News Summary
The Return to the River festival in Grand Rapids captivated attendees with its whimsical themes of dragons, unicorns, and fairies over two days. With numerous activities including live music, interactive art installations, and family-friendly events, the festival welcomed individuals of all ages. Headlined by local band The Go Rounds and renowned electronic group The Glitch Mob, the festivities featured vibrant cultural performances and a puppy petting zone. The unique environment fostered community engagement and creativity, celebrating the spirit of Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids, MI – The fourth annual Return to the River festival took over Downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, August 23, 2025, transforming the area into a whimsical celebration filled with mythical themes, including dragons, unicorns, wizards, and fairies. The festival, which is free for all attendees, will continue through Sunday, August 24, with operating hours from 1 PM to 8 PM.
This year’s festival spanned across multiple venues along the riverfront, including the riverwalk, 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park, and Sixth Street Bridge. The event was organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and featured an array of attractions including live music, interactive art installations, and a selection of family-oriented activities.
Headlining the musical performances were local favorite The Go Rounds from Kalamazoo, who took the Sixth Street Park Stage. Joining them was The Glitch Mob, a well-known electronic music group based in Los Angeles, performing on the 555 Monroe Stage. Over the course of the two-day festival, more than 25 DJs and bands showcased their talents across two stages, creating an energetic atmosphere.
In addition to the musical performances, festival-goers enjoyed three large-scale interactive art installations created by local artists. Food enthusiasts had plenty of choices with over 20 local and regional food trucks offering diverse culinary delights. Highlighted food offerings were complemented by family-friendly activities, which included crown-making sessions at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum booth, complimentary books provided by local retailers, body marbling demonstrations from Black Light Visuals, face painting, and cotton candy.
A special attraction on Saturday featured a puppy petting zone, hosted by the Humane Society of West Michigan, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with animals. Earlier performances included cultural acts such as WM Assamese Cultural Community, Kevin Jones & Tenth World, and Nathan Walton & the Remedy, showcasing regional talent and diversity.
The festival was designed to cater not only to families but also to individuals seeking a quieter space. To accommodate diverse sensory needs, a low-sensory zone was established on the west end of the Sixth Street Bridge, offering a calming atmosphere away from the festival’s busier sections.
Additional attractions featured live aerial performances and acrobatics by the GRand Rapids Entertainment Group. The Merchant and Makers Market also provided festival-goers with a chance to browse local crafts and handmade goods, enhancing the community spirit of the event.
The Return to the River festival fosters a sense of community engagement and cultural expression, inviting families to enjoy a festival atmosphere filled with fun, creativity, and collaboration. As the city embraces this vibrant event, it illustrates the importance of festivals in bringing people together and celebrating the unique spirit of Grand Rapids.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Celebrates 175th Anniversary Milestone
Grand Rapids Launches East Riverfront Project
Return to the River Music & Art Festival in Grand Rapids
Dożynki Harvest Festival Celebrates Polish Culture in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Breaks Ground on East Riverfront Project
Return to the River Music and Art Festival in Grand Rapids
West Michigan Schools Prepare for New Academic Year
Grand Rapids Celebrates 175 Years with Poster Vote
Grand Rapids Prepares for Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival
Grand Rapids Weekend Events: Family Fun and Cultural Activities
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Riverfront Festival
- Wikipedia: Festival
- Local Spins: Grand Rapids Frolics
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Return to the River festival
- Fox 17 News: Return to the River Festival
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids festivals
- GR Kids: Return to the River
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Wood TV: Celebrate Grand Rapids
- Google News: Return to the River festival
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.
