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.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

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When: March

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. Local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations also include Irish on Ionia, a giant downtown street party featuring Irish-flavored music, entertainment, food and drink.

Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

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When: April

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.

Festival del Cinco de Mayo

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When: May

Where: Rosa Parks Circle

Commemorating La Batalle de Puebla, also known as Cinco de Mayo, this festival is hosted by the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan to promote Mexican culture and cuisine. Entertainment includes live music, activities for children, food trucks, and an arts and crafts sale.

Tulip Time Festival

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When: May

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.

Homecoming of the Three Fires

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When: June

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

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When: June

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

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When: June

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.

Global Water Fest GR

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When: July

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.

A Glimpse of Africa Festival

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When: August

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

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When: August

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

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When: August

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.

Dozynki Polish Festival

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When: August

Where: Rosa Parks Circle

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

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When: August

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

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When: August

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.

Grand Valley American Indian Pow Wow

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When: September

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.

Fiesta Mexicana

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When: September

Where: Calder Plaza

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.

African American Arts and Music Festival

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When: September

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.

Oktoberfest

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When: September

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.

Pulaski Days

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When: October

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.

Christkindl Markt

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When: November-December

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.

Also of Interest:

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Festival of the Arts

When: June

Where: Calder Plaza

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. 

Cultural Heritage Festival

When: Fall

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

When: Winter

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.

World of Winter

When: January-early March

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. The schedule includes Black History walking tours in February (Black History Month).

Check our calendar of events for additional events