Summer by the River: Festivals, Food, and Fun in Downtown Grand Rapids
Summer in Grand Rapids is a season of outdoor celebration.
From June through September, the city fills with festivals, concerts, and community events that bring people together all summer long. The Grand River Corridor offers a lively backdrop to it all, running right through the heart of the action.
Whether you’re into live music, international foods, cultural traditions, or relaxing with friends at a food truck rally, there’s something for everyone. Each weekend brings something new to explore, and the calendar is packed with reasons to get outside and be part of it.
Here's a list of some of the highlights:
June 2025
🌸 Asian-Pacific Festival
Dates: June 13–15
Location: Calder Plaza
Experience the vibrant cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands through music, dance, food, and art during this three-day festival.
🏞️ Homecoming of the Three Fires Pow Wow
Dates: June 14–15
Location: Riverside Park
Immerse yourself in Native American culture with traditional music, dance, and art honoring the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwa tribes.
July 2025
🍔 Grand Rapids Foodie Fest
Dates: July 4–6
Location: Calder Plaza
Savor the diverse flavors of Grand Rapids at this three-day festival featuring local culinary delights, live reggae music, and family-friendly activities.
🎆 City of Grand Rapids Fireworks
Dates: July 5
Location: Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with family-fun activities and music starting at 5 p.m., all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display over the Riverfront at 10:30 p.m. This community celebration is held annually on the first Saturday of July.
🎶 Upheaval Festival
Dates: July 18–19
Location: Belknap Park
Michigan's largest annual rock festival returns with an electrifying lineup of over 20 bands, transforming Belknap Park into a haven for music enthusiasts.
August 2025
🎉 Hispanic Festival
Dates: August 1–3
Location: Calder Plaza
Celebrate Hispanic culture with vibrant music, dance, food, and art in a lively atmosphere that brings the community together.
🌮 GR8 Taco Fest
Date: August 16
Location: Riverside Park
Indulge in a taco lover's paradise with a variety of vendors, live music, and activities for all ages along the picturesque riverfront.
🎧 Breakaway Music Festival
Date: August 16–17
Location: Belknap Park
This two-day celebration of EDM, pop, and hip-hop music transforms Belknap Park into an electrifying outdoor venue with high-energy performances, immersive visuals, a silent disco, local food trucks, and sweeping city views.
🌍 A Glimpse of Africa Festival
Date: August 9
Location: Calder Plaza
Experience the richness of African cultures through music, dance, fashion, and cuisine at this vibrant community celebration.
🇵🇱Dożynki Polish Harvest Festival
Date: August 22–24
Location: Calder Plaza
Celebrate Polish culture with live polka music, traditional dances, authentic cuisine, family activities, and the crowning of the beloved Busia Queen – all in the heart of downtown.
September 2025
🖼️ ArtPrize
Dates: September 18–October 4
Location: Various downtown venues
Engage with art in all its forms during this internationally recognized competition that turns the city into an open gallery, featuring diverse works from a mix of local talent and artists around the globe.
Ongoing Summer Series
🍴 GR8 Food Truck Fridays
Dates: Every Friday, now through August 8
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park
Kick off your weekend with a community favorite, featuring 20+ food trucks, live music, local vendors and plenty of space to picnic with friends.
🎵 Relax at Rosa
Dates: Every Thursday, now through September 11
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Rosa Parks Circle
Take a break with live music from local artists, paired with a variety of food trucks and a lively downtown atmosphere – perfect for a midday refresh.
🕺 Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle
Dates: Every Tuesday, now through October 14
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Rosa Parks Circle
A Season That Brings Us Together, One Riverfront Moment at a Time
Summer in downtown Grand Rapids is anything but ordinary. Each event brings its own unique flavor, rhythm, and spirit, reflecting the rich diversity of the city itself.
From the energy of a rock festival to the flavor of pierogi at Calder Plaza, from midday concerts to fireworks over the Riverfront, every moment creates a summer experience that’s uniquely Grand Rapids. So, grab a lawn chair, call a few friends, and head downtown. There’s always something happening by the water, and it’s even better when you’re a part of it.
Looking for more? Check out Experience Grand Rapids’ event calendar, and stay connected to GR& Riverfront.
