Timeline of Grand Rapids' Most Iconic Concert & Entertainment Venues
More Than 50 Years of Growth with a Major Addition on the Horizon.
Music and entertainment are deeply embedded in our cultural fabric. Over the past 50 years, the city’s modern era has seen the rise of iconic venues and the attraction of a variety of artists and events. From local talents to headlining acts spanning all genres, Grand Rapids has become a must-visit for music lovers and musicians alike. With another new major venue underway, the Acrisure Amphitheater, the city’s entertainment scene is poised to reach even greater heights.
Let’s look back at how some of Grand Rapids’ most well-known venues have shaped the city’s vibrant music scene:
1972
Founded in 1972, The Intersection originally opened as a smaller club in the Eastown neighborhood, with the aim of providing a home for live music. During its early years, The Intersection became a fan-favorite spot for local artists and music lovers, with its primary focus on rock and folk music, reflecting the popular genres of the time.
1980
DeVos Performance Hall opened in downtown Grand Rapids in 1980 to provide a dedicated venue for the city's performing arts organizations. Today, that list includes the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Opera Grand Rapids. Over the years, it has hosted a wide array of events, including concerts by artists such as B.B. King, James Taylor, and Aretha Franklin; comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle; as well as family-friendly shows like Sesame Street Live.
An audience enjoys a performance at DeVos Performance Hall in 2022.
1996
It may be hard to imagine downtown Grand Rapids without Van Andel Arena, but prior to its opening in 1996, the multi-use hub was still in the planning process. As part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and establish itself as a major regional hub for sports and entertainment, Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway, along with the original Grand Action Committee – a coalition of local business leaders, community advocates, and city officials – drove the funding and completion of this project.
Over the years, Van Andel Arena has hosted countless major events – including concerts by Grammy Award-winning artists, professional sports games, monster truck rallies, and other live entertainment – helping to solidify its reputation as one of the premier venues in the Midwest.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus wows families at Van Andel Arena in October 2024.
2003
2003 was a big year for Grand Rapids’ music scene. Early that year, The Intersection moved to its current location downtown. The move provided more space and allowed the venue to accommodate larger crowds and a wider variety of artists. As a result, The Intersection was also able to host national touring acts, ultimately expanding its reputation as a significant stop for artists of various genres.
2017
With its launch in 2017, a new music venue at 20 Monroe, led by Greg Gilmore, recognized the need for a dynamic, mid-sized venue capable of hosting a wide range of acts in downtown Grand Rapids. A partnership with Live Nation's House of Blues Entertainment division brought 20 Monroe Live (now GLC Live at 20 Monroe) to life. Since opening, GLC Live at 20 Monroe has hosted performances ranging from concerts across all genres to comedy shows and Game of Thrones viewing parties.
2019
The Listening Room, now known as Midtown GR, was developed as part of the ambitious Studio Park project, with the goal to create an intimate live music venue alongside apartments, restaurants, and a movie theater. The 200-seat venue was built with a focus on creating a space that prioritized high-quality acoustics and a close connection between the audience and artists. The venue was rebranded as Midtown GR in 2022 to reflect its expanded programming and to honor the name of the first Loeks theater that operated in downtown Grand Rapids from 1944 to 1979.
Jazz band quartet Bradley Sinclair performs at Midtown GR in June 2024.
2021
In February 2021, Grand Action Two-Point-O, a group comprised of local business leaders like Carol Van Andel, Dick DeVos, and Tom Welch, proposed developing 30 acres along the Grand River, including an amphitheater at the 201 Market Avenue site. The project remains part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and reinvigorate the property along the Grand River.
2024
In May 2024, with support from community leaders and collaboration between the public and private sectors, the culmination of these community efforts – the 12,000-seat Acrisure Amphitheater – broke ground at 201 Market Avenue. Renderings showcase the amphitheater's design, highlighting a football field-sized canopy, which will provide shelter and enhance acoustics for performances.
A render of the Acrisure Amphitheater, set to open in spring 2026.
2026
Acrisure Amphitheater is slated for completion in spring 2026, with the first concert expected to be held in May of that year. The venue anticipates hosting over 50 ticketed performances per season, along with community events and celebrations.
Promising to become a landmark destination in Grand Rapids, Acrisure Amphitheater will add a significant new layer to a vibrant culture scene. Its open-air concept will offer another unique entertainment experience to an already impressive roster, setting Grand Rapids up to become an even more dynamic and sought-after destination for live music and entertainment.
For more on the Acrisure Amphitheater, stay tuned to GR& Riverfront.
