News Summary
Grand Rapids will offer a diverse range of events this weekend, including concerts, wellness celebrations, thrift store sales, and festivals for families. Highlights include a performance by Chloe Kimes in Cascade, a wellness celebration by Mind Body Baby, the Unity Christian Music Festival in Muskegon, and a significant back-to-school sale at Salvation Army thrift stores. Community spirit is strong with various local celebrations and activities planned across the region, ensuring fun for all ages.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – This weekend, West Michigan will host a variety of events, featuring music, wellness activities, community festivals, and shopping opportunities for families and individuals of all ages. The events include performances by local artists, a wellness celebration, and significant discounts at thrift stores.
Chloe Kimes Concert in Cascade
On Thursday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m., Chloe Kimes will perform at Friendship Park in Cascade Township. This concert is part of the summer concert series, designed as a family-friendly event open to all ages. Kimes, an Americana singer-songwriter from Michigan, has gained recognition as one of NPR’s Top Ten Nashville Artists on the Rise. She is known for her viral hit “Coors Light” from 2024. Admission to the concert is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. While no alcohol is permitted, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.
Mind Body Baby Turns ONE – Community Wellness Celebration
Celebrating its first anniversary, Mind Body Baby Collective will host a wellness celebration on Saturday, August 9, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at 2422 Burton St SE in Grand Rapids. This event is particularly geared towards new and expecting parents and others interested in wellness. Attendees can enjoy complimentary activities such as massages, a bouquet bar, “mom-osas,” and crafts for kids. The first 25 guests will receive free swag bags. MBB has seen significant growth over the past year, tripling its membership and expanding its services, and offers admission at no cost.
Unity Christian Music Festival & Muskegon Weekend Extravaganza
From August 6 to August 10, Muskegon will host the Unity Christian Music Festival at Heritage Landing and other venues. Celebrating its 25th year, this festival features four days filled with faith-based music, national acts, inspirational speakers, and family fun. Additional activities include the Great Lakes Surf Festival, WWII history tours, free live music, art shows, farmers markets, and boat cruises. Admission pricing varies; interested attendees should check unitymusicfestival.com for details.
Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Sale
On Saturday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., all eight Salvation Army thrift stores across West Michigan will offer 50% off all clothing. This back-to-school sale aims to provide affordable shopping for families and thrift enthusiasts. Proceeds from the sale support the Adult Rehabilitation Center in Grand Rapids, making it a meaningful shopping experience.
Shane Gillis Comedy Show at Van Andel Arena
Stand-up comedian Shane Gillis will bring his unfiltered humor to the Van Andel Arena on Saturday, August 9, with the performance time to be announced. Gillis is well-known for his bold and controversial comedic style, as well as for co-creating the Netflix show “Tires” and co-hosting a popular Patreon comedy podcast. Tickets for the event can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Regional Events Over the Weekend
In addition to the highlighted events, West Michigan will feature several community celebrations, including:
- National Blueberry Festival: August 7-10 in South Haven
- Sparta Celtic Festival: August 8-9 in Rogers Park, Sparta
- Riverside Motorcycle Rally: August 8-10 in Riverside Park, Grand Rapids
- Boyne City PirateFest: August 6-9 in Sunset Park, Boyne City
- Marquette County Fair: August 7-9 at Marquette County Fairgrounds
- Grand Marais Music and Craft Festival: August 7-9 in Grand Marais
- Iron County Fair: August 7-10 at Iron County Fairgrounds
- 28th Annual Northport Dog Parade: Saturday, August 9 at noon in Marina Park, Northport
Various yard sales, art fairs, and other music festivals will also take place throughout the region, providing a weekend filled with entertainment and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- West Michigan Fairs and Festivals
- Wikipedia: Festival
- Michigan Events This Weekend
- Google Search: Michigan events
- National Night Out Events in West Michigan
- Google Scholar: community events Michigan
- August Events from WMTA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan festivals
- Back to School Giveaways in West Michigan
- Google News: back to school events 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.
