It can be hard to please everyone when planning an outing. Some people want to go out to eat, while others might want to see a movie, or maybe even go shopping. 

After 10 years of planning and development, Studio Park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids is a one-stop entertainment hub that has something to make everyone happy.

Emily Loeks, Director of Public Relations and Community Affairs for Studio C, the parent company of Celebration Cinema, says Studio Park is the easiest entry point from which to explore the city. “With its central location, easy parking, heated walks, and food and entertainment every day, it’s a great place to connect with people.”

Family Watching A Movie at Studio Park Movie Theater - Celebration Cinema Studio Park

With the largest screen in West Michigan, Studio Park is the perfect place to enjoy upcoming blockbusters.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Premium Movie Experience

Studio Park brings movies back to downtown with nine screens indoors - complete with heated, reclining seats - and a tenth screen located outside. With a 90-foot widescreen, Studio Park’s "Theater One" seats 300 guests and boasts the largest screen in West Michigan. 

Be sure to come hungry as the theater also offers food with in-theater delivery and a full bar featuring beer, wine and spirits. To top it all off, parking in the Studio Park covered parking lot is free for four hours when you see a movie. Just be sure to validate your ticket!

The bar interior at One Twenty Three in Studio Park
Outdoor Dining at One Twenty Three Tavern and Studio Park

Studio Park's flagship restaurant, One Twenty Three Tavern, offers new takes on classic American dishes with dining during any weather!

Photo by Brian Craig for Experience Grand Rapids

Eat, Drink and Get Moving

Studio Park is home to its own original restaurant, One Twenty Three, named for one of the first theaters owned by the Loeks family, which was located at 123 Pearl. This unique spot has a cozy atmosphere with fresh takes on American cuisine, including California garlic fries and the One Twenty Three burger with bacon-onion marmalade. The tavern also features outdoor seating, a full bar, vegan options and a kids menu sure to please all in your group. 

There are plenty of other nearby food options as well. You can grab a cup full of health at Malamiah Juice Bar; or sit down for a salad, fries or a delicious original Coney dog with all the fixings at Leo’s Coney Island. Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal yogurt, gelato, sorbet or custard at The Pump House.

Want to work off some of those calories? Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse offers yoga for all ages and abilities, including outdoor classes in the piazza.

Unique Concert Experience

The 200-seat Midtown at Studio Park provides an intimate setting complete with in-seat drink service for an exceptional live music experience. The venue features a top-of-the-line sound system and semi-circle seating, allowing a more engaging evening for the artist and concert goers alike. 

Loeks says her first concert there was pure magic and that she’ll be back for more: “I am going to live [at Midtown],” she jokes. 

Midtown also hosts outdoor concerts on the Listening Lawn, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and offers food and beverage service from One Twenty Three Tavern’s outdoor bar. Visit the Midtown's website for ticket prices, dates and upcoming shows.

An audience experiencing Live Music at the Listening Lawn

Studio Park's outdoor piazza features heated sidewalks and a screen/stage that is used for outdoor movie or music nights.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Outdoor Gathering Space 

The Piazza at Studio Park is designed as a public gathering spot to bring a bit of the outdoors to the center of downtown. Sunset Cinema movie nights welcome guests to watch popular flicks on a mammoth outdoor screen complete with a superb sound system. Tickets are available on the Celebration Cinema website.

On any given day, the piazza might also host outdoor yard games, a comedy show, a drag show and so much more. Check the Studio Park Events page for upcoming dates.

Heated sidewalks allow visitors to exercise outside year-round and make winter that much more enjoyable. One Twenty Three Tavern even has heated huts and a heated tent in the piazza to serve outdoor guests and host live music concerts in any weather!

Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown - Landscape Wide Shot

Canopy Hotel by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown at Studio Park offers luxurious accommodations.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Stay Where You Play

If you’re looking for short-term stays, the 155-room Canopy by Hilton hotel gives guests a local experience with a boutique hotel feel. There are also lofts for rent, which put residents right in the heart of all the action at Studio Park.

Loeks adds that the mix of public space, entertainment venues, retail, restaurants, parking, residential, hotel, office and more aligns with the strategic plan and vision for the entertainment district of our city, south of Van Andel Arena. “In a way, each of the pieces is more vibrant because of the connections between them,” Loeks says.

Within walking distance to downtown mainstays, including Van Andel Arena, Downtown Market  and the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, Studio Park should be on everyone’s to-do list. Just be sure to plan plenty of time to enjoy all Studio Park has to offer!

This story was originally written by Amy Busse and has been updated by the Experience Grand Rapids team.