Dynamic Variation:

Dream Grand and Go to
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Looking for fun and easy things to do outside meeting hours? Check out some of Grand Rapids’ most popular recreation and entertainment options below. Everything is close and convenient to your hotel and meeting site, so you can experience it all while you’re here.

GR Attendee Exclusives

Be sure to sign up for GR Attendee Exclusives before you visit. You’ll enjoy special attendee-only discounts at local restaurants and attractions, just by showing your smartphone!

Here's how it works:

  1. Get the FREE GR Attendee Exclusives digital pass by clicking "add to cart".
  2. Use the pass to receive attendee-only discounts to local businesses. 

For participating restaurants and attractions, click Learn More and then get your pass today! 

 

 
Flights of Flavor Promo at Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits - Westside.

Flights of Flavor

Flights of Flavor are unique food and/or drink pairings that let you sample multiple flavors at once. You'll find them at some of the area's best restaurants and breweries - and you'll get rewarded for trying them!

Award-Winning Beer & Craft Beverages

USA Today has saluted Grand Rapids as America’s Best Beer City and Craft Beverage Capitol, thanks to our 80+ breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries, meaderies and coffee roasters.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Named one of America’s top 20 foodie cities, Grand Rapids is home to one of the world’s best growing regions and one of the nation’s top culinary schools – a delectable combination!

Fantastic Family Fun

Often hailed as one of the best places in America to raise a family, Grand Rapids is also a great place to bring the family along on a convention trip. Activities for every age and interest!

Abundant Outdoor Recreation

Picture-perfect beaches. 30+ golf courses. Miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Dozens of lakes and rivers. And it’s all just minutes from the downtown convention neighborhood.

Art & Culture

The largest public art event on the planet, the world’s #1 sculpture park, seven museums and professional ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies – creativity flourishes here!

Nightlife

Our downtown convention neighborhood includes a dazzling array of after-dark diversions – live-music venues, comedy clubs, sports bars, outdoor concerts and movies, and more.

Incredible Lakeshore

One of the world’s top 25 shorelines (per Travel + Leisure) is just 30-45 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Crystal-clear waters, sugar-sand beaches and glorious sunsets!

Getting to and Around Grand Rapids

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport was named the best in North America for its size a few years ago – and recent multimillion-dollar renovations have made it even better.

More to Explore

Family snowshoeing together in Grand Rapids, MI

Snowshoeing in the Grand Rapids Area

Family snowshoeing together in Grand Rapids, MI

Snowshoeing in the Grand Rapids Area

Grand Rapids Public Museum at the Holidays

Fun and Educational Winter Break Activities for All Ages

Grand Rapids' skyline featuring bridges over the Grand River

These Grand Rapids-Area Spots Starred in Feature Films

Two people fat tire biking through snowy trails of Grand Rapids, MI

West Michigan Winter Sports

Family at Meijer Gardens during University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions

Visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the Winter

Riding a fat bike through wintry trails.

Grand Rapids becomes a fatbike-friendly community

Family at the Christkindl Markt 2023

Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Grand Rapids

Group Photo in front of Mural at Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts

Grand Rapids Murals

Kids playing at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Top Things to Do

Founders Brewing Co. is one of the main breweries responsible for establishing Grand Rapids as Beer City, USA.

Breweries That Built Beer City: Founders Brewing Co.

A Group Running Along the River

Running Events

Perrin Restaurant Week 2023

Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food

The Curiosity Shop at the GRPM

Gift Shops at Local Attractions

Shopping along Monroe Center and the refreshment area

Unique Shopping in Grand Rapids

Tram tour at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Art: I, you, she or he… by Jaume Plensa

Gardens & Agriculture Itinerary

Cooking class at the Local Epicurean

Hands-on Activities Itinerary

Beer City Pint Glasses at Founders Brewing Company. Center beer: Lemondrop IPA

Beer Itinerary

Woman dancing, amidst other dancers, at a dim club.

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids’ Dance Floors

Dancing at Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts

Grand Rapids Murals: North Quarter

Pink Barrel Cellars at Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm - Front Entrance

Family Farm Markets

Hitting the Bullseye at Target Axe Throwing In Grand Rapids, MI

Indoor Places Where Adults Can Play Like Kids

Flights of Flavor at Love's Ice Cream

A Local's Guide to Finding Sweet Treats in Grand Rapids

Lost & Found

Antique Your Way Through Grand Rapids

Beer City Pint Glass

Beer City Coming to a TV Near You

Friends Shopping at the Woodland Mall

Shopping Malls and More in Grand Rapids

Mid Life Crisis at 20 Monroe Live

Rock Out at These 15 Grand Rapids Concert Venues

Brewery Vivant Beers

Breweries that Built Beer City: Brewery Vivant

Walking path through trees in an historic cemetery in Grand Rapids

Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids

The Grand River is one of several great places to fish in Kent County.

