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Women's Lifestyle Magazine

Women’s LifeStyle Summer Festival Guide

Jun 03, 2019 10:23AM ● By WLMagazine

Here in West Michigan, summer is that much sweeter for the many months we spend at the mercy of subzero temperatures and record-breaking snowfall. We've compiled a comprehensive list of summer festivals in West Michigan, from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore so you can get the most out of the shining sun and warm temperatures. From art festivals, cultural celebrations, fairs, fitness competitions, live music and more, there is something for (almost) everyone.

Grand Rapids

Relax at Rosa 
When: Thursdays May 2-Sept 19, noon-1:30 pm
Where: Rosa Park Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

The lunchtime-entertainment series returns with a lineup of local bands, food trucks and yard games.

Festival of the Arts
When: June 7, noon-10 pm; June 8, 10-10 pm, June 9, 10-6 pm.
Where: Ottawa Street, Lion Street, Pearl Street and Ionia Street
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

For 50 years, Grand Rapids has been celebrating art, culture and food via this free festival that takes over the heart of downtown for three days in June.

JAFAX
When: June 7-9, 9 -6 pm.
Where: DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Ave NW
Entry: Friday/$25; Saturday/$30; Sunday/$25; 3-Day/$50, V.I.P./$90; Children/$20
Family Friendly

West Michigan's premiere anime festival features fantastic cosplays, informative and fun panels, special guests and gaming.

Movies on Monroe
When: June 7-Aug. 23
Where: 555 Monroe NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This summer-series is back with a line up of stellar films, including a Star is Born, Space Jam, Beetlejuice, Crazy Rich Asians and more.

Three Fires Traditional Pow Wow
When: June 8, 10-9 pm; June 9, 10-7 pm
Where: Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave NE
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Three Fire Traditional Pow Wow, a celebration of the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes. The Pow Wow features music, dancing, art, food and crafts.

Rock the Block
When: June 8, 11-6 pm
Where: Linc Up, 1167 Madison Ave SE
Entry: Donation encouraged
Family Friendly

Celebrate Madison Square's rich diversity and history with local vendors, entertainment, multi-cultural cuisine, local art and more.

B-93 Birthday Bash
When: June 8, 4 pm
Where: Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W River Dr NE
Entry: $45-$109
Family Friendly

Enjoy performances by a stellar line-up of country music stars.

Start of Summer Celebration
When: June 13-16
Where: Downtown Rockford
Entry: $15
Family Friendly

Kick off summer in beautiful downtown Rockford at this celebration that includes a carnival, outdoor movie screening, beer tents, live performances, a parade, fire truck pull, outdoor laser tag, food and craft vendors, a duck race, fireworks and more.

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
When: June 14, 11-11 pm; June 15, 11-11 pm; June 16, 11-5pm
Where: Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

One of the newer festivals on the scene, the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival has quickly become a summer staple in Grand Rapids. The three-day celebration showcases the rich and diverse cultures of Asia and the Pacific.

West Michigan Chalk Festival
When: June 14-15, 8- 9pm
Where: Tanger Outlets, 350 84th St SW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Children, adults, families, and businesses to create their own art using chalk. Create your own artwork to enter to win one of the competitions (portrait, landscape or masterpiece), or simply enjoy the creativity on display.

54th Annual Reeds Lake Art Festival
When: June 15, 9-5 pm
Where: Gaslight Village
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Enjoy fine arts and crafts on display throughout Gaslight Village.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival
When: June 15, noon-10 pm
Where: Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave NW
Entry: $8/general admission; $50/V.I.P.
Family Friendly

Join the Grand Rapids Pride Center as LGBTQ+ community members, businesses and allies together for a celebration of inclusion and diversity. This year’s entertainment includes local drag queens and national music performers.

GR Juneteenth 2019 Dickinson Park Dundunba
When: June 19, 1-7 pm
Where: Dickinson Buffer Park, 1635 Willard st SE
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans at this community gathering featuring local vendors, artists and advocates.

Movies in the Neighborhood Park
When: June 22, July 20, Aug.24
Where: Various locations
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Enjoy yard games, music and dancing and a family-friendly movie in one of Grand Rapids' neighborhood parks.

Love Wins at the Rainbow Bridge
When: June 21, 7-11 pm
Where: The Blue Bridge
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

At this celebration of diversity and love, the city's iconic Blue Bridge will be lit up the colors of the rainbow. The event features pop-up drag performances, spoken word poetry and a dance party with grooves by LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ friendly DJs.

