Election 2026: Name the amphitheater

It’s happening, Painesville—and now, the community gets to help name it.

Voting is officially open for the name of Painesville’s new riverside amphitheater, a project that will soon serve as a centerpiece for concerts, performances, and community events along the Grand River and adjacent to Kiwanis’s Recreation Park.   

Residents are invited to choose their favorite from five finalist names:

• The Grand River Stage. Inspired by the amphitheater’s location along the Grand River, this name highlights both the natural setting and the performances that will take place there.

• The House of Paine. A bold and memorable name that honors Painesville’s namesake, General Edward Paine, while offering a unique identity for a venue built to host a wide range of events.

• Monarch Amphitheater. Inspired by the monarch butterflies that migrate through the region, this name represents journeys, resilience, and a gathering place where the community comes together.

• Painesville Community Amphitheater.  A clear, civic-minded name that reflects a space designed for everyone. It emphasizes community pride and a shared place for performances, celebrations, and public gatherings.

• Steelhead Alley Stage. Drawn from the region’s well-known steelhead trout runs; the Grand River is one of the best rivers for steelhead fishing in Ohio. This name reflects a distinctive part of local identity and connects the venue to the natural features of the area.

Voting is limited to one vote per person. The survey will remain open until the end of the day of Thursday, April 2.

To vote, click here.

The selected name will serve as the foundation, with a final venue descriptor (such as “Stage,” “Amphitheater,” or “Pavilion”) chosen to best fit the space and how it comes to life in signage and branding.