Last fall, Experience Grand Rapids launched the Discover Tourism Grant Program to help transform public spaces in ways that enhance both the quality of life for residents and the region’s appeal to visitors.
We awarded a first round of grants to 12 projects that were concluded by the end of 2024. We are now pleased to introduce the 16 recipients of our second round of funding, covering projects that will be implemented from May to October of this year.
The 28 projects funded thus far reflect our commitment to placemaking: a collaborative process that creates lively, inviting spaces where people want to spend time. Placemaking enhances the overall experience for visitors, making the destination more attractive and memorable, while also improving the quality of life for residents.
Here are the projects Discover Tourism is helping fund in 2025:
Pop-Up Markets & Events
Creston Farmers Market brings fresh, accessible food to one of the two most food-insecure tracts in Grand Rapids. New location for 2025: 123 Caledonia St. NE. Saturdays from June 7 - Sept. 27.
Fiesta Burton Heights is a new street festival celebrating culture, community and small business, to be held for the first time on June 21, 2025.
THE PLAYGROUNDgr offers opportunities to participate in free therapeutic play, including drum circles, mindfulness, yoga, nature lay, break dancing, painting and other play therapy-led activities.
The Ring: Summer Bike Event Series is a free bicycle racing experience at the Grand Rapids Bike Park, complete with local food trucks, music, prizes and live art. June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23, 2025.
Creston Pride Festival celebrates diversity and encourages participation from everyone, held not during June’s Pride Month, but in September – reinforcing that inclusivity and acceptance are year-round commitments. Sept. 7, 2025.
RE/Fashion GR is a sustainably focused fashion show challenging local designers and design students to create high-end garments from recycled plastics, paper and textiles. Date TBA.
Art Saloon: The Creative Speakeasy is a weekend-long immersive pop-up art experience that transforms a local Grand Rapids coffee shop, lounge or bar into a hidden, creative cultural space. Date TBA
2024 Grant Recipients, Harvest Fest at Belknap Collaborative Garden
Photo by Isabel Media Studios
Community Gardens & Urban Farms
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Eat) Gardens works with 2,600+ K-8 students across 13 nature-based school gardens in West Michigan. Our grant is helping them install new fencing and expand the existing garden at North Godwin Elementary School.
Cultural Programming & Performances
Free Summer Thursday Nights at GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum) is a new series inviting residents and visitors to participate in a variety of inclusive activities for all ages. June 12 - Aug. 28, 2025.
GR Foodie Fest is a three-day celebration of the region’s diverse culinary scenes, local artists and cultural heritage. July 4-6, 2025.
The GRAND Plan engages and empowers 40 local 9th-12th graders to learn about the first time the National Urban League Conference was allowed to stay in a non-segregated hotel – the Pantlind Hotel (now the Amway Grand Plaza) in 1950. Students will produce a documentary film celebrating the 75th anniversary of this historic event.
Community-Driven Place Branding
The Third Ward Cultural Tour aims to shine a light on the people who helped build southeast Grand Rapids but were left out of the “official record.”
This community painting was one of the 2024 grant recipients.
Interactive & Educational Installment
Dramatic Playhouse is a Grand Rapids Children’s Museum exhibit encouraging children to explore everyday life in their own playful way. Our grant is helping engage the community to make the playhouse more culturally diverse.
Public Art Installation
The HAS HEART Hero Series pairs two local military veterans with local designers to transform their stories into meaningful artwork to be displayed inside downtown GR’s HAS HEART coffee shop.
The Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival features 20+ large-scale, research-based murals featuring species form the Michigan Threatened & Endangered Species list, plus community public art projects and a city-wide Festival day. July 19-26, 2025.
Wayfinding Signage & Historical Markers
A Historical Marker at Lake Dr. and Robinson Rd. is being placed to recognize the site’s beginnings as a footpath the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRBOI) took between village sites on the Grand and Thornapple Rivers.
Get Ready for Round Three
Do you or someone you know have a vision for a placemaking project? We’ll be awarding a third round of grants in 2026. Visit DiscoverTourismGR.com for all the details – and return to the page in March 2026 to submit an application. We look forward to seeing your ideas!