Things to Do Near the DeVos Place Convention Center

There are 80+ restaurants within a half mile of DeVos Place Convention Center, offering a wide range of cuisines, ambiences and budgets. Browse the list here.

Museums

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

“America’s most entertaining presidential museum” is a tribute to the life and times of the man who represented Grand Rapids in Congress for 25 years. Diverse exhibits show the real stuff of history, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm about our nation's history and government. The President and First Lady Betty Ford are buried on the grounds of the Museum.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Three floors of fascinating exhibits and artifacts focus on science, history and culture to inspire and engage young and old. Ride the 1928 Spillman Carousel, wander the streets of “Old Grand Rapids,” see the nation’s top traveling exhibits and more.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Home to a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works of art and host to an ever-changing slate of exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is a vital part of the city’s international recognized art scene. Take a moment to admire the exterior, named one of the world’s best new buildings of 2007.

Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives

Delve into the history, culture, art and accomplishments of local African Americans at GRAAMA. The museum shares their stories through recorded oral histories, memorabilia, exhibits, pop-up displays and special events.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

With hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that inspire learning through play, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a must-visit for families with kids aged 2-10. Play with slippery bubbles, study a live beehive, “work” on a farm and much more.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium

Located inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum, our planetarium offers a daily schedule of immersive multimedia shows exploring the wonders of the universe. The facility is named after the Grand Rapids astronaut who was killed in a pre-launch test fire in 1967.

Theater & Performing Arts

DeVos Performance Hall

Ballet, broadway, opera, symphony, superstar concerts, big-name comedians, touring family shows – you can it all at DeVos Performance Hall, which is part of the DeVos Place complex.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

One of America’s largest community theatres, the Civic presents a wide range of crowd-pleasing plays and musicals from September through June each year – including shows designed for kids.

Spectrum Theater

Located on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College, Spectrum Theater hosts productions from Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids, known for its challenging and thought-provoking works, and Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, whose offerings seek to universalize the Jewish experience.

Craft Beer

Atwater Brewery

The GR location of a Detroit-based brewery offers a portfolio of award-winning craft beers for every taste, plus a selection of sharables, salads, tacos and handhelds to enjoy with your beer.

B.O.B.’s Brewery & Beer Garden

Quality ingredients, time-honored brewing techniques, small-batch beers and nuanced flavor profiles characterize the offerings at this brewery, located in The B.O.B. (Big Old Building). The four-story renovated warehouse also contains four restaurants, a live-music venue, comedy club and nightclub.

Fountain Hill Brewery

Located on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College, Fountain Hill features beers made by craft brewing students, along with appetizers from chef-professors and students in the culinary arts program. Open during the school year.

Wine Bars & Shops

GRNoir Wine & Jazz

The wine list here is curated by co-owner Shatawn Brigham, a Certified Level II Sommelier. If you can't decide on just one variety, GRNoir offers a white wine flight as part of the Flights of Flavor® promotion. There’s a self-serve wine tap, too.

House of Wine

House of Wine offers more than 50 wines available by taste, glass or bottle. Plus, there are 250 bottles of wine to choose from in the retail shop. A Flights of Flavor selection pairs a flight of Michigan wines with hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres.

Forty Pearl

Originally opened as a tasting room for Traverse City-based Brengman Brothers winery, Forty Pearl has evolved to showcase the finest Michigan wines in pairings with adventurous bites made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Right Bank Wine Selections

This Amway Grand Plaza hotel shop stocks a vast selection of wines from various regions, thoughtfully curated to satisfy a range of palettes. Expert staff can recommend options for any occasion.

Grand Vin

Grand Vin carries everything from $12 bottles of wine that pair well with a Monday night pizza to treasured collectibles that retail for $400–$500 – many that you’ll find nowhere else in West Michigan. Champagnes and sparkling wines are a particular strength.

