
McGrath Amphitheatre
A sprawling outdoor venue on the riverfront, hosting well-known performers with ample lawn seating for a relaxed concert experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shaded venue, cool drinks

McGrath Amphitheatre
Best Time
Shaded venue, cool drinks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling outdoor venue on the riverfront, hosting well-known performers with ample lawn seating for a relaxed concert experience.
"High quality facilities, cold drinks, and great seating made for a wonderful experience!"

🎯 Secure Your Tickets Wisely
Be aware of third-party ticket sites and potential processing fees. Look for direct purchase options if available.
🪑 Seat Savvy
Seats are generally spacious, but can be poorly labeled. Review a seating chart before you go.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Under the Stars
Main Amphitheatre
Experience renowned performers in a sprawling outdoor setting with ample lawn seating.

Spacious Lawn Seating
General Admission Lawn
Enjoy the show from a comfortable, open space with plenty of room to spread out.

Riverfront Ambiance
Venue Perimeter
A beautiful outdoor venue situated by the river, offering a pleasant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Tickets & Entry
Comfort & Convenience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
McGrath amphitheater
🎯 Secure Your Tickets Wisely
Be aware of third-party ticket sites and potential processing fees. Look for direct purchase options if available.
🪑 Seat Savvy
Seats are generally spacious, but can be poorly labeled. Review a seating chart before you go.
Places to stay/transportation questions
Everclear, Soul Asylum, Eve 6 & Spacehog at McGrath Amphitheatre Aug 5th
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink concessions offer quality, cold beverages, a must for warm weather shows.
🅿️ Easy Exit Parking
Consider parking on 3rd Ave past the Paramount theater for a super easy exit with no traffic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Tickets Wisely
Be aware of third-party ticket sites and potential processing fees. Look for direct purchase options if available.
🪑 Seat Savvy
Seats are generally spacious, but can be poorly labeled. Review a seating chart before you go.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink concessions offer quality, cold beverages, a must for warm weather shows.
🅿️ Easy Exit Parking
Consider parking on 3rd Ave past the Paramount theater for a super easy exit with no traffic.
🚽 Restroom Relief
While some note strong odors, the venue offers proper bathrooms with multiple stalls, a plus for outdoor events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise McGrath Amphitheatre for its spacious seating, quality drink concessions, and helpful staff, creating a comfortable outdoor concert experience. While the venue boasts good facilities, some guests noted issues with poorly labeled seats and limited food options. The restrooms, though functional, have occasionally been a point of olfactory complaint.
"+ POSITIVES: clean, spacious, helpful staff, quality drink concessions, proper bathrooms
- NEGATIVES: poorly labeled seats, third party ticket purchase cite
I was super impressed by the amphitheater. It was our first time and we will be returning for sure! High quality facilities, cold drinks, and great seating.
The staff through the entire venue was great. Everything moved smoothly and efficiently with their help. There was plenty of room for everyone, even with a full show, so you were never jammed into a tight line or waiting forever at concessions. The drinks were super cold even on the 100 degree day. (Of course expect to pay show concession prices, but at least they weren't lukewarm.) Luckily the venue was shaded for most of the late summer show.
The seats were clean and spaced enough to actually enjoy your experience with leg room to spare. The seats weren't labeled very well, but I'll take the extra bit of room for a tiny bit of inconvenience in finding my seat.
The bathroom building was way better than most shows I've been to where you have to use porta-potties. Even during the intermission between bands the line moved quickly since they had so many stalls.
In order to get tickets to the show, you had to pay a significant processing fee in a different website. I would have gladly driven to an office to purchase tickets in person or ordered them on a website directly from the venue, but that was not an option. I would love to see that middle man cut out for our next show.
Over all it was a wonderful experience and I won't hesitate in going again."
Erin
"The outdoor experience and the music was fantastic. The restrooms smelled so bad, everyone was commenting how bad it smelled. There were plenty of drink options. If you wanted food at the food court, options were very limited.
We parked on 3rd Ave past the bridge by the Paramount theater. On exiting, we walked there and took 8th st exit to I-380. Super easy exit, no traffic!
We would go again, especially for the entertainment, not the restrooms."
Kelby Scandrett
"First time..
Stumbled in on a meander... looking forward to an event someday. Lovely riverfront amphitheater"
Michele Herrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McGrath Amphitheatre is located in Cedar Rapids. Visitors from out of town have noted that there isn't much accommodation directly nearby, suggesting a need to plan lodging in advance. Parking is available on the street and is often free. Some visitors recommend parking on 3rd Ave past the Paramount theater for an easy exit from traffic.
Yes, street parking is generally available and often free around the McGrath Amphitheatre. For a smoother exit, consider parking on 3rd Ave past the Paramount theater.
