What’s Happening Downtown Summer 2023

Festivals and celebrations abound! Don’t miss these free events all summer long.

This list is subject to change as more schedules are published.

SEPTEMBER

  • Every Tuesday | 7 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Swing Dancing – live band every first Tuesday!
  • Every Wednesday | 5 PM – 9 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Fiesta Wednesdays
  • Every Thursday, 12 PM – 1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Relax at Rosa

September 8 – 10 | 12 PM – 11 PM | Calder Plaza | Fiesta Mexicana

September 21 | 5 PM – 8 PM | 3rd Thursdays!

 

Past events: 

MAY

  • Every Tuesday | 7 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Swing Dancing – live band every first Tuesday!
  • Every Thursday | 12 PM – 1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Relax at Rosa

May 5 | 12 PM – 8 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Festival del Cinco de Mayo. La Batalla del Mole.

May 6 | 12 PM – 5 PM | 250 Seward Ave. NW|  Las Canchas Grand Opening!

May 13 | Amway River Bank Run

May 18 | 5 PM – 8 PM | 3rd Thursdays!

  • I’m looking for neighbors to participate in filming 3rd Thursdays this month. If interested, please email me!

May 20 | 4 PM – 10 PM | Studio Park Piazza | Local Spins Fest

May 21 | 11 AM – 8 PM | Calder Plaza | Rollin’ Out Food Truck Fest

May 30 | 6 PM | Veteran’s Memorial Park | Memorial Day Parade

 

JUNE

  • Every Tuesday | 7 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Swing Dancing – live band every first Tuesday!
  • Every Wednesday | 5 PM – 9 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Fiesta Wednesdays
  • Every Thursday, 12 PM – 1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Relax at Rosa

June 2 – 4 | Calder Plaza + surrounding street closures | Festival of the Arts

June 9 – 11 | 11 AM – 11 PM | Calder Plaza | Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival

June 9 – 15 | Active Commute Week!

  • Register here and join the Downtown Neighbor Network team.
  • June 16 – celebrate your accomplishments at the Community Celebration at Rapid Central Station!

June 15 | 5 PM – 8 PM | 3rd Thursdays!

June 16 | 12 PM – 8 PM | Rosa Parks Circe | 616 Day

June 17:

June 24 | 2 PM – 10 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | River City Summer Jam

June 30 – July 2 | 11 AM – 11 PM | Calder Plaza | Grand Rapids Foodie Fest

 

JULY

  • Every Tuesday | 7 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Swing Dancing – live band every first Tuesday!
  • Every Wednesday | 5 PM – 9 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Fiesta Wednesdays
  • Every Thursday, 12 PM – 1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Relax at Rosa

July 1 | 5 PM – 11 PM | Ah-Nab-Awen Park | Grand Rapids Fireworks

July 15 | 10 AM – 1 PM | Blue Bridge | Breathe Deep on the Blue Bridge

July 20 | 5 PM – 8 PM | 3rd Thursdays!

July 21 – 22 | 1 PM – 9 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Midwest Groove & Smooth Jazz Concert

July 29 – 30 | Canal Park | Global Water Festival

 

AUGUST

  • Every Tuesday | 7 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Swing Dancing – live band every first Tuesday!
  • Every Wednesday | 5 PM – 9 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Fiesta Wednesdays
  • Every Thursday, 12 PM – 1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle | Relax at Rosa

August 4 -6 | 11 AM – 11 PM | Calder Plaza | Festival Hispano

August 12 – 13 | 10:30 AM – 10 PM | Calder Plaza | A Glimpse of Africa Festival

August 17 | 5 PM – 8 PM | 3rd Thursday! Use your perks card at multiple businesses.

August 25 – 27 | 11 AM – 10 PM | Calder Plaza | Polish Festival

August 26 – 27 | Multiple city parks along the riverfront | Return To The River