GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (ABC 4) – The warm summer months are upon us which means there are so many fun ways to get out into the community and enjoy all of the events West Michigan has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the best festivals to catch this summer!
Ionia Free Fair
July 15th-23rd
Ionia Free Fair
The Ionia Free Fair is a classic West Michigan festival that the whole family can enjoy. There will be live music, a monster truck show, a parade, kids and senior days and of course, amusement rides and fair food! Check it all out here!
Coast Guard Festival
July 29th-August 7th
Grand Haven
This weeklong festival honors the men and women of the United States Coast Guard while providing fun for all ages. You can take a tour of one of the ships, enjoy live music, take the kids to the carnival and so much more! See the full lineup of events and performances here.
Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
August 5th-7th
Calder Plaza
Celebrate Hispanic culture with amazing food and music across 3 days of events downtown! The Hispanic Festival has been a Grand Rapids tradition for over 40 years and is free and open to the public. Stay up to date with all of the festivities taking place by checking their Facebook page.
Breakaway Festival
August 19th-20th
Belknap Park
Back in Grand Rapids for the 5th year, this 2-day festival features a diverse music lineup with EDM, hip-hop and pop artists. In addition to great performances, there will also be a silent disco, local food trucks and vendors and other activities! See the full lineup and get tickets here.
MORE EVENTS:
The famous cherry festival has been a week long tradition since 1968 featuring over 150 events and activities throughout the week including sand sculpture contests, parades, food, races, concerts and of course, cherries!
Charlevoix hosts a week of events for Venetian Festival including concerts, street & boat parades, venetian games, Aquapalooza beach and more! Check out their website for a downloadable schedule of events and to see all of the festivities!
The 2nd Annual Global Water Fest is a chance to explore Asian Pacific culture and its celebration of water! It’s a free & family-friendly event hosted by the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation and features Dragon Boat Races, globally-themed food vendors, live music and entertainment!
Bacon lovers commence! Michigan’s Bacon Festival offers a “one-of-a-kind festival filled with bacon, drinks, music, games and much more!” Feast on over-the-top creations such as bacon lollipops, donuts, and mac & cheese from participating vendors!
The largest African cultural event in West Michigan takes place in Grand Rapids on August 6th. This family-friendly event highlights the rich, diverse and beautiful African cultures through dance, music, fashion, art and food!
This is a great chance for the kids to enjoy summer before school starts again. The Kent County Youth Fair is centered on developing character and leadership traits in young kids who have an interest in agriculture.
Fans of Christian music are invited to attend “the family affordable event of the summer.” The Unity Christian Music Festival features performances from popular musicians, groups, and artists over the span of three days at the Heritage Landing in Muskegon. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, guests can enjoy “Day Zero”, a kick-off event completely free to the public.
Blueberry lovers need to check out the annual National Blueberry Festival in South Haven! You’ll get the chance to visit blueberry farms, partake in a pie eating contest or a 5k. Or if you’re just looking to shop, you can buy blueberry products or visit the craft fair!
Head to the beautiful Lake Michigan town of Pentwater for their 2022 Homecoming Celebration! There will be a farmers market, live music, a sand sculpture contest, sunset yoga, a parade, a pancake breakfast, a tailgate party and so much more!
Ludington is hosting its annual craft beer tasting on August 20th from 12pm-5pm at Rotary Park as a fundraising effort for the United Way of Mason County. You can check out venders from all around Michigan with over 100 samples of craft beer, hard cider and Michigan wine! There will also be live music and food.
Thousands of people turn out every year for 3 days of celebration highlighting Polish food, music and culture! There are also activities for children and a demonstration tent on Polish cooking and arts.
PAWS is hosting their 2nd Annual Retriever Fever this September! The event is free and full of adorable Golden and Labrador Retrievers lus there will be food trucks, prizes and games!
