The Manistee Amphitheater Foundation (MAF) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization founded in January 2025 to design, fundraise and build a low-maintenance, multi-purpose venue that will complement and enhance the amenities at First Street Beach/Douglas Park. The MAF has been supported by the Salt City Rock and Blues organization, who provided start up funds for the new foundation and, along with West Shore Bank, an infusion of start up capital. The MAF board consists of a broad representation of the Manistee community all bringing specific skills and expertise to the group.

The MAF has partnered with the City of Manistee on the amphitheater project as the completed venue will be a City of Manistee asset. The MAF is aligned with the City of Manistee Beach Master Plan which identities the open area south of the Lion’s Pavilion Picnic area as the ideal location for the new venue. The Manistee City Council has approved the project and passed and, on October 6, 2026, passed a comprehensive agreement that will guide the design and construction of the project. This agreement is linked below and gives City Council broad oversight and final approval on all aspects venue. Once the approved schematic design, construction plans and permits are in place, construction of the venue will take 11 months to complete.

The design concept for “The Dune” has taken painstaking efforts to integrate the structure into the existing landscape, preserving the adjacent dunes, group of willow trees and open park-like area. The area will be shaped into a gradual bowl with landscaping features that can accommodate lawn chairs and blankets. The living roof will allow the venue to blend into its natural surrounding, making it unnoticeable to a passerby while housing a 55’x35’ stage, sufficient to host high school and community bands, the weekly Shoreline Showcase, Dune Jam, Labor Fest, Scottville Clown Band, dance recitals, plays, weddings, reunions and other events. The stage of "The Dune” is positioned to the southwest directing all sound over Lake Michigan and away from local residences. This configuration also allows for easy access to the stage for load-in and load-out. There will be a plaza on the southern border of the property that will offer street-level handicap access to the venue.

The MAF has established “The Dune Amphitheater Project Fund” at the Manistee County Community Foundation, who will accept and manage the pledges and donations in support of the amphitheater construction. Through the generosity of a donor, any funds pledged or donated to “The Dune Amphitheater Project Fund” at the MCCF before December 31, 2026, will be matched 1:1, up to $1.6 million. Pledges may be spread over 2026, 2027 and through June 30, 2028. Those wishing to make a pledge or contribution to the Fund should visit the Manistee County Community Foundation at www.manisteefoundation.org, e-mail: gifts@manisteefoundation.org or call (231) 723-7269. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Donors who give $5,000 or more to the project will be recognized on a donor wall incorporated into the amphitheater design.

The MAF is collaborating with two Grand Rapids firms - Integrated Architecture and Pioneer Construction - on the project. Mike Corby, principal at Integrated has owned a home in the Manistee area for many years, and Scott Veine, the EVP at Pioneer is a Manistee native. Both firms have provided significant in-kind services and expertise on the project. Pioneer Construction built the recently-completed Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids and also built the Hampton Inn in Manistee.