Summer nights in Grand Rapids are about to get a whole lot more fun for Michigan families. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced the return of the Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club, a popular summer concert series that fills the amphitheater with music, dancing, and community energy. With performances running select Tuesdays in June, July, and August, this series is a great way to experience live music in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in the state.
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Why Families Love the Tuesday Evening Music Club
There’s something magical about bringing a picnic blanket, grabbing a snack from the concession stand, and listening to live music while the kids run around on the lawn. The 1,900-seat amphitheater at Meijer Gardens offers plenty of space for families to spread out. Families can bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages (as long as they’re sealed and not in glass), or enjoy concessions on-site. Best of all, Tuesday Evening Music Club concerts are free for Meijer Gardens members and included with admission for everyone else—making it a budget-friendly night out.
Parking is easy, gates open at 5 p.m., and concerts start at 7 p.m.—just the right pace for winding down a summer day.
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A Look at the 2025 Lineup
Each performance features a mix of music styles, from folk and funk to hip-hop and classical dance. Most shows feature two different acts, offering a variety of music in one evening. Local favorites, touring bands, and even the Grand Rapids Ballet are part of the mix.
June Concerts in Meijer Gardens
June 17 – The Music That Raised Us
Powerful female voices from Grand Rapids take center stage in a tribute to the musical legacy of Black women. Expect music from spirituals to Motown.
June 24 – A. Billi Free & The Lasso
Hip-hop and funk meet experimental soundscapes. This duo’s show is full of vibrant beats and genre-blending energy.
A. Billi Free & The Lasso
July Concerts in Meijer Gardens
July 1 – MexiCuba + Cabildo
Latin music lovers will enjoy the rhythmic beats of MexiCuba and the energetic fusion of Cabildo’s cumbia and ska sounds.
July 8 – Headband Henny + Hannah Laine
Fun for older kids and teens, this night brings upbeat pop-hip-hop followed by soulful R&B and reflective songwriting.
Headband Henny + Hannah Laine
July 15 – marsfade + The Rebel Eves
Atmospheric, emotional, and empowering, this evening blends electronic music with Americana storytelling.
July 22 – Sweet Adelines + Great Lakes Brass
Barbershop harmonies and New Orleans-inspired jazz make this a joyful night for toe-tapping fun.
July 29 – 6-Pak
A longtime favorite, 6-Pak brings groovy girl-group sounds from the ’60s. Great for families who want to sing along and dance in the grass.
August Concerts
August 5 – August + Hannah Rose Graves Band
Soulful harmonies and messages of healing come through in this emotionally rich lineup.
August 12 – Franklin Park
A band of friends since the 1960s covers music from their youth with style and heart. Parents and grandparents especially love this one.
Franklin Park
August 19 – The Accidentals + Guests (Special Ticketed Event)
A high-energy concert with Michigan’s own The Accidentals and special guests. This is the only performance requiring an additional ticket. Tickets are $10 for members and $32 for non-members and include park admission through 9 p.m.
August 26 – Grand Rapids Ballet
A stunning way to end the summer series, the Grand Rapids Ballet brings professional dance to the stage, including a piece set to songs from the “Summer of Love.”
Grand Rapids Ballet
What to Know Before You Go
- Bring lawn chairs or blankets — there are no chair height restrictions.
- Pack a picnic or grab food onsite — soft-sided coolers are welcome.
- Check the weather — concerts are rain or shine, with delays possible.
- Enjoy the whole park — concert admission includes access to the sculpture and garden areas.
- Tickets for the August 19 concert must be purchased in advance at MeijerGardens.org/TEMC.
More Than Just Music
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is regularly ranked as one of the top outdoor destinations in the U.S. Families visiting for the concert can explore everything from tropical conservatories and children’s gardens to sculptures by world-renowned artists. It’s a great way to spend the day before the music starts.
And yes—kids love the carnivorous plant house and the splash-ready children’s garden almost as much as the lawn concert dancing.
Plan a Summer Tuesday at Meijer Gardens
Whether you’re a member or just planning a one-time visit, the Tuesday Evening Music Club is a great way to enjoy a night out as a family. It’s low-key, high-quality, and completely unique to West Michigan. Spread out your blanket, sway to the music, and let the kids stay up past bedtime—it’s summer, after all.
📍 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
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