News Summary
This weekend in Grand Rapids, families can enjoy a variety of events including the Touch A Truck, Ada Concert Series, Peach Festival, and the Electronic Dance Music Festival. Free activities and entertainment await, making it perfect for all ages. Various cultural experiences and community engagements will also be highlighted, including a birthday celebration at the Happy Cat Café and a special Walk for Life event. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Grand Rapids Weekend Events: Family Fun and Cultural Activities
Grand Rapids is set to host a series of exciting events this weekend, offering opportunities for families, music lovers, and community supporters to engage in fun activities. There are free events like the Touch A Truck and the Ada Concert Series, as well as a vibrant Electronic Dance Music Festival for fans of EDM. Families can also enjoy the Peach Festival and celebrate the Happy Cat Café’s Birthday Bash among other activities from August 15 to August 17, 2023.
Touch A Truck Event
The Touch A Truck event will take place on Friday, August 15, from noon to 3 p.m. at Tanger Grand Rapids, located at 350 84th Street SW in Byron Center. Admission is free, making it an ideal outing for families. Throughout the event, children can explore various trucks up-close, engage with face painters, enjoy balloon artistry, and participate in fun games. With the added bonus of free school supplies, it’s a great chance for families to get ready for the upcoming school year.
Ada Concert Series
Also on Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Ada Concert Series will be held at Legacy Park, situated at 7430 River Street in Ada. This event features a performance by the Soul Syndicate and offers a variety of food trucks and craft beers for purchase (ID required for alcohol). Families are encouraged to unwind with yard games and enjoy the Big Bubble Party. Admission is free.
Peach Festival
On Saturday, August 16, the Peach Festival will be celebrated at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, located at 3142 4 Mile Rd NE. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Guests can indulge in peach-themed treats such as pies, donuts, and ice cream, along with a 20% discount on Peach Wine. Live music by Nicolas James will provide entertainment, with additional highlights including a classic car show and watermelon carving activities for all ages.
Electronic Dance Music Festival
For those seeking an electrifying experience, the Electronic Dance Music Festival is scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day at Belknap Park, located at 30 Coldbrook St NE. Tickets are required, with multiple tiers available including General Admission and VIP. This year’s festival boasts headliners such as Zedd and Gryffin on Friday night, and Rezz and ISOxo on Saturday, complemented by performances from various supporting acts. The EDM/pop scene is sure to draw many music fans.
Happy Cat Café Birthday Bash
On Sunday, August 17, the Happy Cat Café will be celebrating its birthday, inviting visitors from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 447 Division Ave. S. in downtown Grand Rapids, attendees can purchase tickets for a cat lounge experience that includes a complimentary drink. The day’s festivities feature kitten lounge time, craft activities, vendor booths, games, raffles, and free birthday cake available while supplies last. This event is particularly suitable for cat lovers and those interested in supporting animal rescues.
Walk for Life Event
A special Walk for Life event will take place on Saturday, August 16, aimed at supporting individuals grappling with suicide and honoring those lost to it. Participation details can be found through local community announcements.
The Great Gatsby Performance
Looking ahead, the Grand Rapids Players will present a stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” at the Reif Center’s Ives Theatre from September 26 to October 5. Ticket prices will range from $20 to $27, depending on seat selection and time of purchase. This adaptation explores enduring themes of the American Dream and social class, making it a significant cultural offering for the community.
This weekend’s events in Grand Rapids promise to cater to a variety of interests and age groups, bringing the community together for memorable experiences. Whether exploring trucks, enjoying live music, or partaking in tasty treats, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take part in the festivities.
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Additional Resources
- GR Magazine: Five Can’t-Miss Events This Weekend in GR
- MLive: 5 Fun Events to Check Out Around Grand Rapids for Father’s Day Weekend
- Grand Rapids MN: The Grand Rapids Players Presents F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
- MLive: Confluence Festival 2025 Grand Rapids Tech & Arts Event
- GR Magazine: Things to Do in GR This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids
- Google Search: Grand Rapids events
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids events
- 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.
