News Summary
The second annual Best of Grand Rapids Party will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Goei Center, featuring the best local restaurants, bars, and personalities as selected by Grand Rapids Magazine readers. This 21+ event requires ID, and cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets range from $85 for general admission to $115 for VIP access, which includes early entry and additional perks. Celebrate Grand Rapids’ top talents and enjoy food tastings from renowned local eateries while enjoying live music.
Grand Rapids is set to host the second annual Best of Grand Rapids Party on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event, which celebrates the winners of Grand Rapids Magazine’s annual readers’ survey, will be held at the Goei Center located at 818 Butterworth St SW.
Max’s South Seas Hideaway is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event, which showcases the top-rated restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment venues, salons, and local personalities as selected by the magazine’s readers. The event is a 21 and over occasion, requiring all attendees to present valid ID at the door. Cocktail attire is recommended for guests attending the festivities.
Tickets for the event are priced at $85 for general admission and $115 for VIP tickets. General admission allows entry starting at 7 p.m., includes four drink tickets, and offers unlimited food tastings from various local eateries. The VIP admission grants early access at 6 p.m., entry to a VIP lounge, and includes the same food and drink perks as general admission guests.
After the initial four drink tickets are consumed, additional drinks can be purchased at a cash bar. The highlight of the evening will be the celebration of the winners from the readers’ survey, with last year’s standout recipient, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, taking home six awards in honor of its 30th anniversary. Additional prestigious winners included Long Road Distillery, Mitten Brewing, and Chef Jenna Arcidiacono from Amore Trattoria Italiana.
Guests can expect to enjoy a variety of tastings from numerous acclaimed local restaurants including Applause Catering, Merten’s Prime, Distinctive Catering, and others, complemented by exciting live music. The party aims to serve as a kickoff for the summer season, providing an excellent opportunity for food enthusiasts and local supporters to come together and celebrate Grand Rapids’ best.
To secure your place at the Best of Grand Rapids Party, interested attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online and follow for updates about the event. This gathering not only honors local talent but also fosters a sense of community camaraderie, uniting residents in their shared appreciation for the city’s finest offerings. Whether relishing local flavors or enjoying live entertainment, the Best of Grand Rapids Party promises to be an unforgettable evening for all who attend.
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Additional Resources
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Party with the Best of Grand Rapids
- Fox 17: You’re Invited to Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of GR Party
- Grand Rapids Magazine: The Best of Grand Rapids 2025
- MLive: 9 Christmas Events You Can’t Miss in 2024 Around Grand Rapids
- Mix 95.7: Grand Rapids New Year 2025
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Google Search: Best of Grand Rapids Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- 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.