Grand River Coho Salmon Fishing

Family hiking in the forest at Aman Park.

Off the Beaten Path: 10 Fall Hikes and Trails Around Grand Rapids

Civic Auditorium

Step Back in Time with Historical Grand Rapids Buildings

A plate of Brewery Vivant's duck nachos and a pint of beer.

The Local’s Guide to the Best Nachos in Grand Rapids

Gun Lake Casino - Exterior

Gun Lake Casino

Aerial Top View of Studio Park, 2021.

Studio Park in Downtown Grand Rapids Has Something for Everyone to Enjoy

plated meals at local Grand Rapids restaurant, Luna.

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids' Taco Scene

For her work, <i>Ecliptic</i>, Lin deftly combined art and architecture.

Iconic Public Art Spots in Downtown Grand Rapids

Ah-Nab-Awen Park Looking to the Skyline, 2022

Sunday and Monday Dining in Downtown Grand Rapids

GR Boat Launches #3

Plenty of Places to Launch in Grand Rapids

Downtown Dog Park by Founders Brewing Company

Dog-Friendly Spots in Grand Rapids

Fallasburg Covered Bridge

Fall Color Tour

Red Panda exhibit at John Ball Zoo.

Visit John Ball Zoo's Red Pandas & More

Apple picking at Bloks Orchard

Local’s Guide to U-Pick Apple Farms & Orchards

Fun Fact: Red light is used to keep your eyes in night mode since it’s not as harsh as white or yellow light.

Veen Observatory: A Hidden Gem in The Grand Rapids Area

Experiencing the Blandford Nature Center

FAQ About Blandford Nature Center

Main with backpack biking on White Pine Trail

Explore Greater Grand Rapids: Bike the White Pine Trail

Family Bowling at Spectrum Entertainment Complex

Fun Places to Go Bowling

Beer City Eats Host AB

Beer City Eats: Interview With Host Adrian Butler

Stop by Sweet Yo's downtown location to grab a sweet treat with the family.

Locals’ Guide to Frozen Yogurt Shops in Grand Rapids

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids near Rosa Parks Circle, GRAM on the Green is held on the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Terrace

Five Facts About Maya Lin, the Artist of Ecliptic

Southtown

Grand Rapids Murals: Southtown

Uptown Sign

Grand Rapids Murals: Uptown

Family experiencing the Butterflies are Blooming Exhibition at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Education Experiences

Grand Rapids Funiture City Mural

Grand Rapids Murals: Heartside

The Comedy Project - After Dark Mural Side Shot, 2020

Grand Rapid Murals: West Side

The Beer City Brewsader Passport mobile app

Grand RAPPids: Apps to Help Make Your Visit Awesome

A flight of ice cream scoops

Locals’ Guide to Grand Rapids Ice Cream Shops

Bring your picnic to John Collins Park to hammock, watch boats and paddlers, and enjoy the large, grassy park.

Perfect Picnic Places in Grand Rapids

There's no shortage of fun to be had in Grand Haven, or any of West Michigan's beach towns.

Maritime History

Brewsaders at Harmony Hall

Beer City Brewsader Passport App

National Waffle Day and Flights of Flavor photoshoot at Social Misfits, 2023

Local’s Guide to Weekend Brunch in Grand Rapids

Two people kayaking down the Grand River.

Paddling Grand Rapids: So Much Water, So Many Choices

Calder Plaza is home to many festivals and community events throughout the year, including the African American Art & Musical Festival. Here the plaza is part of the Festival of the Arts.

Grand Rapids: An Artful Community

Michigan's Adventure Rollercoaster

Adventure Vacations

ArtPrize 2023 - Raining Wisdom by Abdoulaye Conde (elephant mural). Photography by Nick Irwin.

Grand Rapids Murals: Downtown - Center City

Two People Canoeing

Guide to Canoeing in and Around Grand Rapids

Donuts at Rise Authentic Baking Co. in Grand Rapids, MI

Local's Guide to Grand Rapids Donut Scene

Find live performances throughout downtown Grand Rapids during the festival.

Music Festivals in Grand Rapids

Enjoy delicious food in the shadow of La Grande Vitesse during Kickin' It At Calder

Sculptures & Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Meyer May House

Historic Homes

Beer City Pint Glass

Celebrating 10 Years of Beer City USA

Throwing Axes at Target Axe Throwing In Grand Rapids, MI

Adventure Abounds in Grand Rapids

Playing at the beach - Top Flight Family

Beaches that Make a Great Day Trip from Grand Rapids

Holland - Big Red - Lighthouse. Pedestrian access to Big Red is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to local residents from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

West Michigan Lighthouses

Sixth Street Bridge

Bridges

Downtown Market offers cooking classes for all ages and skill levels!

Grand Rapids Cooking Classes

1/75