Rooftop Bars

IDC

A private, covered, year-round balcony bar with indoor and outdoor seating, IDC affords guests a panoramic view of the street below and the city above. Expect delectable cocktails and a finely curated selection of wine, beer, cider and seltzer. Located in the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, the bar requires a secret code to enter – you sign up at the IDC website to get it.

Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden

Enjoy an extensive variety of local craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails at this upscale destination inside (and outside) the Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown hotel. The dinner menu offers a refined mix of Dutch and German-inspired cuisine with a modern touch.

MDRD

This one’s not technically on the roof, but it is on the top two floors of the 29-story Amway Grand Plaza hotel. The views from MDRD ’s floor-to-ceiling windows and private balcony are truly breathtaking – and the food and drink are just as magnificent. 

Mertens Rooftop

Rooftop bar atop what was once a 1914-built hotel serves French-inspired bites and cocktails in the open air along with expansive views of the city. Perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks when visiting Mertens Prime steakhouse (also in the building), or for a memorable stand-alone experience.

Waters View Rooftop Bar

Nestled atop the Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown hotel, this bar provides incredible views of the city along with numerous vantage points for drinking it all in. Access is reserved for guests of the hotel.

Rockwell Republic

This cocktail bar and gastro pub has won numerous crowd-sourced awards for its elevated outdoor deck, which feels like a roof without actually being one. Rockwell Republic is known for its delectable craft cocktails, happy-hour special and from-scratch cuisine.

Sports Bars

Bobarino’s Pizzeria

Watch the game while you partake of delicious wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, sandwiches, salads and beer from B.O.B.’s Brewery. Both the pizzeria and the brewery are located in The B.O.B. (Big Old Building), which has three other restaurants, a live-music venue, comedy club and nightclub.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Wings, beer and sports are the draws at this downtown GR location of this international restaurant chain. Wall-to-wall TVs make it easy to catch your favorite team.

Uccello’s Ristorante

“Where Great Food & Sports Come Together!” is the tagline at this family-friendly restaurant, which offers plenty of TVs for watching sports along with delectable Italian and bar food, a wide variety of beers on tap and daily drink specials.

SpeakEZ Lounge

If soccer is your game of choice, head to this prohibition-themed restaurant to see every English Premier League and UEFA Champions League match as well as many other World Football matches.

Cocktail Lounges

The Apartment Lounge

Comfy, low-key gay bar has been serving a variety of craft beers, spirits, wines and luscious cocktails for more than 50 years.

SideBar

With an 18-seat capacity, SideBar can’t help but deliver an exclusive experience. The menu changes seasonally and is but a suggestion of what the bartenders can provide – ask them to tailor a cocktail for you.

IDC

Creative cocktails at this bar inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel include a “secret” cocktail of the month. Wine, beer, cider and seltzer are also available. Sit on the balcony for great people-watching on the street below.

Lumber Baron Bar

Settle into the warmth and charm of a historic bar complete with fireplace, leather club chairs, a large selection of premium drinks and a menu from Ruth's Chris Steak House. Located inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel.

Wise Men Distillery

This tasting room of a local craft distillery serves up small-batch gin, rum, vodka, white whiskey, bourbon and hard seltzers, on the rocks, in tasting flights, or blended into a signature cocktail. Bottled spirits are available for purchase.

Cafés & Shops

Biggby Coffee

The Monroe Center location of this Michigan-based coffeehouse chain offers “bragels,” muffins and grab-and-go items along with an extensive collection of coffee and tea drinks.

Ding Tea

Offering a tremendous selection of its signature milk teas as well as fresh tea, flavored teas, coffee drinks, slushes and more, Ding Tea has something for everyone.

HAS HEART Coffee Shop

Veteran-owned coffee shop in a historic building in Veterans Memorial Park also features retail and creative spaces for local veterans and artists to connect and create art together.

Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge

Two-level coffee shop offers brews made with locally roasted beans plus a small selection of snacks and pastries.

