30 Things To Do in Grand Rapids This Summer

Whether you’re into food truck crawls, outdoor concerts, or quirky vintage markets, Grand Rapids transforms into a playground of festivals and events once summer rolls around. Locals know there’s no better time to explore the city than when the sun is shining, music is playing, and you have a taco in one hand and a festival flyer in the other.

So grab your calendar, round up your crew, and make room in your weekends because these summer events are too good to miss.

 

Table of Contents

1. Cultural Festivals
2. Family Friendly Events 
3. Pop-Up Markets & Sales
4. Food & Drink Events
5. Art Exhibitions & Workshops
6. Active Events
7. Concerts & Entertainment

 

 

Cultural Festivals

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
An explosion of color, music, and mouthwatering flavors, this high-energy festival spotlights the diverse cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Catch mesmerizing dance performances, sample your way through endless food stalls, or get hands-on with cultural crafts and games with this three-day celebration.

Details + Dates:

• Free admission
• June 13 & 14: 11am-11pm
• June 15: 12pm-5pm
• Calder Plaza

 

Grand Rapids Pride Festival
Now a full weekend celebration, this vibrant festival showcases Grand Rapids’ LGBTQ+ community with live music, inclusive experiences, an array of local vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Details + Dates:

• Free admission, but donations are encouraged
• June 21: 12pm-10pm
• June 22: 12pm-8pm
• Calder Plaza

 

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
One of the city’s longest-running cultural celebrations, this festival transforms Calder Plaza into a fiesta of music, dancing, authentic Latin cuisine, and entertainment for all ages, with proceeds benefiting the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.

Details + Dates:

• Free admission
• August 1: 5pm-12am
• August 2 & 3: 11am-12am
• Calder Plaza

 

Dozynki Polish Festival
From polka to pierogies, enjoy a lively tribute to Polish roots. This community tradition brings generations together for folk dancing, live music, and some of the best Polish cuisine in West Michigan has to offer.

Details + Dates:

• Free admission
• August 22 & 23: 11am-10pm
• August 24: 12pm-5pm
• Calder Plaza

 

 

Family Friendly Events

Summer Saturdays at GRPM
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, each Saturday brings a new way to learn and play! From science and history themes to creative hands-on activities for all ages, don’t miss you chance to learn something new from these themed science and culture activities alongside the blockbuster exhibits.

Details + Dates:

• Admission required
• Select Saturdays, June 16-August 16
• 11am-3pm

 

Explore Your Parks Workshops
Reconnect with nature with this guided exploration of all our local parks have to offer. The folks at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks have created a downloadable Park Passport of activities — check off items at your own pace or attend workshops like bouldering & skateboarding. If you complete your passport, you even get a prize!

Details + Dates:

• Bouldering: June 21 from 9-11am
• Forest bathing: July 10 from 6-7pm or 7:30-8:30pm
• Skateboarding: August 21 from 5:30-7:30pm
• Birding: September 13 from 8-11am

 

Summer Nights at John Ball Zoo
When the sun goes down, the zoo lights up! These evening events combine chill summer vibes with zoo-style thrills — think live bands, local drinks, ziplining through the trees, and the chance to see nocturnal animals in action. It’s the wildest way to spend a summer night.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets required
• June 19, July 31, August 28
• 6pm-9pm
• John Ball Zoo

 

Return to the River Festival
This festival takes place across three parks along the river, turning the city’s waterfront into a lively playground of live art, artisan markets, interactive installations, and unexpected moments of delight (yes, body painting included). Come ready to wander, snack, and dance your way through the weekend.

Details + Dates:

• Free admission
• August 23: 1pm-11pm
• August 24: 1pm-8pm
• 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park, and Canal Park

 

Pop-Up Markets & Sales

The Mitten Vintage Festival
Calling all thrift lovers and retro style hunters — this vintage extravaganza has your name all over it. With 50+ vendors offering everything from flared denim and funky decor to mid-century gems and rare records, it’s the perfect place to refresh your wardrobe or just stroll and vibe.

