News Summary
This September, Byron Center will host the Enchanted Woods Fantasy Faire and Fae Ball for its second year. Originally known as the Enchanted Grove: Court of the Fae, the event promises an immersive experience for all ages, celebrating fairy tales and magical realms. Attendees will enjoy local performances, interactive activities, and a variety of themed areas, while also supporting the arts community through ticket sales. Participants are encouraged to dress in unique costumes, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere.
Byron Center is set to come alive with enchantment this September as the Enchanted Woods Fantasy Faire and Fae Ball returns for its second year. Originally hosted as the Enchanted Grove: Court of the Fae, the event will offer an immersive experience designed to bring fantasy to life, welcoming attendees of all ages to celebrate their love for fairy tales and magical realms.
The event is scheduled to take place on Steve Zaagman’s parents’ property, where he aims to recreate the whimsical feel of his childhood environment by fostering a sense of community. Zaagman, who is also the founder of the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society, has crafted this gathering to be an inclusive celebration, bringing together individuals with varying backgrounds to engage in a shared experience.
The Enchanted Woods Fantasy Faire will feature a variety of local performers, such as fire dancers and dance instructors, contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Artists will also be creating a fantasy mural that will serve as a visual centerpiece for the event. The activities planned include wand making, fortune telling, and dance lessons, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Last year’s inaugural event featured a diverse array of attendees in fantastical costumes, showcasing elaborate, creative expressions of their favorite characters. Highlights from the previous year included mesmerizing performances by fire dancers, jugglers, and mock combat battles featuring knights, all of which contributed to a magical ambiance throughout the night. Furthermore, the venue was arranged into different themed areas, such as a fairy mound, a dance floor adorned with fairy lights, and a rustic setting reminiscent of the 1500s. This year promises to build upon that success with even more attractions.
For attendees seeking to further immerse themselves in the experience, many opted for unique costumes, with one attendee recalling their preparation process, including commissioning a flower crown and piecing together a look with pointed silicone ears and special makeup to emulate freckles. Some wore notable accessories that reflected their favorite fantasy worlds, such as a silver Triforce necklace from The Legend of Zelda series.
The event will also serve as a limited ticket fundraiser that directly supports the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society, making it not only a celebration of all things fantastical but also a means of giving back to the arts community.
The experience last year culminated in an impromptu wedding ceremony, further amplifying the enchanting spirit of the fantasy ball, where individuals could live out their dreams in a space that invites creativity and collaboration.
Preparations are underway for this year’s Faire, with participants already excitedly discussing their costumes. For instance, one participant plans to enhance their outfit with custom-made horns, ears, and fangs, showcasing a commitment to embracing their fantasy persona. This level of enthusiasm indicates the event’s growing popularity and the strong community vibe that Zaagman has fostered.
In summary, the Enchanted Woods Fantasy Faire and Fae Ball not only serves to entertain but also to unite the community in a shared passion for fantasy. As it returns this September, the event promises an array of interactive activities, live performances, and a welcoming environment for anyone wishing to celebrate their own magical inclinations.
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- Sports Illustrated: Twins Health Update
- ESPN: Buxton Injured List
- New York Times: Buxton All-Star Votes
- Grand Rapids Magazine: September-October 2025 Issue
- Google Search: Enchanted Woods Fantasy Faire
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.