If you're traveling from a distance, consider driving. For local travel within Cedar Rapids, ride-sharing services or taxis are options. Planning your accommodation in advance is recommended as there aren't many places to stay immediately adjacent to the venue.
Depending on your accommodation, walking might be an option. The venue is situated by the river, and the surrounding area offers a pleasant environment for a stroll.
Information on specific public transport routes to the amphitheatre is limited. It's advisable to check local Cedar Rapids transit schedules or opt for ride-sharing services for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are often sold through third-party websites, which may include significant processing fees. It's recommended to look for official venue channels or direct purchase options to potentially save money.
The amphitheatre offers both reserved seating and general admission lawn seating. While seats are generally spacious, some visitors have noted that they can be poorly labeled, so it's helpful to consult a seating chart beforehand.
Yes, purchasing tickets through third-party sites often incurs processing fees. Some visitors expressed a preference for purchasing directly from the venue to avoid these extra costs.
The McGrath Amphitheatre hosts a lineup of well-known performers, primarily featuring concerts and other live music events. Check the venue's schedule for specific upcoming events.
It's advisable to arrive early, especially for popular shows, to allow ample time for parking, security checks, and finding your seats or preferred spot on the lawn.
🎫 🎦 Onsite Experience
The amphitheatre provides a mix of reserved seating and spacious general admission lawn areas. While legroom is generally good, seat labeling can sometimes be inconsistent.
Yes, the venue has proper restroom facilities, which are considered a significant advantage over porta-potties at many outdoor venues. Lines tend to move quickly due to the number of stalls.
The drink concessions are noted for offering quality and cold beverages, even on hot days. Expect standard concert venue pricing.
Food options at the venue's food court can be limited. It might be a good idea to eat before arriving or check for nearby dining options.
While specific accessibility details are not widely published, outdoor venues typically aim to accommodate. It's best to contact the venue directly for detailed information on accessibility features.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for non-professional use. However, professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the venue's specific rules for the event you are attending.
The riverfront location offers scenic views, especially during sunset. For concert photos, the stage area provides dynamic shots, while the lawn offers a broader perspective of the crowd and performance.
Most venues prohibit professional photography equipment. Flash photography may also be restricted during performances. It's wise to confirm the specific rules for your event.
You can capture vibrant concert moments, scenic river views, and the overall atmosphere of an outdoor performance. The spacious seating also allows for good crowd shots.
If you're on the lawn, arriving early can secure a spot closer to the stage. Bringing binoculars can also help frame better shots of performers from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While food options might be limited, bringing your own snacks (if permitted by venue rules) or dining nearby beforehand can be a good strategy. The outdoor setting and the chance to see well-known performers can make for a memorable family outing. Always check the specific event's age restrictions and policies before purchasing tickets.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of potential processing fees when purchasing tickets from third-party sites; try to find direct purchase options. Packing your own water bottle (if allowed) or budgeting for the quality drink concessions can help manage expenses. Exploring nearby, more affordable dining options before the show can also save money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding McGrath Amphitheatre Seating
When choosing between reserved seats and the lawn, consider your personal preference for comfort and proximity to the stage. Reserved seating offers a guaranteed spot with a potentially clearer view, while the lawn provides flexibility and a communal vibe. Regardless of your choice, the venue aims to provide a pleasant viewing experience for all its guests. Remember to check the specific event details, as some shows might have different seating arrangements or restrictions.
Concessions and Amenities
Regarding food, the options at the venue's food court are noted as being somewhat limited. Visitors who plan to dine at the amphitheatre might find the selection restrictive. For a more varied culinary experience, it's recommended to explore dining options in the surrounding Cedar Rapids area before or after the show. The venue does provide proper restroom facilities, which are a welcome amenity compared to the porta-potties often found at outdoor events. These restrooms are generally well-maintained and equipped with multiple stalls, ensuring that lines move efficiently even during peak times.
Navigating Parking and Exits
A specific tip shared by visitors suggests parking on 3rd Ave past the Paramount theater. This location, combined with using the 8th street exit to I-380, has been reported as a 'super easy exit' with minimal traffic delays. Planning your parking strategy in advance can significantly enhance your overall experience and reduce post-concert stress.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit