Live Music Downtown Grand Rapids
As Grand Rapids continues to grow, the music scene continues to grow with it. New developments all over town have changed the landscape for live music, creating a whole new Grand Rapids Music Trail which features more than 100 live music venues. Whether it’s music that is born and based right here in West Michigan or touring musicians stopping through town, there are plenty of options for live music every night of the week.
Whether you’re in town for the night or a Grand Rapids native, you’re sure to find awesome live music all over the city. Here are just five out of 100+ suggestions for live music in the downtown area:
1. Pyramid Scheme
The Pyramid Scheme is the city’s go-to for live local music and arcade nostalgia in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
Before you even head into the music venue, you will find a big attraction, the growing collection of pinball machines. Twilight Zone and Attack on Mars are among the classic crowd favorites. Or check out the newer Wizard of Oz pinball machine.
If that doesn’t grab your attention, the music will. During the week, you can catch acts that just played in Detroit or Chicago and are looking for an extra gig. This means you can catch a more intimate show from a band after they just played larger venues in bigger cities.
The venue is 420-person capacity, mostly standing room only. Two raised side’s mean that here is not a bad seat in the house as far as line of sight goes. There are no barriers to the stage, so can get sweat on, by your favorite musician. Which is what make’s the venue unique.
There is a huge pool of talented musicians in Grand Rapids, MI. Who share the stage with many nationally touring acts as well. Shows and events span all genres, appealing to tastes on many different people. A community-oriented place, where everyone is welcome.
2. One Trick Pony
136 East Fulton
One Trick Pony was one of the first restaurants in Grand Rapids to start hosting live music nights almost 20 years ago. Saying that many acoustic, jazz, and rock musicians have performed inside this intimate venue is an understatement. It’s considered a listening room, where you go to enjoy the music and actually “listen.” You can catch live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The element of time plays a key role in the spirited ambiance that the restaurant provides. Certified as the oldest continually occupied building in Grand Rapids, the walls of One Trick Pony. When you visit the restaurant, look up when you walk in the door. You will notice that some of the walls, as well as the alley between the two old buildings, have been incorporated into the current structure.
Through the years, the building has played host to 17 different businesses. From dressmaker to dry cleaner, a radio & music repair shop to a meat market, One Trick Pony has seen it all. The signs you can see throughout our restaurant pay tribute to the businesses that helped shape early Grand Rapids.
1. 20 Monroe Live
11 Ottawa Ave, NW
The brand new, state-of-the-art music art deco retro inspired venue 20 Monroe Live is right in the middle of Grand Rapids, MI. Intended to create a comfortable environment reminiscent of America’s great clubs throughout the years.
The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art sound, lights and production capabilities. Designed with an eye for utilization being one of the most user-friendly in the Country private events, corporate meetings, charity functions and festivals. Also, the building’s design lends itself to for live music and special events.
It offers something for everyone and is in the heart of downtown, 20 Monroe Live features an intimate, beautiful VIP club with such amenities as private bar, open air patio and access to best seats in the house.
4. Founders Brewing Co.
235 Grandville Ave, SW
Come for the beer but stay for the music. Besides its nationally-renowned craft brews, Founders Brewing Co. has really put itself on the map as a live music venue. It’s a great spot to catch live music, especially when you’re on a budget.
Thursday night acts are free and Saturday night shows featuring two or three bands are only a $5 cover. Looking for Tuesday night music? The open mic night is one of the best in Grand Rapids, features some of the best up-and-coming talent in West Michigan.
Founders Brewing Co. has evolved into one of the highest recognized breweries in the United States. They have been ranked in the top breweries in the world by Ratebeer.com for the last five years, in addition to having several beers listed in the top one hundred beers of the world on Beeradvocate.com.
The atmosphere is full of energy, and the beer menu is expansive. The outdoor patio is fantastic. Live music options have made Founders a destination for those visiting Grand Rapids, MI. Consider ordering a flight, so you can try multiple beers. Savoring the variety of very interesting beers on tap. Incredible place for dinner, good sandwiches and beer cheese dip too. Yum. Tons of seating but expect the place to be busy — especially on the weekend.
5. The Intersection
133 Grandville Ave, SW
What started as a small venue a few blocks out of downtown The Intersection has now grown to one of the top music venues in the country! Always bringing in great artists to Grand Rapids, MI. Allowing the guests to enjoy the experience with attentive staff and security.
Currently, there are two different rooms to catch live music, the smaller room, called “The Stache” and the larger Intersection room where they frequently have at least two shows in a night. The large stage area has plenty of bar sections so you’re not having to fight through the entire crowd to get a drink. Indoor climate varies, so have layers you can put on, or bring a light blanket. Seats are mostly folding chairs, or backless stools. Acoustically/musically it’s a great venue, Grand Rapids’ live music event hot spot.
