Top 8 Concert Venues to Visit in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Beer City isn't the only thing Grand Rapids, Michigan, is known for, there are a lot of great concert venues to see shows, and here are some of the best.
West Michigan Concerts
Before I lived in the Grand Rapids area, I used to drive from the other side of Michigan as well as from Indiana to see shows in West Michigan.
Yes, I've been to shows in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and more places than I can remember but Grand Rapids has always been a favorite of mine.
One thing that sets Grand Rapids apart from the other cities is that it is such a clean safe environment to see a show and the venues are not as large as those in major markets making even an arena show more intimate.
Van Andel Arena
I have been coming to Van Andel Arena since 1996 the year that it opened. I have seen some amazing shows including Tool seen above, Metallica, Kiss, Bob Seger, Journey, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, and I can keep going on but I think you get the idea.
One thing I love about Van Andel Arena, it is right downtown near lots of hotels and places to eat. It is easy to get in and out of and trust me I have been in the front row, the last row, and on all sides of the venue and it always sounds great.
Van Andel holds 12,000 and I feel that is the perfect size for an indoor arena. I have been too much larger arenas and if I had bad seats I spent most of the time watching the video screens and I can do that on YouTube.
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
When I first moved to the Grand Rapids area, my first show was at 20 Monroe Live which is now called GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The venue holds 2400 and you would be surprised at some of the big names that have played this size venue like Shinedown and Incubus.
In the past 4 1/2 years, I have seen a plethora of shows. This is a great venue if you want to get up close to your favorite band. Plus they have balcony seating if you don't want to stand and a really cool VIP room called the Vanguard. If you really want a great experience I highly recommend their Vanguard room, private bathrooms, bartender, and even a balcony if you need to catch some air.
DeVos Performance Hall
The DeVos Performance Hall is an outstanding theatre to see an event. They host incredible concerts, comedy events, and more. The venue holds 2,404 and offers great seating and sound.
The venue has been around since 1980 and is also the home of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
I was lucky enough to see B.B. King there many years ago and it was one of the greatest concerts I have ever seen in a theatre.
The Intersection
The Intersection was originally located at 1520 Wealthy Street SE but is now located at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW.
The new location for The Intersection allowed them to have not just one venue but five. The main room holds 1500, while a club downstairs called Elevation holds 800, there are two smaller clubs The Stash which holds 400, and The Mint which holds 200. In the summer The Intersection runs "Rock the Lot" concerts that hold 2200.
Often there is more than one show going on at the Intersection and they have a great staff who knows how to handle multiple events at once.
The Pyramid Scheme
The Pyramid Scheme is not just a music venue but also a pub and pinball arcade. The venue holds 420 for shows and comedy events.
A lot of local bands play here but national acts like the Melvins come through all the time. The Pyramid Scheme is a great place to get up close to some legendary acts.
Belknap Park
Belknap Park is located in downtown Grand Rapids and summers home to some major festivals like Upheaval, Breakaway, and Outlaw Music Festivals.
Belknap Park is a great place to see a true outdoor festival surrounded by the great city of Grand Rapids. The venue has a main stage and a second stage up on the hill and 40,000 is the max capacity.
Meijer Gardens
Meijer Gardens is a 1900-seat amphitheater that is home to a variety of concerts for families. This is a very family-friendly venue with shows every summer and events that will make anyone in the household have a great time. You would be surprised at some of the major acts that hit this venue.
Two Honorable Mentions - The DeltaPlex and The Orbit Room
The DeltaPlex is a venue that has been in the area for over 70 years. It has had some great shows like Ghost, System of a Down, A Perfect Circle, A Day To Remember, and too many to mention. Recently I saw Greta Van Fleet perform a sold-out show and it was amazing.
Unfortunately, The DeltaPlex will be closing its doors in July of 2022. The impact of the pandemic was just too much to keep the venue active and alive. There are a few more events before they permanently shut their doors you can find on the link above.
The Orbit Room is no longer open. It was originally called Club Eastbrook and hosted thousands of concerts. Many of which I used to drive across the state to see. Club Eastbrook was around before there was an Intersection or 20 Monroe Live and the completion along with the building falling apart was just too much to keep its doors open. You ask some of the veteran concert-goers in Grand Rapids about the Orbit Room or Club Eastbrook and I guarantee you they will have some stories to tell.
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