Founders Fest
When: June 22, 3-11 pm
Where: Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave SW
Entry: $30/ early bird general admission; $40/advanced general admission; $25/ advanced mug club members; $45/day of general admission; $40/day of mug club members
21 +

Founders Fest brings you a day delicious beer, good eats and great entertainment, including R&B start Macy Gray and local rap sensation Lady Ace Boogie. Admission includes two drink tickets (excluding specialty beers).

Eastown Bizarre Bazaar
When: June 22, 9-7 pm
Where: Eastown, Lake Drive and Wealthy Street SE
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Hosted by the Eastown Business Association, Bizarre Bazaar brings together local artists, vendors, musicians and restaurants to celebrate the unique culture of Eastown.

Grand River Water Festival
When: June 22-23, noon - 9 pm
Where: Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave NE
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Billed as a “celebratory call for action,” this festival offers attendees musical entertainment and engaging activities to bring education about environmental stewardship.

JuneGrass Festival
When: June 28-29, noon- 9pm.
Where: Kent County Fairgrounds, 225 S Hudson St SE
Entry: $30/weekend tickets advanced; $35/weekend tickets at the gate; $15/Friday at the gate; $20/Saturday at the gate

Hosted by the West Michigan Bluegrass Association, this two-day festival brings together regional and national touring bluegrass acts.

Riverwalk Festival
When: July 11, 5-9 pm; June 12, 5-9 pm; June 13, 10—10 pm
Where: Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, 113 Riverwalk Plz
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This celebration includes a pig roast, live concerts, a 5K, classic car show, food booths, entertainment, the beloved-duck race and more.

D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops 
When: July 11-Aug. 2
Where: Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE
Entry: $20/adult; $5/children; $30/chair; $51/table seat; $408/table of eight; $42/3-concert package; $102/6-concert flex pass
Family Friendly

Enjoy musical performances in the great outdoors at this summer-favorite concert series.

GRAM on the Green
When: Thursdays, July 11-Aug. 22
Where: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Join the GRAM for Thursday nights filled with free outdoor live music, dancing, food truck and a cash bar.

Ionia Free Fair
When: July 12-21
Where: Ionia Fairgrounds, 317 S. Dexter St
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

From 4H shows to classic carnival rides to musical performances, the Ionia Free Fair has something for everyone to enjoy.

Picnic in the Park by the Grand Rapids Balloon Festival
When: July 18, 4-9 pm
Where: Wilcox Park, 100 Youell Ave SE,
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

A fun-filled evening of food trucks, hot air balloons, caricatures, henna, live music and tethered balloon rides.

Kent County Youth Fair  
When: Aug. 5-10
Where: Kent County Fair Grounds, 225 S Hudson St SE, Lowell
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This annual fair gives are Kent County Youth a chance to showcase their 4-H raised animals and agriculture. Visitors can enjoy livestock auctions, carnival rides and games, live entertainment and more.

Cowpie Music Festival
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: Shagbak Farm, 7525 Alaska Ave SE
Entry: $100
Family Friendly

Presented by the Michigan Heritage Music Association, Cowpie Music Festival is jam-packed with music, workshops, artisans, a gourmet food court and disc golf course.

Hispanic Festival
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Enjoy food, entertainment, vendors and more at this celebration of Latin culture.

Glimpse of Africa
When: Aug. 10
Where: Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

The very first African festival in Grand Rapids, this festival is a rich showcase of culture featuring authentic food, music, dancing, vendors and more.

Mexican Heritage Association Fiesta Mexicana 2019
When: Sep. 13
Where: Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This cultural celebration raises awareness of history, art, culture, gastronomy and music of Mexico.

Danish Festival
When: Aug. 16-18, 9-7 pm
Where: 210 S. Lafayette St, ​Greenville
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

A celebration of Dutch Heritage with a parade, entertainment, artisan market and farmers market.

GRand Jazz Fest
When: August 17, 12:30-8 pm; August 18, 1-5 pm
Where: Rosa Park Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

World-class jazz musicians come together in Rosa Parks Circle for West Michigan’s only free jazz festival.

Grand Rapids Greek Festival
When: Aug. 17, 3-10 pm; August 18, 11-10 pm; August 19,
noon-4 pm
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Eat, dance and be Greek at this rich cultural celebration featuring delicious food, vibrant dancing, local vendors and cooking classes.

