News Summary
Wayland, Michigan, will host a weekend filled with events, including the Wayland Balloon Festival to promote mental health awareness, a WWII film festival, and a vendor marketplace. Highlights include hot air balloon launches and various family-friendly activities. The community will also celebrate local entrepreneurs with a vendor marketplace and offer free museum admissions for Bank of America cardholders, making this weekend a vibrant celebration for all.
Wayland, Michigan is set to host a vibrant weekend filled with festivities, including the Wayland Balloon Festival, which promotes mental health awareness, a film festival celebrating WWII, a marketplace for local entrepreneurs, and various family activities.
The Wayland Balloon Festival is scheduled for Friday, September 5, from 4–10 p.m. and Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Attendees can expect stunning hot air balloon launches, set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday, contingent on favorable weather. The festival supports mental health initiatives and suicide prevention through the efforts of the nonprofit organization 4 One 2 Cares.
A highlight of the festival will be the presence of experienced hot air balloon pilot Craig “Capt. Sunshine” Elliott, who will promote his memoir, “The Balloonatics.” In addition to the balloon launches, the festival features glowing night displays and numerous family-friendly activities to entertain attendees across all age groups.
In a spirit of remembrance, the Cinematic Salute Film Festival will take place at Studio Park’s outdoor piazza, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. Free complimentary popcorn will be available during the film screenings scheduled for the weekend, although attendees will need to bring their own seating. However, if inclement weather arises, screenings will be canceled.
Another key event is the Excellence Exchange, celebrating the one-year anniversary of Rev Luxury Juice Bar, led by entrepreneur Shardaira Jones. This celebration will feature a Vendor Marketplace as well as a recognition ceremony highlighting innovators in the local business community. The Exchange aims to provide local entrepreneurs with essential visibility and resources, taking place at Rosa Parks Circle.
Additionally, Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free admission to both the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids Public Museum over the weekend, September 6-7, as part of the Museums on Us program. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can take the SS Badger ferry from Ludington to Manitowoc on Sunday, for a trip to the Lions-Packers game at Lambeau Field.
For veterans and their families, there are two Stand Down events taking place in Kent County and Ottawa County, providing free health screenings, food, clothing, and additional resources to support veterans in need.
Art lovers can find joy at the 49th Annual All Arts Crafts Fair, taking place on Saturday and Sunday at Stanley Johnston Park, featuring over 150 vendors showcasing crafts and art. Additionally, the Drop-in Studio: Creative Lab at the Grand Rapids Art Museum invites families to participate in creative art projects on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For those looking to enjoy time outdoors, the Fun in the Sun event at Blues Gym in Grand Rapids will feature free backpacks, live music, and a range of family activities on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Meanwhile, the Belding Labor Day Celebration promises live entertainment, family attractions, and a 5K run throughout the weekend.
Kicking off the celebrations on Monday, a parade honoring the Greatest Generation is set to take place in Grand Rapids. This event will feature bands, classic cars, and even a WWII airplane, commemorating the contributions and sacrifices of that era.
This weekend in West Michigan offers a variety of activities suitable for all interests, bringing together the community for a celebration of art, culture, and history. Whether attending the festival, watching films, or exploring the local business scene, residents and visitors alike can find something to enjoy.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: West Michigan Counties to Host Resource Events for Homeless Veterans
- Wikipedia: Homeless Veterans
- Fox17: Labor Day Weekend Events Across West Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Day
- Gander Newsroom: 21 Michigan Events to Check Out This Weekend Sept. 5-7
- Google Search: Events in Michigan
- Free Press: Music and Food Festivals in Michigan Labor Day Weekend
- Google News: Food Festivals in 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.