Local Mocha

A great source for fair and direct trade organic coffees plus smoothies, frozen drinks, breakfast items and lunch sandwiches.

Madcap Coffee

Nationally acclaimed coffee shop offers a range of specialty drinks as well as pastries from a variety of local vendors.

PaLatte Coffee & Art

Enjoy classic coffee beverages and pastries in a cozy space covered in a rotating selection of art from local creators.

Starbucks

The international coffee chain has three locations within a half-mile radius of DeVos Place – in the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, JW Marriott hotel and Ionia Avenue Entertainment District. The latter is pickup only.

Sunny Boba Tea

A small sandwich menu complements the array of boba smoothies and milk teas at this cheerful counter-service eatery.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

The only GR location of this Michigan-based chain restaurant offers coffee, tea, and shakes, plus pastries and light eats.

Bakeries & Sweets

Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream

Mackinac Island Fudge, chocolates, ice cream, caramel corn, caramel apples and crunchy brittles… Kilwin’s can satisfy most any sweet tooth.

Insomnia Cookies

Late-night cookie craving? Insomnia has the cure – it’s open until 1am Sunday-Wednesday and 3am Thursday-Saturday, for takeout or delivery.

Le Macaron French Pastries

French pastries, macarons chocolates, coffee, tea, and gelato milkshakes deliver a taste of Paris in Grand Rapids.

Mosby’s Popcorn

Family-owned gourmet popcorn shop offers 60+ flavors and counting, all made in-house.

Sweet Yo’s

Premium self-service frozen yogurt shop offers a huge selection of fresh toppings for a quick, easy and luscious treat.

Indoor

Celebration! Cinema at Studio Park

With nine screens, a bar and a food menu that goes way beyond the usual movie munchies (but includes them too), Celebration! is a luxurious way to enjoy the latest blockbusters, indies and everything in between.

DeVos Performance Hall

This state-of-the art facility hosts touring musicians, comedians and family shows in addition to serving as the primary performance space for Broadway Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Symphony and Opera Grand Rapids. It’s located in the same complex as DeVos Place Convention Center.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club

See nationally acclaimed comedians every Thursday through Saturday (and assorted other dates) at this club located in The B.O.B. (Big Old Building), which also houses four restaurants, a craft brewery, live music venue and nightclub.

Grand Rapids Public Library

One of eight city libraries, the downtown branch offers a wide range of family-friendly events and activities – from storytimes to concerts – in addition to a vast collection of books and audio-visual materials.

The Ruse Escape Rooms

Race against the clock with your team to “escape” by solving engaging puzzles and challenges that promote creative thinking, teamwork and communication. Choose from three themed rooms or tackle an outdoor challenge.

Van Andel Arena

This 12,000-seat arena is West Michigan’s premier entertainment destination for concerts, sports, comedy and family fun. Search our Events Calendar to see what Van Andel is hosting during your stay.

Woodrows DuckPin Bowling

Smaller, lighter balls and shorter lanes distinguish DuckPin from regular bowling – and make it easier for kids to play. This seven-lane alley inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel is open seven nights a week, and you don’t have to be a guest to join in the fun.

Grand Rapids Skywalk

Not so much an attraction as a weatherproof way to travel between attractions, our climate-controlled skywalk links DeVos Place Convention Center, DeVos Performance Hall, the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, the JW Marriott Grand Rapids hotel, the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott hotel, Van Andel Arena and several parking garages.

Outdoor

555 Monroe Skatepark

Riverfront park is equipped with large ramps, quarter pipes, rails, hubbas and fun boxes for skateboarders, BMX riders, rollerbladers and scooter riders. Colorful murals add to the sense of energy.

Ah-Nab-Awen Park

This 6.5-acre greenspace across the Grand River from DeVos Place Convention Center is easily accessible by a pedestrian bridge. A great place for a picnic or a scenic stroll, the park is home to three symbolic Indian burial mounds – not for climbing – and a bronze statue of early Native American leader Nishnabe Genway, as well as other public art pieces. Ah-Nab-Awen means “resting place.”

