News Summary
Grand Rapids will host its inaugural Dumpling Festival on September 20, showcasing a variety of dumplings from different cultures. The event, organized by the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation, takes place during the ArtPrize competition. Food enthusiasts can enjoy both savory and sweet dumplings, beverages, and Asian snacks while supporting future events. Expect a community celebration focused on diversity, with around 3,500 attendees anticipated.
Grand Rapids to Host Inaugural Dumpling Festival Featuring Dishes from Around the World on September 20th
The Dumpling Festival in Grand Rapids will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. This event is organized by the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation (GRAPF) and is a part of the 15th annual ArtPrize competition.
Food enthusiasts and community members are encouraged to attend this unique celebration where they can explore a variety of dumplings from around the world. The festival will feature both savory and sweet options, with dishes that include steamed and fried dumplings such as gyoza, empanadas, pierogi, and ravioli. Attendees are advised to come hungry to fully enjoy the diverse flavors available.
In addition to dumplings, visitors can enjoy beverages like milk teas, fruit teas, and shaved ice, along with vegetarian spring rolls. There will also be a fundraising tent set up to support future annual events organized by GRAPF.
Approximately 3,500 attendees are expected at the festival, based on interest shown on social media platforms. This inaugural event aims to showcase the diverse communities of West Michigan while promoting inclusivity through food.
The Dumpling Festival represents the opening weekend festivities for ArtPrize 2025, combining artistic celebration with culinary experiences. It is designed to foster community engagement and strengthen relationships among attendees through the shared love of food.
Organizers and Goals of the Festival
Ace Marasigan, the founder and executive director of GRAPF, describes this festival as a major step in celebrating cultural diversity. The event encourages the acceptance of various food interpretations, noting that the definition of a dumpling includes any dough with filling inside, which broadens the scope of foods that can be featured at the festival.
Background on ArtPrize and GRAPF
The Dumpling Festival is not just a food event, but a part of the larger ArtPrize activities, a renowned annual competition showcasing artists from various backgrounds. The collaboration with GRAPF aims to integrate culinary arts into this visual arts festival, elevating the experience for all attendees.
The Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation has been actively involved in promoting cultural diversity and community outreach in the West Michigan area. The organization seeks to create a platform where different cultures can share their traditions and culinary heritage with a broader audience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids to Host Inaugural Dumpling Festival
Additional Resources
- Fox17: Eating Around the World at Grand Rapids Dumpling Fest
- Wikipedia: Dumpling
- MLive: First Ever Dumpling Fest in Grand Rapids
- Google Search: Dumpling Festival Grand Rapids
- Revue: September Events in Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- MLive: Can’t Miss Events in West Michigan
- Google News: Grand Rapids Events
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.
