‘Tis the season for outdoor concerts. Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens lead a huge lineup of open-air venues and events on the Grand Rapids Music Trail.

Spend an afternoon at the ballpark or a night at the races – see the West Michigan Whitecaps play baseball or visit Berlin Raceway for smokin’ stock-car action.

Shop Tanger Outlets, an open-air mall, for brand-name merchandise at discount prices. Shop Fulton Street Farmer’s Market and other outdoor farm markets for just-picked produce from local family farms.

Dine al fresco at 130+ restaurants with outdoor patios and decks. Sample food truck fare at weekly downtown and Riverside Park gatherings. Or pack a picnic basket with scrumptious food from downtown-adjacent Bridge Street Market or Martha’s Vineyard – then head to one of 100+ nearby parks for a meal with a view.

Pick your own strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches and more on the Fruit Ridge … or purchase just-picked fruits and vegetables from the 30+ family farm markets there. Many markets offer hayrides, petting zoos and other fun activities for kids.

Swim, sunbathe, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, hit the splashpad and explore 20 miles of paved hiking and biking trails at Millennium Park – just five minutes from downtown. John Ball Zoo and the Mines Golf Course are right around the corner.

Visit the beaches and beach towns of Lake Michigan to swim, scale a sand dune, stroll a pier, shop for one-of-a-kind goods and more, all as close as 30 minutes from Grand Rapids.

Become a Brewsader® – enjoy a cold craft beer at eight of 40+ Beer City Ale Trail breweries to join the exclusive club and get an official t-shirt..

Explore local and global culture in air-conditioned comfort at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. (Get Culture Pass GR to see them all for less.)

Enjoy authentic food and entertainment at festivals honoring diverse cultures: Asian-Pacific (June 14-16), Hispanic (August 9-11) African (August 10), Greek (August 16-18), and Polish (August 23-25).

Stretch your walking muscles on a self-guided audio or app-based tour of downtown landmarks, or a guided tour of area breweries.

Check our Tours & Experiences page for even more opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture, cuisine and lifestyles!