News Summary
Grand Rapids will host the Return to the River Music & Art Festival this weekend. The festival promises to revitalize downtown with music, art, food, and family-friendly activities. Featured performances include a diverse lineup of bands and DJs, food trucks, and artisan markets, making it a vibrant celebration of local culture. With the festival occurring along Monroe Avenue NW, it emphasizes the community’s artistic talents while engaging attendees of all ages.
Grand Rapids is set to host the Return to the River Music & Art Festival this weekend, revitalizing the downtown area with a diverse lineup of performances, art, food, and activities. The festival, hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., will take place along Monroe Avenue NW in the Monroe North district on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Beginning at 1 p.m. on both days, the festival will feature over two dozen bands and DJs performing on two stages until 11 p.m. on Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Festival-goers can look forward to music spanning various genres, along with art installations, food trucks, and an artisan market.
The festival’s locations include 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park, and the Sixth Street Bridge. A notable highlight of the lineup will be Charlie Millard, a northern Michigan keyboardist and singer, who will perform songs from his new studio album “Pilot Boy” at the Sixth Street Bridge stage on Saturday.
Lineup Highlights
The event showcases a range of regional artists, enriching the cultural fabric of the festival. Some of the performers include:
- Kevin Jones & Tenth World – Jazz
- Mystic Dub – Reggae
- Nathan Walton & The Remedy – Soulful Rock
- The Go Rounds – Psychedelic Pop
- Third Coast Swing – Manouche/Swing
- Patty PerShayla – Rock
- Grupo Fierro – Norteno/Tejano
Festival Activities
The festival is not just about music; it features a vibrant artisan market where local artisans will showcase their crafts. Food trucks will be available on-site, offering diverse culinary options to enhance the festival experience. Various activities will engage festival attendees, making it a family-friendly event.
Context of the Festival
The Return to the River Music & Art Festival is part of ongoing efforts to enhance access to the Grand River and create new green spaces in downtown Grand Rapids. These revitalization projects have made room for more entertainment options, with future events anticipated as part of this expansion. In addition to the festival this weekend, the new Acrisure Amphitheater is set to open in 2026, promising even more opportunities for community events and performances.
The Return to the River Music & Art Festival is expected to draw both locals and visitors, providing a festive atmosphere that celebrates the region’s artistic talent and cultural diversity.
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: Grand Rapids Return to the River Festival
- Little Guide Detroit: Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
- MLive: Festival of the Arts Canceled
- Revue: What’s Going On This Month – July 2025
- GRKids: Summer Activities for Kids – West Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
