A $3 million project to improve the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn gets underway next week.

The intent of the project is to provide a better guest experience and enhance services to event organizers through updated water and electrical service, improved lawn drainage system, and hardscape design and installation. One key improvement will be a new portable stage. 

The hardscape plans will allow for easier options for event organizers to set up and break down and create better pedestrian flow for guests. The hardscape will also allow for organizers of live shows to drive trailers and buses into the venue and remain onsite during shows. This can help promote the venue for more outdoor performances.

Together, these City investments will allow the 5-acre Performance Lawn, which is managed by the Public Building Authority, to fully be what it was always intended to be – a public outdoor gathering space that can adequately support concerts and other special events.

“We look forward to being able to add this venue to the choices of public sites available to groups looking to stage festivals and entertainment events,” said Judith Foltz, the City’s Director of Special Events. “And we’re excited that the new Performance Lawn will be ready in time for our Festival on the 4th celebration just 5½ months from now.”

The Performance Lawn will close for construction starting Monday, Jan. 14.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will be diverted from a short section of Second Creek Greenway that crosses through the lawn; they will instead detour to a nearby trail east of the railroad tracks, near the World’s Fair Park Amphitheatre. Click here to view detour map.