Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Grand Rapids
The City of Grand Rapids turns 175 years old on April 2, 2025, and it’s gearing up for a year-long celebration of all things GR.
You’re invited to commemorate and share in the city’s storied history, vibrant present and inspired future through a series of events and activities designed to involve the entire community.
It all kicks off with a June 7th birthday party in Rosa Parks Circle, presented by Consumers Energy. Join Grand Rapids Mayor David LeGrand, elected city officials, history volunteers, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, John Ball Zoo, local musicians and more for three hours of FREE live entertainment, family activities, historical exhibits, games, and, of course, birthday cake!
Also on the birthday calendar:
- A mobile museum exhibit – 175 pictures for 175 years – will be featured at City Hall in June, DeVos Place in July, and additional host sites to be announced.
- A host of digital collaborations and contests are in the works, including a Happy Birthday video (see below) and a commemorative poster contest. Follow the City of Grand Rapids on Facebook and Instagram for details and announcements.
- A special limited-edition anniversary beer will be available at select local breweries. Cheers to 175 years!
There will be more exciting updates to come as summer approaches – and they’ll all be included in the Events Calendar below. Bookmark this page and check back often!
Share the Fun
Use hashtag #175GR when posting pix and video of anniversary events – or any posting that shows your community pride.
Get Involved
Community members, businesses, organizations and community leaders are encouraged to participate in the anniversary celebration by hosting their own events, creating custom merchandise, and celebrating in their own way. Learn how you can get involved and use the 175th anniversary logo!
The official 175th Anniversary logo was designed by local Grand Rapids artist Derek Mohr at the Grand Rapids Branding Co.
Make a Video
Film a short video (3-5 seconds long) wishing Grand Rapids a happy birthday. (Here’s an example.) Individual videos will be combined into a single video and rolled out to the public in early June. Click here for guidelines and a form to submit your video. Videos must be received by Friday, May 23 at 5:00pm.
Make a Poster
The City of Grand Rapids is hosting a poster competition to celebrate the 175th anniversary. Illustrators, designers and artists are invited to share with Grand Rapids means to them through the poster contest, with the goal of creating an official, commemorative poster to remember the 175th anniversary for years to come. First prize will receive $1,5000 as well as a complementary print run of 300 posters, signed by the artist, while second and third place will receive $250. Artists will retain ownership. Learn more about the contest and start working on your submission today. Submissions close July 25.
A Team Effort
The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with a variety of community organizations to make 175GR the best and most inclusive it can be. The planning committee includes representatives from ArtPrize, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI), Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Public Museum and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well as City staff. Thanks to everyone involved!
Did You Know?
A 175th anniversary is known as a dodransbicentennial. Say that three times fast!
A Grand History
The City of Grand Rapids was incorporated on April 2, 1850, and then officially established on May 2 of that year. It’s been a long and eventful journey from then to now – and you can explore some of the most significant aspects of the past on our History of Grand Rapids page and the City’s Facts and History page.
This dodransbicentennial year is also a great time to take the self-guided Community Legends Sculpture Tour and “meet” 13 local figures who made significant contributions to the city, the country and the world.