Concerts on the Lawn Frequently Asked Questions

New to the Concerts on the Lawn or just have a question? Read below for some answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Where do I park?

  • If the sign says Event or Concert Parking, great news, you can park there! This includes our main lot in front of the Pavilions and the Pavilions side of the Employee Parking Deck (entrance closest to Elmwood), Munson’s Lot K and Lot Q, all accessible off of Medical Campus Drive. You may also park along Elmwood Ave. We ask that those who can walk considering using Lot K and Lot Q, leaving the main Pavilions Lot and parking deck for those with mobility issues.
  • If the sign says no parking, do not park there. You may be towed. 
  • We are grateful to the folks at Munson for allowing us the use of two of their lots. Please respect their parking needs by not parking in any of the other Munson lots.

What if I can't walk far?

We encourage those who are able to make the short 2 minute walk to the Grand Lawn from Elmwood, but for those who can't our golf carts are a great service for those with mobility issues or disabilities that make walking more difficult.  If you need to drop someone off who needs a ride to the back lawn, please do so at the entrance to our Fire Lane, on Elmwood Ave, across from the MI DHHS building parking lot. There are benches here where individuals with mobility issues can wait for a golf cart. Other cart pickup areas include our main parking lot, the parking deck, and at our Evergreen Cottage Lot.

Can I ride my bike?

Yes! Parking a bike is much easier than parking a car, thanks to the Bike Valet provided by our friends at Norte! Ride up to the Shuffleboard court by our volunteer tent to utilize the bike valet service.

Can I ride the bus?

The bus is a great option. Hop on the FREE BATA Bayline and get off at either the Elmwood @ 11th St. stop or the Elmwood @ 7th St. stop, both are a short 4 minute walk from the Grand Lawn. From the Meijer Car Wash lot it is a short 3 minute ride!

When do concessions open? 

Concessions open at 5:30 PM and stop at 7:30 PM. We offer burgers, brats, chicken sandwhiches, black bean burgers, and hot dogs. Make a meal of it with a bag of chips and a drink. Moomer's ice cream is also available for purchase at our green ice cream tent. Nate's Best Kettle Corn is also available most weeks directly across from the ice cream tent.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are allowed, on a leash, as long as they can get along with other animals and people. Please make use of the pet stations along the main path to clean up after your pet.

Are there bathrooms available? 

We have porta-potties around the Grand Lawn for guests, including an handicap accessible one. 

Do you cancel for inclement weather? How will I know if you cancel?

If the weather is not safe for guests or the band, we will cancel. Rain during the day does not mean the concert is automatically canceled. If the skies are predicted to be clear during concert time, the show will most likely go on. You can check the sidebar of our website or our Facebook page for the latest information. If we cancel it will be posted there and we will also notify our media partner, Midwestern Broadcasting, so they can air it on their stations: WTCM AM & FM, WCCW AM & FM, and Z93. A message will also be available at this number, (231) 932-3018, with the latest concert status.

What do I need to bring?

The Concerts are BYOS--Bring Your Own Seat! It can be a folding chair, a blanket or you can sit on the grass, but we do not provide seating for anyone but our residents and our sponsors.  If you are unsure if a seat is available, please ask at the Foundation/Marketing tent. Do not just assume they are open.  There are a few benches and picnic tables, but they fill up fast!

On sunny days, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. On cloudy or cooler days, bring a sweater. The lawn gets a good breeze which can be a bit cool in late evening. 

Do I need a ticket? What is the cost? Where does the Freewill Offering go?

The concerts are free. Our expenses are paid through sponsorships from area businesses. The freewill offering we collect goes to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation. The Foundation uses these funds to help support the Pavilions and its mission of providing accessible, trusted, and compassionate care that enhances quality of life for aging adults.

When does the concert start and how long does it go?

Concerts start at 7 PM and are about an hour long. 

Additonal things to keep in mind:

  • We are a smoke-free campus. Please refrain from using tobacco, marijuana, vaping, or smoking products of any kind on our property. 
  • To help preserve our historic arboretum, please refrain from climbing the trees.
  • Please do not leave children unattended on our campus.
  • Help us maintain the health of the Kids Creek Watershed. Please do not pick the plants or move the large rocks. 
  • Please clean up after yourselves. Garbage containers are located throughout the property for your convenience.
  • As this is our resident’s backyard, we ask that you help us maintain “quiet hours” from 9 PM to 7 AM.
  • The recycling containers are for cans only.

If we didn't answer your question above, please call us at (231) 932-3018 and we will do our best to help!