Classic Carriages

Travel around downtown and see the sights from a horse-drawn carriage! Classic Carriages offers rides Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7pm, and other dates and times by appointment. Rides are offered year-round. 

Community Legend Sculptures

Take the self-guided Community Legends walking tour to see 7-foot-tall bronze sculptures memorializing some of the area’s most significant historical figures. Ten of the 13 (and counting) sculptures in this ongoing art initiative are within a half mile of DeVos Place.

Downtown Murals

There are more than 100 murals on display throughout Grand Rapids – and the majority of them are downtown. Take the self-guided Center City Walking Tour to see 17 of them – the tour’s “Monroe Loop” and “Under the Bridge” routes are within a half-mile radius of DeVos Place.

Grand Rapids Riverwalk

Spanning a 2.5-mile loop on both sides of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the Riverwalk offers views of the water, public art installations, historic architecture and the city skyline. Walk out the rear door of DeVos Place and you’re on your way.

Grand Rapids Running Tours

Burn some calories while you learn about the city on a guided running (or walking) tour of downtown landmarks and historical sites. Choose from dozens of unique thematically organized tours. Most tours start in the lobby of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids hotel.

Lorrie’s Button

Winner of a 1976 playground sculpture competition, this bright red sculpture in Ah-Nab-Awen Park is as much an object of play as an object of art. Kids are encouraged to climb on the piece and poke their heads through the button holes.

Motu Viget

Another kid-friendly sculpture, Motu Viget is a 30-foot high steel form with a massive rubber tire swing suspended from it. “Motu Viget” means “Strength in Activity” and it’s the official city motto. The sculpture is located on the lawn of the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building.

Rooftop Pickleball

The Amway Grand Plaza hotel has six outdoor courts adjacent to its fourth floor Fitness Center. Courts are open to both guests and the general public. Reserve a court online or call 616.776.3279.

Rosa Parks Circle

Named one of America’s Great Public Spaces in 2017, this combination public plaza, ice rink and sculpture was created by acclaimed designer Maya Lin. It hosts community festivals, concerts, swing dancers, ice skaters and a summertime Relax at Rosa lunchtime series with live music, food trucks and games.

Veterans Memorial Park

Memorial pillars in this small park honor veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Take the commemorative walk to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women, and stop in at the park’s veteran-run HAS HEART coffee shop.

Sports

Grand Rapids Gold

The NBA G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, the Gold play basketball in Van Andel Arena from November through March.

Grand Rapids Griffins

The American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the Griffins play hockey in Van Andel Arena from October through April.

Grand Rapids Rise

West Michigan’s first major league women’s sports team plays pro volleyball in Van Andel Arena from January through May.

Celeste Salon & Spa

Spa inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel includes a hair salon, nail salon, five treatment rooms, hot tub whirlpool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces. Open to the public.

Seraphina Spa

Offering a variety of body treatments, massages, facials and nail care services, Seraphina is located on the “Wellness Floor” of the JW Marriott hotel, along with an indoor pool and fitness center, steam room and cozy relaxation pods. Open to the public.

The Aroma Labs

Create your own signature scent for soaps, shaving cream, car fragrance, sprays, diffusers, lotions and more. A unique gender-neutral experience.

Bella Bridesmaids

Bridesmaid boutique carries bridal party dresses and gowns from leading designers, in a vast range of colors and styles.

Bianka Bridal

Elegant, chandelier-lit boutique showcases sophisticated designer wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

Boutique Emmanuel

Women’s clothing store inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel carries a selection of unique fashions in comfortable and friendly setting.

Craft-Revival Jewelers

Family-owned jewelry shop creates custom-designed engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and more.

