tip is to check the official Radio City Music Hall website before you go. Look up the specific event page for your performance. That page shows the most current details: showtime, door time, and any special rules or restrictions for that show. Sometimes an artist will ban photography or add other limits. The official site also notes health and safety updates. Take a few minutes to read it. It helps.
Given the bag policy radio city music hall uses, pack light. The easiest way through security is a small clutch, a slim wallet, or just essentials in your pockets. If you need a slightly bigger bag, consider a small clear bag so screening is faster. Clear bags are not required, but they can speed things up.
If you must carry a backpack or larger bag, plan to leave it somewhere off-site. Don’t let heavy bags spoil your experience. Use Qeepl luggage storage near Radio City Music Hall—drop your items off in minutes at a nearby partner location and enjoy the event completely worry-free. You can book a spot online in advance for a fee starting from US$7.39 per day for a single bag.
Bring a government photo ID if you plan to buy alcohol. Keep small cash or a card handy for tips or last-minute purchases. Wear comfortable shoes—you may walk and stand more than you expect. Check weather and dress in layers, because New York weather can change during the day.
If you have accessibility needs, call ahead. Ask about companion seating and elevator access. Staff are usually helpful, but advance planning makes things smoother. If you travel with children, remind them about no re-entry and camera rules. Tell them to keep small bags on their laps or under the seat.
Finally, be patient and polite with staff. Security and venue staff are there to keep everyone safe and comfortable. A little courtesy goes a long way. Enjoy the show. It is a special place.
Actually—scratch that. Enjoy it a lot. I once went to the Rockettes show and still remember the brightness of the stage and the hush of the audience. It was worth the planning. One more short note: always check the event page. It can change. But if you follow these rules and tips, your visit to Radio City Music Hall should be smooth and memorable.
FAQ
Can you bring bags into Radio City Music Hall?
Yes, you can bring small bags that fit comfortably under your seat (approx. 22x14x9 inches). Small purses, clutches, and diaper bags are generally permitted after security screening. However, large backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags are strictly forbidden as there is no on-site storage.
Can I bring a backpack to the Rockettes?
No, you cannot bring a large backpack to the Rockettes show. Radio City Music Hall’s policy strictly prohibits large backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags to ensure safety and clear aisles. All bags must fit under your seat, and you will be denied entry if you have a prohibited bag.
Can I wear jeans to Radio City Music Hall?
Yes, you can wear jeans to Radio City Music Hall. There is no official dress code for most events, so casual attire like jeans is perfectly acceptable. Guests wear a wide range of clothing, from casual to dressy. The most important thing is to be comfortable while enjoying the show.
Can I bring an empty water bottle to Radio City Music Hall?
No, you cannot bring any water bottles, including empty ones, into Radio City Music Hall. The venue’s policy strictly prohibits all outside food and beverages. You will be required to discard any bottles at security. Drinks, including water, are available for purchase inside the venue.
How early should I arrive for a show?
It is recommended that you arrive at least 60 minutes before the show’s scheduled start time. This provides enough time to navigate the busy Rockefeller Center area, pass through security, find your seat, and visit concessions or restrooms without rushing before the performance begins.
Can you bring water to Rockettes?
No, you cannot bring your own water to the Rockettes show. Radio City Music Hall forbids all outside food and drinks, including sealed or unsealed water bottles. You will be asked to dispose of it at security. Water and other beverages are available for purchase at the venue’s concession stands.