Get Amped! Acrisure Amphitheater is Coming - And Here's How To Park in Downtown GR

The Real Headliner – A Parking Spot

If you’ve been in downtown Grand Rapids lately (or even if you haven’t at this point), you’ve probably seen what’s coming: the Acrisure Amphitheater.

Bringing riverfront vibes and big concert energy, The Amphitheater is going in your Best Summer Memories book.

Wanna know what else can be a positive memory? Tackling parking in downtown GR the night of your concert. That’s right – downtown Grand Rapids parking can be surprisingly easy.

Whether or not you’re an urbanite, we’ve got all the best tips and tricks for becoming a pro at parking downtown.

Read on to find out how to best use the city’s meters, ramps and public transit.

We live in the perfect sized city, so don’t let public parking keep you away!

Park Your Ride, and Stride – Acrisure Recommended

Let’s start with the Acrisure’s suggestion for how to park for your concert: off-street parking. This includes ramps (AKA parking garages) and surface lots.

While the ramps accept credit and debit cards, most parking lots only accept cash and coins, so come prepared.

This interacti ve map of the public parking lots and ramps displays the rates and nearby DASH routes as well so you can easily see which one best fits your location and budget.

Pull in and peace out from these Amphitheater recommended ramps.

Louis Campau Parking Ramp (1)

Ideal if coming from the North or West
0.4 miles, 8-10 minute walk
$25 event parking

Cherry Commerce Parking Ramp (2)

Ideal if coming from the South or East
0.4 miles, 8-10 minute walk
$15 event parking

Pearl/Ionia Parking Ramp (3)

0.7 miles, 12-15 minute walk
$10 event parking

Weston-Commerce Parking Ramp (4)

0.5 miles, 12-15 minute walk
$15 event parking

Other Public Parking Options:

Ellis Parking

Meter Parking – No Coins, No Problem: How To Use The MOTU APP

Another option is to search for a metered spot. Before you go – check the city’s Downtown Visitor Mobility and Parking Guide.

Downtown Grand Rapids parking meters aren’t what they used to be. You don’t need quarters to park at a meter anymore! (Though you can still use them if you’d like.)

While they do accept coins, most downtown meters are also compatible with the Motu app on your phone. If you haven’t already, download the app, set up an account with your license plate number and credit card info.

Once you have found a parking spot, open the app, and enter the zone and space number posted on the meter. It will ask you length of stay and payment info.

One of my favorite features about the Motu app is that it will send you parking session alerts, and you can extend your session remotely.

You can only extend your session twice, by 10 minutes each time, but sometimes you just need that extra 20 minutes! If you take a picture or make note of your space number, you can also simply start an additional parking session.

Most downtown Grand Rapids parking meters are not enforced on weekends or after 7 PM during the week. (Note that hours enforcement hours extended from 6 PM to 7 PM on August 1, 2024.)

If you visit downtown on a major holiday, you’re in luck!

Street parking is always free on these holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plus others.

This interactive map will tell you exactly when downtown Grand Rapids parking meters are enforced and the rates for those spots.

pro tip!

Save your credit card information to the app or load a prepaid wallet option for a quicker transaction!

All Aboard the Easy Button: Grand Rapids Public Transportation Options

Lime Scooters

Rentable scooters are the latest in Grand Rapids mobility.

Widely embraced by both downtown visitors and the locals, the city offers Lime e-scooters and e-bikes for rent.

You must be at least 18 to unlock a scooter (for $1) and then it’s about $0.30/minute. Check out ways to save in the Lime app

You can pick up a scooter just about anywhere around town. Use the Lime app to locate them.

Once you’re done, return it to any designated parking spots for the Grand Rapids scooters around town marked with signs.

Be sure to return the scooter to one of the designated locations when you’re done using it. Otherwise, you will be charged additional fees.

This is a fun option for adults! Irresponsible scooter use is the primary reason behind scooter-related complaints. Please follow the scooter guidelines.

PICK-UP AND PARKING LOCATIONS FOR LIME SCOOTERS AND E-BIKES.

Micromobility Zones

SW corner of Wealthy & Market
SW corner of Goodrich & Cesar E. Chavez
SW corner of Bartlett & Cesar E. Chavez
NW corner of Williams & Cesar E. Chavez
SE corner of Fulton & Market

Ride the Rapid – Grand Rapids’ Bus System

If, despite all the downtown Grand Rapids parking options, you’d rather just avoid it altogether, you can choose to take public transportation and Ride Th e Rapid!

The best route to the Amphitheater – take The Rapid and arrive at Rapid Central Station. Exit through the North end of the depot, walk straight down Williams St SW (0.2 Miles or 5-minute walk) to arrive at amphitheater.

There is a small fee to ride the bus.

The Silver Line is perfect for getting through the busiest part of downtown Grand Rapids. Plus it connects to many other routes.

The routes below provide free parking and a convenient bus stop with service to Rapid Central Station, which is located right next to the amphitheater.

NOTE: The Rapid routes stop running by midnight, please confirm the last ride for your select route.

Park	Ride
The Rapid Lot at 60th and Division	SilverLine (37 minutes)
Mobile GR Lot at Burton and Division Ave	SilverLine (24 minutes)
Standale Meijer at Lake Michigan Drive and Wilson Ave	Route 12 Westside (22 minutes)
Alpine Walmart at Alpine Ave and Henze Dr	Route 9 Alpine (25 minutes)
Woodland Mall Hub at 28th St and Mall Dr	Route 5 Wealthy (27 minutes) or Route 6 Eastown (33 minutes)
Meijer at Century Center St and Ivanrest Ave near Rivertown Crossing	Route 8 Prairie (36 minutes)

DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle)

Moving around downtown for free has never been easier!

The DASH buses pass by many “points of interest” every 15 minutes

The DASH runs on a single loop, going in both directions.

Going out to dinner before your concert? Popular stops include Bridge Street, Grand Rapids Public Library, Rosa Parks Circle, Downtown Market and Leonard Street.

The normal DASH schedule is: Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM

To learn more about the schedule, real-time bus updates, and detours click here.

Uber Easy, Lyft Your Night: Riding Sharing Services in Grand Rapids

Lastly, skip the stress of circling for a spot – and let someone else handle the drive.

Taking an Uber or Lyft to downtown is as easy as it gets.

Download the App, create an account, and type in your destination address.

The rideshare app with let you know how many minutes until your driver is at your doorstep to pick you up.

Tap, ride, and relax, rolling downtown without worrying about meters, lots or traffic.

FAQs

Is Parking Downtown Grand Rapids free on the weekends?

Most parking meters are not enforced on weekends. If they are, they will be marked. Most of the meters with weekend rates are around Monroe Center.

When is parking free in downtown Grand Rapids?

Most parking meters are free on weekends or after 7 PM during the week.

Street parking is always free on federal holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

What is the app for Grand Rapids parking?

Downtown Grand Rapids parking meters use the MOTU app.

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Get Amped! Acrisure Amphitheater is Coming – And Here’s How To Park in Downtown GR