Acrisure Amphitheater: A Riverfront Jewel
Audience-Focused Venue will Fill Entertainment Gap and Inspire Economic Investment Deeper Downtown
On a balmy summer evening in downtown Grand Rapids, a mild breeze and clear skies beckon patrons to linger on restaurant patios and rooftop bars. The business day has ended, and runners are navigating the riverwalk that passes by the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Ford Presidential Museum, and Ah Nab Awen Park.
Soon, residents and visitors will have another way to savor summer in the city: by experiencing some of the country’s top performers at a world-class riverfront outdoor amphitheater.
Coming Spring 2026
The Acrisure Amphitheater, set to open in the spring of 2026, is poised to fill a significant gap in the Grand Rapids entertainment scene. It promises to draw top-tier acts and big crowds to an urban hub that has long needed a major outdoor venue.
“We have some terrific entertainment venues in Grand Rapids,” said ASM Global Regional GM Rich MacKeigan, who leads operation of the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall. “But we’ve been missing an outdoor venue with the size and scale that can expand the level of talent we’re bringing to the arena—and draw visitors to our region.”
Next-Level Outdoor Entertainment and More on the GR&
@downtowngrinc Cannot wait to see how this space will transform over the next years! What do you think? 🤔 🚜 Estimated Completion: May 2026 📍Location: 201 Market (behind Founders Brewing) 🚜 Construction: Pioneer Construction/Barton Malow Key Public Sector Partners: ➡️ Acrisure ➡️ Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. ➡️ Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority ➡️ Kent County ➡️ MEDC ➡️ City of Grand Rapids #DowntownGR ♬ original sound - Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Though Grand Rapids boasts several beautiful small and mid-size entertainment venues, Van Andel Arena is the only one large enough to consistently host top acts.
With the opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater, music lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy even more top-caliber talent in an idyllic riverside setting during what some call Michigan's best season. The venue will also welcome a new space to showcase local talent and host community events year-round.
“Grand Rapids seeks to become a top city for entertainment and excitement, and the Acrisure Amphitheater will expand our ability to attract the best acts in the world all year round,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “Beyond the acts, this incredible venue will boost visitorship and drive economic growth in West Michigan for generations to come.”
Spanning 90,000 square feet, the cutting-edge Acrisure Amphitheater—which broke ground in May 2024—will host over 54 ticketed events annually, drawing an estimated 300,000 visitors per season.
Enhancing Vibrancy and Connectivity in Downtown GR
Beyond the entertainment value, the riverside location south of Fulton may be one of the most critical aspects of this downtown investment.
“More than a venue, the Acrisure Amphitheater is a catalyst for the southward expansion of downtown Grand Rapids, creating connectivity and opportunities for engagement with neighborhoods to the south,” said Tim Kelly, president & CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. “We'll see improved riverfront access, trail connections, new restaurants, housing, parking, shopping, and more. The investments that are part of these visionary public-private partnerships are expanding the footprint and vibrancy of our downtown. That's how we grow the economic impact of our city and our region.”
With a vision for impact similar to that of the Van Andel Arena in the Heartside neighborhood, the amphitheater will serve as a catalyst for 20 additional acres of surrounding private development. This revitalization will transform industrial sites along the river, activate historically underutilized properties with retail, housing, and commercial developments, and connect diverse communities and neighborhoods—south to Wealthy Street and beyond—to all downtown offers.
The Heart of a Revitalized District
Envisioned as more than just a performance space, the amphitheater will be the heart of a revitalized district, surrounded by vibrant dining and retail options in a park-like setting. It will seamlessly connect the city’s riverwalk, trails, and greenspaces, ensuring downtown Grand Rapids remains a year-round destination.
As construction of the Acrisure Amphitheater progresses, its potential impact on downtown Grand Rapids becomes increasingly apparent. With the amphitheater as a new focal point for entertainment and community activity, downtown Grand Rapids is on track to become an even more vibrant destination, buzzing with renewed energy and excitement.
