McGrath Amphitheatre -- A Contemporary Concert Venue in Cedar Rapids

The McGrath Amphitheatre is the bustling hub of the Cedar Rapids' music scene. This modern-day amphitheater draws packed-out crowds who throng here to watch the best entertainment in town -- just like they did in Ancient Rome.

McGrath Amphitheatre History

Located on the west bank of the Cedar River, just over from downtown Cedar Rapids, the McGrath Amphitheatre hosts live music in the City of Five Seasons. The venue, which opened in 2014, seduces music fans of all genres with a roster of live concerts from the biggest names in entertainment. Whether you are a fan of soul or funk, opera or rock 'n' roll, the McGrath Amphitheatre has an event for you. Make sure you purchase your tickets to an event at McGrath Amphitheatre from StubHub in advance to avoid disappointment and get the best seats in the house.

McGrath Amphitheatre Events

The McGrath Amphitheatre has hosted chart-topping superstars and music icons. Previous headliners have included The Beach Boys, The Temptations, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Kansas. Concerts tend to run from May through October, but community events take place throughout the year. These include local, independent artists who play a wide range of genres. Take a look at the McGrath Amphitheatre schedule to see which events you fancy attending.

McGrath Amphitheatre Seating Layout

The McGrath Amphitheatre boasts a 40-by-60-foot stage and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. Guests can sit in one of the chairs near the front of the stage or bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch live music on the terraced lawn. The McGrath Amphitheatre backs onto Bret Sunner Memorial Park, a green space that overlooks the Cedar Rapids skyline. The atmosphere is electric and the venue's location on the Cedar River, which snakes through Minnesota and Iowa, adds an extra special touch. The venue has a capacity of 6,000 and is within walking distance from downtown and public transportation links.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city, is a contemporary metropolis, with an abundance of things to do. History buffs should head to Brucemore, a museum housed in a Queen Anne-style mansion with lavishly landscaped gardens. Alternatively, the nearby Museum of Arts Cedar Rapids has more than 7,000 works on display, including some of the 20th-century's most iconic pieces of art. If you crave more live music, however, check out the U.S. Cellular Center, a huge multi-purpose arena that's home to the Cedar Rapids Titans of the Indoor Football League. Here, some of the world's biggest music stars have taken to the stage and entertained the crowd.

Trivia

The McGrath Amphitheatre also hosts the annual Cedar Rapids BBQ Roundup -- a festival with live music from local bands and, of course, hot BBQ food.