About this venue
McGrath Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids, designed as a natural outdoor venue along the Cedar River. Its sloped lawn facing a permanent stage gives the space a relaxed, clear and recognizable layout. With capacity for larger concerts and open-air events, the venue plays an important role in the city’s cultural and entertainment calendar.
The experience inside the venue is built around open space, good sightlines and flexible event layouts. Visitors can expect an atmosphere suited to concerts, festivals and special programs, with a spacious lawn area, possible seated configurations and amenities adapted to outdoor events.
The venue is located at 475 1st Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401, United States. Entrances are positioned around the complex near 1st Street SW and nearby access points, while early arrival is recommended for major events because of parking and access to the entrance. For a broader overview of getting around the city and the surrounding area, continue to the general destination description below the page.
About the city
Cedar Rapids, the largest urban center in eastern Iowa, has developed into a pleasant and practical destination for concerts, sports matches, and a variety of public events. The city has a relaxed pace, yet offers enough developed amenities to give visitors everything needed for a well-rounded stay: arenas, stadiums, restaurants, hotels, bars, and cultural attractions are located in easily accessible areas. A special role belongs to Alliant Energy PowerHouse in the city center, a multipurpose complex that hosts concerts, sports programs, family shows, and other major events. For sports visitors, Veterans Memorial Stadium, located southwest of downtown, is also important as a recognizable city venue for baseball and outdoor events.
Cedar Rapids’ infrastructure is easy to navigate, which is a major advantage when planning arrival for an event. City bus service is operated by Cedar Rapids Transit, also known as CR Transit, with a network of routes connecting key parts of the city. An important transfer point is the Ground Transportation Center in the downtown area, from where it is possible to continue toward hotels, restaurants, and major event locations. For arrivals by air, the key airport is The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), located near important road corridors and convenient for travel to Cedar Rapids and the wider region. Road connectivity via I-380 further simplifies access to arenas and stadiums, especially for visitors arriving by car or using taxi, shuttle, and rideshare services.
Before or after a concert, match, or show, Cedar Rapids offers enough attractions for an enjoyable city visit. The banks of the Cedar River give the city a recognizable setting for walking, photography, and relaxing between programs, while the historic districts of Czech Village and New Bohemia are among the most interesting places to explore local culture, shops, cafés, and restaurants. A visit can be complemented by stopping at NewBo City Market, exploring the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, or walking through downtown streets that connect urban energy, cultural heritage, and practical proximity to the main event venues. Cedar Rapids is therefore a good choice for visitors who want to combine an event ticket with a relaxed, easy-to-navigate, and content-rich stay in the city.
