21 Best Summer Events in Grand Rapids in 2022
Grand Rapids has so much to do year-round, and there’s no shortage of summer activities, classes, and events to attend either! We’ve gathered a list of some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids this summer. From kayaking adventures and summer concerts to artist markets and outdoor movies— check out all that Grand Rapids has to offer this summer!
Table of Contents
Arts & Culture
Stop by the Grand Rapids Art Museum and get your creative juices flowing! Through the month of July, you can create your own one-of-a-kind monotype print using paint, plates, and pastels. In August, drop in to the Mobile workshop.
Details + Dates:
- Every Saturday
- 1:00pm–4:00pm
- Free (with admission)
Stop by the After Dark Night Markets or the After Dark Creston Street Party to celebrate and support local artists and artisans. Come for the artist market and stay for the food & beverages, live music, and interactive art! This is one of our favorite summer events
in Grand Rapids!
Details + Dates:
- Free to attend
- Night Markets: August 13, September 10
- 555 Monroe Ave.
- 3 – 10pm
- Creston Street Party: July 30
Sip, shop, and stroll through the city! Third Thursdays is a multi-venue event that highlights locally owned galleries, specialty retail spaces, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Join in for the final event of the series to explore all the city has to offer. Participating businesses offer mini-events, discounts, and promotions!
Details + Dates:
- Thursday July 21st (last one)
- 5:00pm–9:00pm
- Free
Stop by this one day only pop-up market at the Harris Building featuring 25 new and emerging artists, craftspeople, and makers. It’s perfect for a Grand Rapids summer weekend!
Details + Dates:
- Free
- Sunday July 17
- 12:00–5:00pm
Recreation
This untimed 5k race has no winners and welcomes runners of all abilities—even little ones! Everyone starts the run wearing white, and each kilometer mark runners are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder. Stick around at the end of the race for the Finish Festival which features music, activity booths, vendors, and more!
Details + Dates:
- Saturday July 23, runners released at 8:00am (no later than 8:30)
- Registration/fees
- Basic adult tickets start at $24.99
- Children 4-8 — 19.99
- Children 3 and under — Free Registration
- All ages welcome, even little ones!
Guided Kayak Adventures at Riverside Park
Whether you’re a beginner or highly experienced kayaker, these guided adventures down the Grand River are a great way to soak in the scenery (and some sun) while getting some exercise! Each trip is around 2 hours.
Details + Dates:
- Every week on Tuesday and Saturday
- Tickets required — $30 for residents $40 for non-residents
- 18+
- No experience necessary
Slow Flow Yoga at Lookout Park
Stretch, strengthen, and recharge with a slow-paced yoga session while overlooking Grand Rapids! These sessions are perfect for beginners but welcome to all skill levels.
Details + Dates:
- Every Friday
- 7:00 – 7:45pm
- Through September 2
- Free, no registration required
Using lightly weighted drumsticks, POUND transforms drumming into a creative workout combining cardio and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. These sessions are welcome to all fitness levels, so let loose and make some music!
Details + Dates:
- Every Thursday
- 5:30pm
- Until September 1
- Free, no registration required
Get your dancing shoes on and join in on Zumba at Rosa Parks Circle! Zumba is a high-energy dance fitness that incorporates Latin and international music.
Details + Dates:
- Every Monday
- 6:30–7:15pm
- Until September 3
- Free, no registration required
- All fitness levels welcome
Food & Drink
Food Truck Fridays at Riverside Park
Grab some fresh air and tasty food from a selection of food trucks! From freshly made donuts and hot pretzels, to barbecue and tacos, everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to hang out by the river and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
Details + Dates:
- Every Friday
- 5:00pm–9:00pm
- Through Sept 2
- Free to attend
- 10-16 trucks will be in attendance
Roaring Nights at John Ball Zoo
Adult only evenings at John Ball Zoo filled with animal activities, music, drinks, and specialty food menus. Each date will feature a different animal theme with corresponding menus and activities.
Details + Dates:
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm
- July 14, July 28, August 9, and August 25
- Tickets needed
- 21+
- $24 for non-members, $21 for members
The Fulton Street Farmers Market hosts an amazing assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, hand-crafted food items, and unique artisan products!
Details + Dates:
- Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
- 8:00am – 2:00pm
- Until October 29
- Free to attend
Entertainment
Returning for the 5th year, the Breakaway Music Festival will be bringing some big-name artists (like The Chainsmokers and Yung Gravy) to Grand Rapids this August! General admission tickets will include access to all main stage events, a silent disco, local food trucks and vendors, as well as assorted activities!
Details + Dates:
- Tickets needed
- August 19-20
- Belknap Park
Celebration Cinema’s Sunset Cinema is the perfect opportunity to take in a fan favorite flick in the great outdoors! Located at the Grand Rapids Studio Park Piazza, all you need to do is bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and cozy up for these double features! Space is first come, first serve.
Details + Dates:
- July 9, July 30, August 6, August 27
- Free
Vinyl Night at Harmony Brewing Company
There’s nothing like the sound of music from vinyl! Sit back and relax while local artists, tastemakers, and DJs take over the sound system and play some of their favorite records. It’s a quintessential Grand Rapids event for beer lovers and audiophiles alike!
Details + Dates:
- Every Thursday, 8-10pm
- Free
This lunchtime entertainment series aims to gives workers the opportunity to step away from their desks, get out of the office, and enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant Downtown. This event series boasts a diverse lineup of local bands, a variety of food trucks, and oversized lawn games!
Details + Dates:
- Every Thursday from 12:00-1:30pm
- June 30 – Sept 8
- Free to attend
- Dog friendly event
Pub Trivia at Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits
Ready to test your knowledge? Check out Trivia Nights at Broadleaf Brewery! This is a two hour, 60-question battle of wits hosted by Geeks Who Drink. Bring your own team or join one at the bar to make some new friends. Winning team will receive a $25 gift card!
Details + Dates:
- Every Tuesday
- 7:00–9:00pm
- Free to play
Family Friendly
25 Years of Play Birthday Party at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Celebrate the GRCM’s 25th birthday with a day of fun featuring performers, special programs, a dance party, and playful treats!
Details + Dates:
- July 31 from 11:00am–3:00pm
- Free admission
Grand Rapids Public Libraries is offering outdoor story times at various locations and parks throughout the city over the summer!
Details + Dates:
- Monday–Thursdays
- Mornings and evenings
- Free
Summer Adventure Club at Cannonsburg Ski Area
Make the most of your summer with these outdoor adventures! Each day will have different adventures and a new chance to make friends! Enjoy an hour of crafts, slip n’ slides, and more.
Details + Dates:
- Every Friday through July 29
- $35 registration, two age groups
Fredrik Meijer Garden Summer Activities
With different events every day that range from outdoor artist studios to musical jam sessions, there’s never a dull moment at The Children’s Garden!
Details + Dates:
- Daily
- Varying times
- Free (with admission)
Looking for more things to do?
