A pretty solid venue to see live music. McGrath Amphitheatre is really one of a kind in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area. It can accommodate about 5,000 folks. There are chairs in front of the stage, seat walls and terraced lawns for blanket and lawn chair seating. I came to see Tenecious D in late September. I was able to get in and find my assigned seat with no problem. Everything sounded great and looked great. The staff seemed to be helpful. I wish there had been a screen so I could see Jack Black a bit better, but also because I am sure people on the lawn could not really see anything... A couple of reasons I think it is just 'ok' - Bathroom situation. Since it is just portapotties, you'd think that you wouldn't have to stand in forever long lines-- lines that run into other lines and impede the walkway. - 'Food Court' was just hot dogs and hamburgers. While I did see one restaurant (Carlos O Kellys) set up inside, I was shocked there weren't more food trucks or other small businesses. - Holy beer line! I was shocked at how long the beer line was-- college and professional sporting events have shorter lines. - Parking. We lucked out with street parking nearby-- know it is not plentiful and be prepared to both parallel park and walk. Overall, I would come to another show at McGrath! Concert season is May through October so keep any eye out. read more

Nice spot for some music. They do have some on-site food but we noticed long lines for everything including drinks. It got a little buggie from the river at and just after sunset but it was still a great time read more

Employees here were absolutely terrible and I understand that they're probably all way underpaid but they still suck!!!! I am still am trying to figure out Who hires people like this but, working on a Sunday night, on a holiday weekend, explains it. (Afterthought , they are WAY overpaid). Honestly they couldn't have given a crap less as to what their Customers want or need, nor will they try to help them out...so take that as you will. I won't be in a hurry to go back there, It's a great place to watch a concert but and the experience was not a good one and it's all due to the people that were working there. read more

We bought General Admission tickets to see Cake thinking we were going to be down front. Nope. Generall admission are the two nasty little pieces of lawn on either side of the stage where you cannot hear and are looking at the side of the stage. The supports are so big you cannot see the singer/frontman. It is so off center of the sound system and so quiet that you can't hear the band because people talking around you. We went to stand in the back so we could see/hear and were constantly harassed by some crazy brunette female employee who was on a power trip. Might be a good venue if you are seated in the middle but they should not even sell these General Admission lawn tickets. Spent money on tickets, travel and food only to barely be able to see and hear the show. read more

Fabulous addition to CR. It's a great view and always has events going on to involve the community. The parking situation isn't my favorite i hole in the future the city will build a parking lot or parking garage to support that side of the river. Beware it is a porta potty situation here so if you don't like that like me don't drink . read more

I love going to the McGrath Amphitheatre to hear bands play. I went yesterday to go to the BBQ Roundup and Beerfest (which was AWESOME!)-- with live music and craft beer, you can't go wrong. Also, a few days ago, I went to the McGrath Amphitheatre to see the band "Slap & Tickle" play. I've also seen the Pork Tornadoes play there. I just love the McGrath Amphitheatre in the summer time! What a great venue for all kinds of events! read more

McGrath Amphitheatre - Slap & Tickle concert - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

McGrath is a great live music/event venue right on the river. If the weather is nice, it is truly a wonderful venue to experience live music. There really is no bad seat in the house if you happen to see a concert that sells tickets to seats versus general admission. Many concerts such as Uptown Friday Nights, culinary events and more take place at McGrath. For General Admission - you can bring a blanket or lawn chairs but check your ticket for more info! Some downsides: No real bathrooms. I wish they built simple toilets instead of trucking in port-o-pottys. Expensive ticket prices that are "rain or shine" - take a chance on a larger act and hope it doesn't rain! Bring a poncho- umbrellas are NoT allowed. Parking and long lines- come early and park on the bridges or downtown and walk. Usually 30 mins before the show = a long entry line. So if you don't want to stand around and wait: arrive early! Overall, Cedar Rapids has a great entertainment venue in a beautiful location. While many complain about prices/parking and the type of acts, everyone needs to keep in mind: if you attend it: they will come. CR is a smaller market and if larger acts can book a gig between the shows in the major cities on an off night - let's all be sure to attend so we can ensure top notch entertainment doesn't by-pass us altogether. read more

McGrath Amphitheatre - Willie Nelson show - thankfully the rain stayed away - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Impressive. Kudos to Cedar Rapids planning committee. Beautiful venue. Seating nicely spaced. Fully staffed. Can't wait for the next event.

Probably better for family friendly events but not so much if you actually want to drink more than one beer. I have been to several events at the McGrath Amphitheater and every time I find myself a little let down. If you buy tickets to an event, you might as well not pay for the good ones because you can really just sit anywhere or stand at the front of the stage. If you want a beer and you get there early enough, you'll probably be okay but be prepared to wait for 17 years to get another one! The worst part of the waiting is that due to the poor organization of the whole thing, I have watched people completely skip the line, walk up to the tent and get a beer as 150 of us waited. The bathroom situation has never been too much of an issue BUT they always seem to need more closer to the stage but I usually find myself walking way down to the entrance so I don't have to battle the bottle neck of people waiting to pee or trying to get a beer. Overall, its fun to head down to the amphitheater about once a year.... I get my fill and I'm good for another year. read more

Very cool place to watch a concert overlooking the river. Might have given them a better rating if we didn't have to wait an hour and fifteen minutes in line to get drinks. They only had three beer/drink vendors and they all had crazy long lines. read more

Saw the 2 cellos concert at this venue, it was wonderful. If I had to guess though I'd have to say to was predominantly because of the excellent weather and the fantastic performance. If you purchase a ticket they have chairs for you to sit in, if your are general admission bring a lawn chair. There concession stands available which did sell beer, only took cash. ATM's were located at the entrances if you are not a cash carrier. My husband is hard of hearing and finds indoor concerts painful for the music and conversations. He found this venue to pleasant and was able to enjoy himself and the members of our party. Parking probably is the biggest downfall for this venue as it is primarily on the street, but I don't have much opinion as we took an Uber to the venue. If you are looking for dinner prior to your event, Popoli is located across the street. The food there is ok, but the ambiance is wonderful. Anyway, check out the McGrath Amphitheater it's a lot of fun. read more

McGrath Amphitheatre - 2 cellos - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa