Mark Your Calendars for these Grand Rapids Cultural Festivals & Celebrations
/ photo by Regina Grove
Published 5 Min Story
You don’t have to travel the world to experience an abundance of cultures. West Michigan hosts a variety of fun, educational and entertaining festivals that give visitors a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of the people who call this area home.
Everyone is welcome to attend these free, family-friendly events and share in celebrating the different heritages that shape our community. Please check with organization websites to confirm exact dates and details.
Grand Valley State University hosts this annual community gathering that celebrates Native American culture through ceremony, song, dance, feasting and socializing. The Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow takes place at the Fieldhouse on GVSU’s Allendale campus.
The Holland Tulip Time Festival pays tribute to the city’s Dutch heritage with traditional dances, parades, entertainment and six million tulips in bloom. It’s been named America’s Best Small Town Festival, and takes place just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation produces the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival in Calder Plaza each year. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of authentic food, entertainment, workshops, competitions, kids’ activities and merchandise.
The city of Grand Rapids and the Justice 4 All apparel company co-host the Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam to commemorate the 1865 emancipation of African-American citizens. The event celebrates African-American culture, history, art and entertainment. This festival is one of several ways to observe Juneteenth in Grand Rapids.
A Glimpse of Africa Festival showcases the diversity of African cultures through fashion, art, crafts, food, dance, music and interactive activities for both kids and adults. It is sponsored by the non-profit A Glimpse of Africa organization, which works with the local African immigrant and refugee populations.
Held the second Saturday in August every year, the Sparta Celtic Festival focuses on the expression of Celtic heritage through music, food, merchandise, “Scottish Highland” games and kids’ activities. Sparta is just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
Get ready to polka! The Dozynki Polish Festival, sponsored by the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, includes live polka music (with plenty of space to dance) plus authentic food, a Polish beer tent, vendors and more. It’s GR’s longest-running ethnic festival.
The Greek Orthodox Church welcomes locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Greek culture at the Grand Rapids Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival. The event features traditional Greek dances, live music, homemade food & desserts, imported libations and more.
“Be a Dane for a Day” at the Greenville Danish Festival, held the third full weekend of August every year. Enjoy five full days of music, arts and crafts, parades, children’s activities, an authentic Danish breakfast and dinner, and more. Greenville is 40 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
The Grand Valley American Indian Lodge hosts this Traditional Pow Wow on the banks of the Grand River every year. Witness unique and sacred rituals, and enjoy authentic Native American food, crafts and music.
For more than 50 years, the Mexican Heritage Association has held Fiesta Mexicana to educate the public about Mexican culture, history and tradition, and to highlight the contributions of Americans with Mexican heritage. It’s three days of music, dance, food, carnival games and more.
The African American Art and Music Festival celebrates the outstanding contributions of African American artists through the visual and performing arts. This upbeat social outing in Calder Plaza also features great food and a merchandise market.
Celebrate Bavarian culture with a Wienerschnitzel and a Weissbier at Grand Rapids’ Oktoberfest sponsored by the Edelweiss Club. Enjoy live music from alphorn and accordion players, sign up for the stein-holding contest, and join in other adult and kid activities.
The city’s annual Pulaski Days celebration has been going strong since 1973. The week-long celebration includes a parade, polka mass, eating contests, and live music and authentic Polish food at 14 or so social halls on the West Side of town.
GRPM’s Cultural Heritage Festival brings West Michigan cultural organizations together to share with the community their background, connection to West Michigan, and the country they represent. This is done with visual presentations, music, art, food, and more. Event activities are included with general admission to the Museum.
University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions is an annual exhibit honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. The exhibit includes 40+ unique trees and cultural displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present.