Breakaway Music Festival
When: Aug. 23-24
Where: Belknap Park, 30 Coldbrook St NE
Entry: $45/Friday; $45/Saturday, $80/Friday and Saturday
Family Friendly

This multi-city, hip-hop, EDM and pop festival is stopping in Grand Rapids again this year with a line-up that includes Wiz Khalifa, Big Gigantic and Black Bear.

Polish Festival
When: Aug. 23-25
Where: Rosa Park Circle, 135 Monroe St NW
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

A celebration of Polish heritage featuring food (perogies, anyone?), music and vendors.

End of Summer Food Truck Festival
When: Sept. 14, 11-8 pm
Where: Kentwood City Hall, 4950 Breton Rd SE
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Mark the end of summer with this gathering of more than 30 trucks, a beer tent and live music.

Fallasburg Fall Festival for the Arts
When: Sept. 14-15, 10-5 pm
Where: Fallasburg Festival, 1124 Fallasburg Rd
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This two-day festival features 100 fine art and craft booths, food booths, a children’s area, demonstrations and live music.

Allendale Fall Festival Car Show
When: Sept. 21,11-3 pm
Where: Allendale Community Park, 11069 68th Ave
Entry: $10
Family Friendly

This car show features oldies music, food trucks, raffles and gorgeous classic cars. All proceeds will be donated to the American Legion #401.

Grand Rapids Veg Fest
When: Sept. 22, 10-4 pm
Where: The DeltaPlex Arena, 2500 Turner Ave NW
Entry: $12
Family Friendly

Featuring local and national vendors, the 5th annual GR Veg Fest promotes plant-based diets for health, compassion and conservation.

Project 1
When: Sept. 7-Oct. 27
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 900 Fuller Ave SE; Tanglefoot Gallery, 314 Straight Ave SW; Downtown Grand Rapids
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Multifaceted art installations created by a group composed of international, national and local artists will be on display throughout the community.

Muskegon/Grand Haven

Parties in the Park
When: Fridays, May 28 —Aug. 23, 5-9 pm
Where: Hackley Park, 350 W Webster Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

These Friday night park parties on the lakeshore feature a rotating lineup of live musical performances and family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Muskegon Summer Wine Up Festival
When: June 8, 2-8 pm
Where: Hackley Park, 350 W Webster
Entry: $15
21+

Gather with fellow vino lovers for a day of music, fun and tasting a variety of wines from across the country.

Taste of Muskegon
When: June 14, 4:30-11 pm; June 15, 11-11pm
Where: Hackley Park, 350 W Webster Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Sample foods and brews from the best eateries in Muskegon as they compete for the plate awards. Additionally, enjoy live musical performances, cooking demonstrations, a powerboat show and kids entertainment.

Grand Haven Art Festival
When: June 29-30, 10-5 pm
Where: Washington Ave, Downtown Grand Haven
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

View and purchase one-of-a-kind art as Washington Ave transforms into a chic gallery showcasing creative works of all kinds.

Muskegon RockStock
When: July 3-7, 5:30-9:30 pm
Where: Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St.
Entry: $25/3-day pass, $10/1-day pass
Family Friendly

Enjoy rock music, a carnival, fireworks, raffles, face painting, food and drink at this festival of rock.

Lakeshore Art Festival
When: July 5-6, 10-6 pm
Where: Hackley Park, 350 W Webster Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This nationally-recognized art festival features fine arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, a wine and beer garden, creative activities and more.

Fresh Coast Fitness Festival
When: July 13-14
Where: Pere Marquette Park, 1601 Beach St
Entry: $275/team RX Division; $275/team Intermediate Division; Free/spectators
Family Friendly

This three-person fitness competition features 96 teams over the weekend.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
When: July 26- Aug 4
Where: 113 N 2nd St
Entry: Prices for individual events vary
Family Friendly

This nationally recognized festival in “Coast Guard City, USA” honors the men and women who serve with a stellar lineup of family-friendly events.

Northside Family Fun Fest and Art Fair
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: Walker Park, 1521 Ruddiman Dr.
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This three-day event features a parade, art fair, book sale, a beer and wine garden and good eats.

Great Lakes Surf Festival
When: Aug. 17, 11-7 pm
Where: Pere Marquette Park, 3510 Channel Dr
Entry: $20/Adult General Admission; $40/Active Event Pass; $10/Kids; $70/Adult Pro Am Racing Event Pas
Family Friendly

In honor of Great Lakes surf culture, this event is a celebration of water sports featuring workshops, music, board swap, a raffle, yoga, and a 5-mile Pro Am race.

