New Free Shuttle Will Connect Uptown And Downtown Grand Rapids

You might be quite familiar with Downtown Grand Rapids... but what about Uptown?

Get our free mobile app

I'll be honest, I've lived in Grand Rapids for more than 20 years now, and sometimes I'm still not sure exactly what the boundaries are between neighborhoods or the exact name for a certain section of town.

Explaining Uptown Grand Rapids

If you're in the same boat, here's a quick refresher. Uptown GR lies east of Downtown and is made up of four business districts that will likely sound familiar: Eastown, East Fulton, Wealthy Street, and East Hills. It's home to more than 400 businesses, including boutiques, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and plenty of other local favorites.

UP NEXT: Ultimate Guide to Grand Rapids Area Farmers Markets in 2026

And this summer, getting between Uptown and Downtown is about to get a little easier.

Another Option For Getting Downtown

Parking has been a hot topic in Grand Rapids forever. And with the new Acrisure Amphitheater bringing thousands more people downtown, it's become an even bigger concern. The city has already rolled out a trip-planning website, a new parking reservation system, and made changes to the DASH bus route.

Now, Uptown is getting in on the action too.

👇BELOW: EVERY CONCERT COMING TO ACRISURE AMPHITHEATER IN 2026👇

When And Where To Catch The Shuttle

Beginning June 20, Uptown GR will launch "Summer Shuttle Saturdays," a free shuttle running every Saturday, June 20 through August 8. The service will operate from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., giving people an easy way to get between Uptown and Downtown without having to move their car or fight for another parking spot.

Uptpwn Grand Rapids via Facebook

Two fourteen-passenger shuttles will run continuously between two pickup locations. Downtown riders can catch one near the southwest corner of Fulton and Sheldon, while the Uptown stop will be on Cherry Street between Diamond and Eastern.

READ MORE: What To Do Before Acrisure Concert? Grand Rapids Downtown Market Adds New Pre-Parties

While the shuttle is certainly convenient for people headed downtown for concerts, festivals, or a night out, it also works the other way around. Folks who are Downtown for an event may decide to hop over to Uptown to grab dinner or browse a local shop.

MORE TO EXPLORE: New Women's Boutique Opens Downtown Grand Rapids

Either way, it's another transportation option at a time when Grand Rapids is preparing for more visitors, more events, and more demand for parking.