Mark Your Calendars for these Grand Rapids Cultural Festivals & Celebrations

World of Winter

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

America’s largest winter festival embraces cold-weather culture, with more than 100+ free art installations, events and activities taking place outdoors from January through early March. The schedule includes Black History walking tours in February (Black History Month).

Symphony with Soul

Where: DeVos Performance Hall

Since 2001, the Grand Rapids Symphony has collaborated with the local community to bridge cultures through a “Symphony with Soul” concert featuring national and local African American guest artists. The one-night musical event is held in conjunction with Celebration of Soul, a reception and awards dinner celebrating the importance of cultural awareness and inclusion in West Michigan – and both events are part of the city’s annual Black History Month celebration. Feb. 15, 2025.

Winter Beer Festival

Where: LMCU Ballpark

This annual outdoor event features hundreds of local beers from Michigan’s finest breweries, plus local music, ice sculptures and carving demonstrations, fire pits to chase away the cold and food available for purchase. It’s a great way to celebrate Grand Rapids’ decade-plus (and counting) reign as Beer City USA. Feb. 22, 2025.

Noodle Fest

Where: Calder Plaza

The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation hosts Noodle Fest as part of World of Winter each year. Visitors can taste a variety of noodle dishes from local restaurants and vote for their favorite to win the Noodle Fest crown, all while enjoying live performances and cultural entertainment. March 1, 2025. 

LaughFest

Where: Multiple Locations

The nation’s first community-wide festival of laughter, launched in 2011, features stand-up, improv and other performances. Nate Bargatze, Amy Schumer, Tiffany Haddish, Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, George Lopez and Wanda Sykes are just a few of the comedy talents that have appeared over the years. March 5-9, 2025.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Irish Cultural Committee organizes the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade  showcasing Irish culture and traditions. It’s one of many local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. March 17, 2025.

Irish on Ionia

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

Michigan’s largest St. Patrick’s Day street festival features live musical entertainment, local food trucks, green beer and other adult beverages along with heat lamps and heated tents. March 15, 2025.

Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

Where: GVSU Fieldhouse

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.

Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

Where: John Ball Zoo

Handcrafted Asian lantern displays illuminate a one-mile tour through John Ball Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture during the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. April 9 - June 15, 2025.

Tulip Time Festival

Where: Holland

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. May 2-11, 2025.

Grand Rapids Tequila Fest

Where: DeVos Place

Explore the world of Mexican spirits – tequilas, crèmes, infusions, mezcals and more – in a fun social setting at the Grand Rapids Tequila Fest. Sample spirits straight (neat) or in handcrafted cocktails, and enjoy tacos and other Mexican favorites from some of the area's best food trucks. May 10, 2025.

Homecoming of the Three Fires

Where: Riverside Park

For more than 40 years, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has hosted this annual celebration featuring two days of traditional Native American music, dancing, art and food. It brings together the Ottawa, Potawatomi and Ojibwa tribes – the people of the Three Fires – who centuries ago established villages in and around what is now Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival

Where: Calder Plaza

The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 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.

Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

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.

Loving Day Celebration

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum partners with local theatre troupe the Ebony Road Players for a day of community and education commemorating Loving v. Virginia, the historic Supreme Court decision allowing interracial marriage in the U.S. The Loving Day Celebration will take place outside the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival

Where: Calder Plaza

Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Festival has celebrated local 2-SLGBTQ+ residents and their contributions to the fabric of our city. Today, it is one of the largest single-day events in the city – a joyous occasion of diversity, inclusion, fellowship and fun.  

Grand Rapids Foodie Fest

Where: Calder Plaza

Grand Rapids was named one of America’s Top 20 Foodie Cities and this three-day festival showcases the diversity of the local food scene. Live music, dance performances and merchant vendors add to the fun. July 4-6, 2025.

Grand Rapids Taco & Tequila Fest

Where: Riverside Park

The annual Grand Rapids Taco & Tequila Fest is an outdoor festival featuring 100+ tequilas plus Mexican beers, sangrias and margaritas. There are also food trucks, live music, vendors and more.

Global Water Fest GR

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

Presented by the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation, the Global Water Fest showcases the diverse global cultures that celebrate the beauty and power of water. Highlights include dragon boat racing, a traditional Chinese watercraft activity, as well as international cuisine, art and entertainment.

West Michigan Italian Festival

Where: Tanger Outlet Mall

West Michigan Italian Festival celebrates Italian heritage while fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. The festival features live performances, artisan booths, wine & beer garden, and family fun! July 25-26, 2025.

Return to the River Festival

Where: 555 Monroe, Sixth St. Park & Canal Park

Celebrate the importance of the Grand River to Grand Rapids at the annual Return to the River Festival featuring international and local art installations, live music, circus performers, food trucks, beverages and much, much more.

A Glimpse of Africa Festival

Where: Rosa Parks Circle

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.

Sparta Celtic Festival

Where: Rogers Park

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. 

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Where: Calder Plaza

The Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s premier annual  celebration of the community’s rich heritage. It brings musicians, singers, dancing, and authentic food and merchandise to downtown’s Calder Plaza. Aug. 1-3, 2025.

Dozynki Polish Festival

Where: Calder Plaza 

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.

Grand Rapids Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

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.

Greenville Danish Festival

Where: Heritage Park

“Be a Dane for a Day” at the Greenville Danish Festival, held the third full weekend of August every year. Enjoy music, arts and crafts, parades, children’s activities, an authentic Danish breakfast and dinner, and more. Greenville is 40 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Aug. 15-17, 2025.

KWave Summer Fest

Where: Garfield Park

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kpop via music, dancing, games, food & drink, giveaways and more. The KWave Summer Fest is an epic celebration of Korean popular music right here on the city’s southeast side.

Grand Valley American Indian Pow Wow

Where: Riverside Park

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.

Grand Rapids Margarita Fest

Where: DeVos Place

The Grand Rapids Margarita Fest takes you on a tantalizing journey through a kaleidoscope of Margarita flavors and Mexican-inspired cuisine. Live music and vibrant performances add to the festive feel.

African American Arts and Music Festival

Where: Calder Plaza

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.

Confluence Festival

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

This annual two-day voyage of discovery across art, music, science and tech includes esports, robotics, makers and more. It’s the capstone experience for Tech Week GR, a week-long array of events and programming showcasing the area’s vibrant technology community.

Apple Fest

Where: Downtown Sparta

More than 60% of Michigan’s apples are grown on The Fruit Ridge, an agricultural mecca just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Sparta, a small town on The Ridge, celebrates the fall harvest two days of live music, games, arts & crafts, hayrides, an apple pie baking contest and much more.

Oktoberfest

Where: Riverside Park

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.

ArtPrize

Where: Multiple Locations

The world’s most attended art event takes over the streets, sidewalks, parks and businesses of downtown and Uptown each year, with hundreds of artworks from global artists on display. Visitor votes determine the grand prize winner. Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, 2025.

Pulaski Days

Where: West Side Grand Rapids

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. Oct. 3-5, 2025.

International Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Where: DeVos Place

Michigan’s premier tasting event celebrates the city’s status as America’s Craft Beverage Capital and a Top 20 U.S. Foodie City with 1,200+ wines, beers and ciders from around the world and delicious creations from the area’s finest restaurants.

Christkindl Markt

Where: Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Inspired by traditional European markets, this Christmas Village is lined with artisan gift and food vendors, live entertainment and festive family fun. It’s a winter wonderland filled with unique Christmas experiences illuminated with international flair.

Cultural Heritage Festival

Where: Grand Rapids Public Museum

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.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions

Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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.