GRAND RAPIDS, MI — With Acrisure Amphitheater set to open in May, there’s lots of enthusiasm among live music fans for the riverfront venue’s inaugural 2026 concert season.

Which performers are on the public’s wish list?

There was no shortage of suggestions in an unscientific MLive poll , where 28 readers listed everyone from Michigan native Billy Strings, The Cure, Metallica, Lana Del Rey, John Mellencamp, Def Leppard, Bob Seger and many more.

Except for Billy Strings, the 32-year-old bluegrass singer, songwriter and guitarist who grew up in Ionia County and has risen to national stardom, there were no repeat requests. Three readers asked for a performance by Strings in the unscientific survey.

Acrisure Amphitheater is located along the Grand River at 201 Market Ave. SW in downtow

See Full Page