Details + Dates:

• July 12 & August 16
• 12pm-6pm
• Calder Plaza

 

Summer Rummage Sale
Shop from local sellers and neighbors offering everything from vintage furniture to quirky trinkets. A fun, sustainable way to treasure-hunt in the heart of the city.

Details + Dates:

• July 27
• 11am-4pm
• Fulton Street Farmers Market

 

Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Where the weird, the wonderful, and the slightly macabre all come together under one roof. Whether you’re hunting for bone art, attending a taxidermy class, or just window-shopping the strange and surreal, this expo offers a delightfully different kind of weekend outing.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets Required for Entrance, classes not included
• July 19 & 20: 10am-4pm
• DeVos Place

 

Made Market
More than 50 artists and artisans gather to sell handcrafted goods that are as creative as they are beautiful, from statement jewelry and ceramics to small-batch body care and home goods. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or soaking up inspiration, the creativity here is contagious.

Details + Dates:

• $5 Admission, children under 15 are free
• July 12
• 10am-5pm
• Goei Center

 

Fulton Street Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Stop by Fulton Street for locally grown fruits, veggies, handmade goods, and the friendliest vendors around — all under a covered, open-air pavilion.

Details + Dates:

• Open Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays
• 8am-2pm
• Main Season runs May-October

 

 

Food & Drink Events

Relax at Rosa
Forget lunch at your desk! Instead, head downtown for a midday celebration of local flavor and live tunes. Rosa Parks Circle transforms into a lively lunch spot with food trucks galore, oversized lawn games, and a rotating lineup of local bands that’ll make your Thursday feel like the weekend arrived early.

Details + Dates:

• Thursdays, from May 1-September 11
• 12:00pm-1:30pm
• Rosa Park Circle

 

Food Truck Fridays
Every Friday, Riverside Park turns into a mouthwatering food truck haven, where you can feast on everything from loaded burgers to Swahili-TexMex fusion. Add a blanket, some friends, and a sunset — and boom, your Friday night is made.

Details + Dates:

• Fridays, from May 16-August 8
• 5:00pm-9:00pm
• Until July 26
• Riverside Park

 

Grand Rapids Foodie Fest
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves lots of snacking and non-stop entertainment, this three-day festival is for you. Calder Plaza fills with the best food trucks, pop-up kitchens, and artisan vendors, all paired with live music and activities that make this fest equal parts delicious and delightful.

Details + Dates:

• July 4: 3pm-10pm
• July 5: 11am-10pm
• July 6: 12pm-6pm
• Calder Plaza

 

Taco & Tequila Festival
Tacos, tequila, and sunshine? Yes please. Riverside Park brings the heat with this one-day fiesta featuring over 165 types of tequila, mouthwatering tacos from top-notch food vendors, margarita bars, and live music to keep the good vibes flowing. Come hungry and ready to sip, sample, and salsa.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets Required, VIP Tickets Available
• July 28
• 4pm-8pm
• Riverside Park

 

Art Exhibitions & Workshops

BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Step into a world where tradition meets modern expression. This thought-provoking exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens showcases a fresh take on the classic sculptural bust. Artists play with form, identity, and emotion to reimagine what a portrait can be. It’s a mix of timeless technique and contemporary creativity that’ll leave you inspired.

Details + Dates:

• Free with general admission
• Through September 21
• 9am-5pm

 

Thursdays on the Terrace at the GRAM
Looking for a chill midweek pick-me-up? Head to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for their creative new series. Enjoy rotating programming that could include everything from live art to DJ sets — all during Meijer Free Nights. It’s art, music, and community vibes wrapped into one perfect Thursday outing.

Details + Dates:

• Thursdays, June 12-August 28
• 5pm-8pm
• Free, no admission required

 

GR Ballet Summer Dance Festival
Bring a blanket, grab a snack, and settle in for a weekend of world-class performances under the open sky. This free outdoor festival features an exciting range of dance styles and local talent, paired with food trucks and a refreshing beer and wine garden. It’s elegance, energy, and artistry all in one.

