Activities

Grand Rapids, MI, is a vibrant city known for its art, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore world-class museums, scenic parks, a thriving craft beer scene, and exciting events like ArtPrize. Whether enjoying the Grand River, visiting historic sites, or tasting local flavors, there’s something for everyone to experience.

Entertainment
303 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
+1 616-742-6500
For more information, visit: DeVos Performance Hall
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
+1 616-723-8571
For more information, visit: The Intersection

FESTIVALS
Held biennially in downtown Grand Rapids, ArtPrize is an open, independently organized international art competition and festival. Artists from around the world display their work in various venues throughout the city, and winners are determined by public vote and expert juries. The event typically takes place over several weeks in the fall.
For more information, visit: ArtPrize
Taking place during the first weekend of June, the Festival of the Arts is a community celebration featuring multiple stages with free live performances, food booths offering a variety of cuisines, art demonstrations, and sales. Centered around Calder Plaza, this volunteer-driven event has been a Grand Rapids tradition since 1969.
For more information, visit: Festival of the Arts
Spanning from January to early March, the World of Winter Festival transforms downtown Grand Rapids into a winter wonderland. The festival showcases large-scale art installations, interactive exhibits, and numerous free events designed to encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation of the season.
For more information, visit: World of Winter Festival

LAKES & CAMPGROUNDS
Located in East Grand Rapids, Reeds Lake is a popular 283-acre lake offering activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by parks and trails, making it a great spot for outdoor recreation.
Situated just 7 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, Steamboat Park Campground offers RV campsites along the Grand River. Amenities include full hook-up utilities, a heated pool, concrete boat ramp for boating access, and proximity to the Idema Explorers Trail for biking and walking.
Located in Byron Center, approximately 9 miles from Grand Rapids, Woodchip Campground provides family-friendly camping with amenities such as a swimming pool, sports facilities, Wi-Fi, and weekend activities. The campground accommodates both short-term and long-term guests with various site options.

Family Fun
1000 East Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
+1 616-957-1580
For more information, visit: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
11 Sheldon Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
+1 616-235-4726
For more information, visit: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

GOLF & TENNIS
A scenic 18-hole course featuring bentgrass fairways and stunning views along the Thornapple River, offering a mix of challenge and enjoyment for golfers.
7211 48th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
+1 616-554-4747
For more information, visit: The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe
A historic 18-hole public course established in 1928, featuring a driving range and practice facilities, making it ideal for golfers of all levels.
2776 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
+1 616-245-2021
For more information, visit: Indian Trails Golf Course
Built atop historic gypsum mines, this 18-hole course offers rolling terrain and a unique golfing experience just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
330 Covell Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
+1 616-791-7544
For more information, visit: The Mines Golf Club
A premier 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones, known for its lush landscapes and challenging layout, providing a top-tier golfing experience.
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
+1 616-447-7750
For more information, visit: Thousand Oaks Golf Club

FARMERS MARKET
1145 Fulton Street East Grand Rapids, MI 49503
+1 616-454-4118
Established in 1922, this historic market operates year-round, featuring a wide array of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and crafts. The main season runs from May to October on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM, with a second season from November to April on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
435 Ionia Avenue SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
+1 616-805-5308
This modern market hosts over 20 indoor food vendors and restaurants, offering a diverse selection of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and artisanal products. Open daily, the market also features a rooftop greenhouse and holds various public events throughout the year
750 Lakeside Drive SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Conveniently located in the Community Center’s north parking lot, this market offers easy access to parking and restrooms. It’s within walking distance of the Kent District Library, Gaslight Village, John Collins Park, and the Reeds Lake Trail.
EVENTS WHAT'S HAPPENING
West Michigan Italian Festival Set to Return
News Summary The West Michigan Italian Festival is making a comeback after a 26-year hiatus, promising a weekend of festivities on July 25 and 26. Under the guidance of festival...
Grand Rapids Launches Diaper Donation Drive for Families
News Summary In Grand Rapids, local businesses have united to support families facing diaper shortages. Standale Home Studio aims to collect 100,000 diaper donations in July, addressing a significant community...
Grand Opening Celebration for Newly Renovated Manhattan Park
News Summary East Grand Rapids is set to celebrate the grand opening of Manhattan Park with extensive renovations completed before the event. The celebration includes light refreshments for all ages...
Jeff Daniels to Perform in Grand Rapids This Summer
News Summary Jeff Daniels is set to perform at the Royce Auditorium in Grand Rapids as part of the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series, an unusual summer...
GRAAMA to Relocate to Larger Facility in Grand Rapids
News Summary The Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) plans to move to a new 30,000 square foot facility by the end of the year. The new location...
Wreath-Laying Ceremony Marks Gerald Ford’s 112th Birthday
News Summary A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to commemorate the 112th birthday of former President Gerald R. Ford. Family members, including his daughter...
Grand Rapids Welcomes Jim Gaffigan on July 17
News Summary Grand Rapids is gearing up for an evening of laughter as renowned comedian Jim Gaffigan brings his ‘Everything is Wonderful’ tour to the Van Andel Arena. Scheduled for...
House Rules Board Game Lounge Thrives with Euchre Tournaments
News Summary The House Rules Board Game Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids has seen a surge in popularity with its weekly euchre tournaments. Once struggling to attract players, the venue...
John Ball Zoo Unveils ‘Power of Pollinators’ Exhibit
News Summary The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is set to unveil its new interactive exhibit, ‘Power of Pollinators,’ featuring animatronic pollinators and climbable sculptures. The exhibit, aimed at...