Courage & Soar

This lifestyle and home store constantly rotates inventory so you never shop the same selection twice.

Curiosity Shop

The gift shop inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers fun and educational items linked to current exhibits as well as a selection of Grand Rapids-themed gifts and souvenirs.

DGX

Affordable market concept from Dollar General stocks health and beauty products, refrigerated foods, snacks, paper products, cleaning supplies, electronics and home décor.

Elegance Wigs

This full-service wig salon offers high-quality, expertly styled hairpieces plus an assortment of hats and accessories.

F. David Barney Clothiers

Fine menswear shop offers suits and coats, pants, dress shirts, sportswear, outerwear and accessories along with master tailor services.

Gazelle Sports

Locally owned sporting store stocks a huge inventory of shoes and activewear for running, walking, casual wear and more.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Store

A must-shop venue for history and politics buffs, with everything from  pencils, puzzles and apparel to golf gear, ornaments and copies of Gerald R. Ford’s autobiography signed by Ford himself.

GRAAMA Gift Shop

Gift shop at the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives offers a line of GRAAMA-logo mugs, t-shirts, backpacks and bags in addition to handmade clothing, jewelry, dolls and more from local artists.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Gift Shop

The gift shop at GRCM is a great place to find unique toys, games and other cool stuff that will brighten any child’s day.

Grand Kids

This Amway Grand Plaza hotel shop sells clothing for kids and babies, toys, books, stuffed animals, puzzles and more.

Hëmd

Boutique store specializes in highly sought-after footwear and clothing brands that represent the latest trends and cutting-edge designs.

JW Marketplace

Gift store/convenience store inside the JW Marriott hotel carries unique gift items, snacks, cold bottled beverages, toiletries and more.

Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts

A one-stop shop for stationery, greeting cards, Grand Rapids-themed items and unique gifts for anyone.

Old World Olive Press

Taste and compare top-notch olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars to find just the right flavors for your cooking adventures.

Periwinkle Fog

An innovative gift and gallery boutique carrying art, accessories, home décor, local artisan jewelry, pottery, children’s toys and books, and more.

Plaza Essentials

Gift shop inside the Amway Grand Plaza hotel offers greeting cards, toys and games, health and beauty items, Grand Rapids souvenirs, snacks, soft drinks, and beer and wine.

Premier

A casual men's clothing store with a focus on jeans, shirts and sneakers, plus skate-inspired apparel.

Reynolds & Sons

Family-owned sporting goods store established in 1927 offers a huge selection of active clothing and shoes.

The Spark

The gift shop at Kendall College of Art & Design carries a wide range of curated gifts, art prints, décor, stationery, jewelry and art supplies, much if it handmade by KCAD alumni and current students.

Shinola

Shop for fine watches, leather goods, clocks, home goods and jewelry from the iconic Detroit-based brand.

Superior Watch Repair

Need a watch battery replaced or a band resized? You can count on Superior Watch Repair for fast, friendly, affordable service.

Vault of Midnight

A fun and impeccably organized place to shop for comic books, board games and other pop culture merchandise.

Villa

Contemporary fashion retailer offers high-energy footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and kids.

We are LIT

Independent bookshop inside the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives carries new, multicultural books across all genres – including great children’s titles.

Webster’s Market

Family-owned mini market stocks candy, gum, beverages, vapes, tobacco items and to-go subs and salads.

Second Vibess

With a passion for curating and up-cycling sustainable materials, Second Vibess is a great source for vintage and “reimagined” clothing inspired by street-style fashion.

The BackForty Saloon

Downtown’s country bar hosts live bands every Saturday night, with plenty of room on the dance floor to boot scoot and boogie. Country DJs spin tunes on Fridays.

DeVos Performance Hall

Touring concerts, Broadway musicals, the Grand Rapids Symphony and Opera Grand Rapids fill this 2,543-seat theater with a diverse range of musical entertainment.