Details + Dates:

• August 22 & 23
• Music at 5pm, dancing at 5:30pm
• Free, no admission required

 

GR Lit Fest
Bookworms, rejoice! This weeklong celebration of the written word features Michigan-based authors, cozy readings, book signings, and fascinating panel discussions. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking to discover your next favorite novel, there’s something for every literary lover here.

Details + Dates:

• June 16-22
• Multiple locations & times
• Free

 

 

Active Events

Gran Fondo
Ready to ride? Gran Fondo is Grand Rapids’ signature summer cycling event, welcoming everyone from spandex-clad pros to weekend cruisers. With multiple routes to choose from and a party waiting at the finish line, this is more than just a bike race; it’s a celebration of movement, sunshine, and community.

Details + Dates:

• Race Registration Required for Participation
• June 21
• 80 Mile starts at 8:00am
• 40 Mile starts at 8:15am
• 25 Mile & Family Ride starts at 8:30am
• Starting Point: Van Andel Arena

 

Tuesday Night Swing Dancing
It’s part workout, part date night, and all fun. Tuesday nights come alive at Rosa Parks Circle, where dancers of all levels spin, step, and smile through this beloved summer tradition. Come solo, bring a partner, or just enjoy the show!

Details + Dates:

• Tuesdays
• 7:00pm-9:30pm
• Until October 14
• Free
• Dogs welcome!

 

POUND on the Blue Bridge
Let out your inner rockstar with this high-energy fitness class that turns drumming into a full-body workout. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Bridge, it’s part cardio, part music therapy, and totally invigorating.

Details + Dates:

• Thursdays
• 5:30pm-6:20pm
• Until August 21
• Free, no registration required

 

GR Riverfront Tours
Take a stroll with purpose on this guided walking tour of Grand Rapids’ riverfront. You’ll explore the city’s history, learn about the ongoing restoration efforts, and soak in views you might have missed otherwise. A great way to stretch your legs and your local knowledge.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets Required
• 8:30am, 11:00am, & 6:00pm departure times
• Offered Year Round

 

 

Concerts & Entertainment

Candlelight Concerts
Experience your favorite music in an entirely new light — literally. These elegant concerts combine glowing candlelit ambiance with tribute performances to artists like Queen, The Beatles, and Drake. It’s a magical night out that’s equal parts cozy and dramatic.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets Required
• Fleetwood Mac: June 21 at 6:45pm
• The Beatles & Queen: June 21 at 8:45pm
• Drake: August 16 at 6:30pm
• Wealthy Street Theatre

 

Breakaway Music Festival
If you’re looking for big beats and bigger energy, Breakaway is where it’s at. This two-day music fest at Belknap Park brings together top-tier headliners, a silent disco, local eats, and an electric crowd. Expect high vibes, lots of dancing, and memories that last long after the final set.

Details + Dates:

• Tickets Required
• August 15 & 16
• 4pm-11pm
• Belknap Park

 

Sunset Cinema
Is it a movie night or a picnic under the stars? Trick question — it’s both! Studio Park hosts a summer film series where classic and fan-favorite movies play on the big screen in the great outdoors. Bring a blanket, your besties, and maybe some snacks for the perfect chill night.

Details + Dates:

• Free
• Select Saturdays, June through September
• Movies start at 8pm
• Bring your own seating

 

Music on the Farm
Fresh-picked berries and even fresher tunes? Count us in. Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market turns their scenic property into a casual live music venue every weekend. It’s the kind of laid-back afternoon that feels like summer distilled into sound.

Details + Dates:

• Fridays: 6pm-9pm
• Saturdays: 1pm-4pm
• Free admission

 

Euchre Thursdays
Put your card skills to the test at this weekly Euchre tournament hosted by House Rules. With a friendly atmosphere, low-stakes competition, and the chance to win prizes, it’s a great excuse to sip, socialize, and practice your poker face on a Thursday night.

Details + Dates:

• $5 Tournament Entry
• Thursdays
• 7pm-10pm

 
Looking for more things to do?