Bright Light Muskegon Lighthouse Festival
When: Aug.17
Where: Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Join other festival-goers on Pere Marquette Beach family-friendly events, performances, and docent-led tours of the lighthouse.

Norton Shores Arts & Drafts Festival
When: Aug. 17, 5-10 pm; Aug. 18, 8-11:30 pm
Where: Ross Park, 82 Randall Rd
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

The Norton Shores Art & Drafts Festival features more than 100 craft vendors, a 5K, live music, brews and a children’s area.

Shoreline Jazz Festival
When: Aug. 22, 24-25
Where: Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St.
Entry: $40/general admission per day; $70/general admission 2-day pass; $65/preferred seating per day; $120/ prefered seating 2-day pass
Family Friendly

Organized by Jazz legend Alexander Zonjic, this festival features world-class Jazz musicians for a weekend of outstanding music on the lakeshore.

Burning Foot Beer Festival
When: August 24, 3-9 pm
Where: Pere Marquette Park, 3510 Channel Dr.
Entry: $50
21+

The Great Lakes region’s only on-the-beach beer festival for a celebration of breweries and bands.

Muskegon Polish Festival
When: Aug. 30-31,11-11pm
Where: Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Ave.
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Celebrate Polish culture in Hackley Park with Polka bands, dancing, Polish eats and drinks.

Michigan Irish Music Festival
When: Sept. 12, 5-10pm; Sept. 13, 5-11pm; Sept. 14, 11-11pm; Sept. 15, 10-6pm
Where: 2743 Henry St. #231
Entry: $40/4-Day pass online; $50/4-day pass at ticket booth; $15/Friday pass online; $20/Friday pass at ticket booth; $20/Saturday pass online; $25/Satuday pass at ticket boot; $10/Sunday pass online; $15/Sunday pass at ticket booth
Family Friendly

This cultural celebration features live Irish entertainment from traditional folk to contemporary Celtic rock to storytelling to dancing under six covered stages. Enjoy family activities, vendors and traditional Irish food.

Salmon Festival
When: Sept. 13-14
Where: Grand Haven Municipal Marina, 101 N Harbor Dr.
Entry: $30/traditional package; $50/king salmon package; $25/salmon only package;$30/drinks only package; $10/ designated driver,entry only

"Designed to mark the passing of summer,” this outdoor-waterfront celebration features live jazz performances, Michigan wineries, grape stomping, a gourmet salmon cook-off contest, a fishing contest, fine art market, food, drink, and educational crafts and activities.

Holland

Remember When” Cruise and Car Show
When: June 7, 5-9 pm
Where: 8th Street, Downtown Holland
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Join the Holland Vintage Car Club for a fun cruise showcasing antique, classic, custom and hot rod vehicles.

New Holland Brewing: Hatter Days Weekend Party
When: June 7, 11-10 pm
Where: New Holland Brewing, 66 E 8th St
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Enjoy performances from West Michigan musicians, a cocktail demo, live entertainment from Daredevil Circus, food specials, games and, of course, brews.

Freedom Family Festival
When: June 15, 1-6 pm
Where: Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Drive
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

In celebration of the 154th anniversary of the end of slavery in the US, join in for delicious food, live entertainment and activities. Two African-American high school graduates will be honored with $1000.

Holland Pride
When: June 21, 7-11pm; June 22, noon- 5pm
Where: Centennial Park, 360 Central Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

This family-friendly festival celebrates the diversity of Holland’s community with music, food, activities and entertainment.

Macatawa Water Festival
When: July 13, 9-1 pm
Where: Windmill Island Gardens, 250 Central Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Come together with more than 30 community partners and sponsors for water activities and educational experiences to learn about restoring and preserving the lake and watershed.

Ottawa County Fair
When: July 22-27
Where: Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

The Ottawa County Fair features carnival rides, musical performances, agriculture education, 4H showcases and more.

Art in the Park
When: Aug. 3, 9-5 pm
Where: Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

More than 300 artists from across the Midwest display their work at the beautiful Centennial Park.

International Festival of Holland
When: Aug. 17, 11-10 pm
Where: Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St.
Entry: Free
Family Friendly

Join the City of Holland for this inaugural festival that brings together the diverse cultural community of West Michigan for sharing, learning and celebrating. Featuring live cultural entertainment, ethnic foods, cooking demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults.

Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival
When: Sept. 19 -22
Where: Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St.
Entry: $40/individual early bird tickets; $70/couple early bird tickets; $50/individual after early bird; $90/couple after early bird
Family Friendly

Celebrate the contributions of the Latino community through art, film and music.