Fountain Street Church

This neo-Romanesque structure built in 1925 seats up to 1,500 guests for occasional concerts, including a series of Candlelight Concerts performed live under the gentle glow of candlelight. Spectacular acoustics have attracted performers as diverse as U2 and Arlo Guthrie.

GLC Live at 20 Monroe

A contemporary concert hall that can accommodate 2,600 patrons, GLC Live welcomes a diverse lineup of musicians and comedians from around the region and around the country. Multiple shows each week make it easy to find something you like.

GRNoir Wine & Jazz

Enjoy live jazz, delicious food and a carefully curated wine selection from Grand Rapids’ only Black male to achieve Level II sommelier certification. Jazz is offered Wednesday-Sunday evenings and during Brunch With a Beat, held the third Sunday of each month.

H.O.M.E.

The House of Music & Entertainment offers a mix of live bands and DJs on weekends. It’s located in The B.O.B. (Big Old Building), a renovated four-story warehouse that also includes four restaurants, a craft brewery and nightclub.

The Intersection

Ranked among America’s top 50 music venues, The Intersection has four separate stages under one roof – which allows it to host an eclectic mix of established and up-and-coming performers. There are not just multiple shows a week, there are often multiple shows a day.

K-Rok Barbecue & Karaoke

You’ll be providing the “live” portion of the music at K-Rok, which offers Korean-style karaoke rooms so you and your group can sing your heart out in privacy (while enjoying delectable food and drink). Maximum of 12 people per room.

Midtown

With 200 seats arranged in a semi-circle around a stage elevated just one foot off the ground, Midtown creates an intimate connection between the artists and audiences. You’ll feel like you’re in an underground jazz club, though the musical performers span all genres – and many comedians stop by, too.

The Pyramid Scheme

A standing-room venue that accommodates 400+ patrons, The Pyramid Scheme is a great place to catch acts that just played in Detroit or Chicago and are looking for an extra gig. You can enjoy a more intimate show from a band that usually plays larger venues.

Van Andel Arena

Regularly ranked among the world’s top-grossing venues of its size – about 12,000 seats – Van Andel Arena hosts the country’s hottest touring acts, from Taylor Swift and Elton John to Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber.

Relax at Rosa

Rosa Parks Circle, a community gathering space designed by acclaimed sculptor Maya Lin, hosts this summer lunchtime series featuring live music, food trucks and games for the whole family – all outdoors.

St. Cecilia Music Center

Known as the “the mother of the arts” in Grand Rapids, St. Cecilia Music Center hosts annual jazz, folk and classic concert series in a beautifully restored 1894 landmark building. Its 650-seat auditorium is considered one of the finest recital halls in the country.

SpeakEZ Lounge

This Prohibition-themed restaurant and bar offers live music every other Wednesday evening.

The Apartment Lounge

Michigan’s oldest gay bar continues to make everyone feel welcome after 50+ years. Sit on the patio in warm weather, right next to the Rainbow Road street mural celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.

Rumors Nightclub

Rumors is the destination for high-energy entertainment, with dancing, DJs, karaoke, cabaret, drag shows and more, every night of the week. You can dance all night or find a space to chill and chat.

The BackForty Saloon

The area’s top country DJs keep the dance floor hopping every Friday night at downtown’s only country bar. Shuffle, shimmy and slide your night away.

Eve Nightclub

Dance the night away in The B.O.B., a renovated four-story warehouse that also contains four restaurants, a live-music venue, brewery and comedy club. DJs spin dance tunes every Friday and Saturday night.

Rumors Nightclub

With DJs and an open dance floor Thursday-Friday, this LGBT nightspot is a place to be yourself and have fun. Karaoke and live drag shows take place on other nights. 

Social House Kitchen and Bar

Lively venue with a seasonal patio hosts DJs ever Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Dance if the spirit moves you or sit back and enjoy the tunes while you dig into traditional pub fare and craft beverages.