Mark Your Calendars for these Grand Rapids Cultural Festivals & Celebrations
/ photo by 616 Media Courtesy of GRAPF
Published 8 Min Story
You don’t have to travel the world to experience global 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.
The Grand Rapids Irish Cultural Committee organizes the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade showcasing Irish culture and traditions. Local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations also include Irish on Ionia, a giant downtown street party featuring Irish-flavored music, entertainment, food and drink.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Las Canchas COPA America & European Championship Watch
Downtown GR soccer courts are the site of watch parties for the COPA America (June) and European Championship (July) global soccer tournaments. A DJ, food trucks and active soccer games round out the cultural experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 music, arts and crafts, parades, children’s activities, an authentic Danish breakfast and dinner, and more. Greenville is 40 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Since 1970, this three-day festival has celebrated the role of art in West Michigan culture. Visual arts exhibitions and performing art shows reflect the diversity of the area, and food booths serve delectable dishes from around the world.
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.
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.
America’s largest winter festival embraces cold-weather culture, with more than 100+ free art installations, events and activities taking place outdoors. The schedule includes Black History walking tours in February (Black History Month).
