Venue Guide: 20 Monroe Live – Grand Rapids, MI

20 Monroe Live History

Named for its address, 20 Monroe Live is a relatively recent addition to the Grand Rapids entertainment scene, having opened its doors in 2017. But once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip into the past: The venue boasts a faithful re-creation of Art Deco architecture modeled after the grand American theaters of yesteryear. While 20 Monroe Live accommodates crowds of up to 2,600, the room can be scaled down to smaller capacities, and can be converted from a seated theater into a standing-room-only club.

20 Monroe Live Performers

In its first month of operation, 20 Monroe Live hosted New Orleans jazz fixture Trombone Shorty, classic-rock icons Lynyrd Skynyrd, Celtic-punk heroes The Dropkick Murphys and indie-folk favorites The Head and the Heart, all of whom collectively provide a snapshot of the venue’s eclectic bookings. Since then, the theater has welcomed established legends (Parliament-Funkadelic, The Pretenders) as well as indie artists on the rise (Mitski, Whitney), while also bringing in big-name comedians like Chelsea Handler and Nikki Glaser.

Planning Your Visit to 20 Monroe Live

20 Monroe Live is conveniently located right next door to The B.O.B. (aka The Big Old Building), a former grocery warehouse that’s been converted into a multilevel emporium featuring four eating options — Bobarino’s pizza parlor, Judson’s Steakhouse, Gilly’s Smokehouse, plus a to-go menu — and an in-house brewery to satisfy all your pre-show cravings.

20 Monroe Live Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 20 Monroe Live parking options?

20 Monroe doesn’t have its own parking area, but metered street parking and various city-operated garages are in the vicinity. Consult the official Grand Rapids parking guide for options.

Does 20 Monroe Live serve food?

A concession stand in the venue lobby serves up snacks including pizza and popcorn. The neighboring B.O.B. complex features a number of dine-in restaurants.

What are the seating options at 20 Monroe Live?

Most shows at 20 Monroe Live offer general-admission/standing-room tickets for the floor and reserved seating in the mezzanine, though some events feature reserved seating throughout. The venue also offers Premium Seating packages that include access to an exclusive entrance, prime seat locations and a VIP bar. Find tickets here.

What are the 20 Monroe Live safety & security guidelines?

20 Monroe Live has a clear-bag policy in effect, with a maximum size of 12”x6”x12”. Small clutch bags are also permitted with a maximum size of 4.5”x6.5”. Visit the venue’s website for a complete list of health and safety guidelines, including COVID-19 measures.