West Michigan is full of festivals this year, with dozens of options covering everything from the mainstream to the obscure. We have fests for art, food, music, beer, culture and so much more. Here’s our list for the year ahead.
ECLECTIC
Start of Summer Celebration
Rockford | June 4-7
rockfordmichamber.com
Rock the Block Street Festival
Grand Rapids | June 13
lincup.org/rock-the-block
Harborfest
South Haven | June 19-20
southhavenharborfest.com
Eastown Bizarre Bazaar
Grand Rapids | June 20
Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
Battle Creek | July 1-5
fieldofflight.com
Dozens of hot air balloons from around the world join forces with hypersonic jets, food, fair rides and other family fun.
Riverwalk Fest
Lowell | July 9-11
riverwalkfestival.org
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven | July 24-August 2
coastguardfest.org
Honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, this massive annual festival celebrates with ship tours, live music, food, a carnival and street dancing throughout Grand Haven.
Confluence Festival
Grand Rapids | September TBD
confluencefest.com
Festival Fridays
Kalamazoo | 2nd Fridays
foodtruckrallykz.com
MUSIC
Buttermilk Jamboree
Delton | June 19-21
circlepinescenter.org
A three-day showcase of regional musicians, Buttermilk benefits the Circle Pines Center, a nonprofit working toward peace, social justice and environmental cooperation.
Electric Forest
Rothbury | June 25-28
electricforest.com
Every summer, the forests of Rothbury transform into a neon-lit wonderland for Electric Forest, a music and arts festival that blends massive performances with immersive art, glowing pathways, and an anything-goes spirit. Throughout four days and nights, tens of thousands of attendees wander through the pines, discovering hidden installations, pop-up performances, and dazzling lights—scored by EDM, jam bands, indie acts, and hip-hop. It's a transformative experience, built on the magic of music and community.
Smiling Acres Music Festival
Trufant | June 26-28
smilingacres.org
Upheaval Festival
Grand Rapids | July 17-18
upheavalfest.com
Walk The Beat
Grand Haven | Aug. 8
walkthebeat.org
Breakaway Music Festival
Grand Rapids | Aug. 14-15
breakawayfestival.com
Breakaway throws a huge party b bringing globally recognized hip-hop and electronic talent to local cities. This year’s event at Belknap Park features FISHER, Subtronics, Two Friends and many more.
Wheatland Music Festival
Remus | Sept. 11-13
wheatlandmusic.org
CULTURAL
Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
Grand Rapids | June 12-14 | grapf.org
The annual Asian-Pacific Festival celebrates as much Asian and Pacific-Islander culture as it possibly can in one weekend. You’ll find traditional attires, martial arts demonstrations, fashion shows, Luau and much more, including (of course) all kinds of Asian-Pacific food.
Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games
Holland | June 26-27 | hollandcelticfestival.org
This festival goes out all out in celebrating Celtic culture every year, with nearly 30 performances by Irish & Celtic bands, a pipe and drum band, and Irish & Scottish dancers. Come on Friday for a 21+ event, with plenty to eat and drink—or Saturday for an all-ages day, which includes the Highland Games with feats of strength like the caber toss and Braemar Stone put.
Black Arts Festival
Kalamazoo | July 11 | blackartskalamazoo.org
Support Black art, literature, businesses and people with this celebration full of music, dancing, food and much more.
Danish Festival
Greenville | Aug. 21-23 | danishfestival.org
Michigan Irish Music Festival
Muskegon | Sept. 17-20 | michiganirish.org
Everyone and everything is a little bit Irish here. Indulge in Irish cuisine, shop Irish goods and learn about the culture, all while dancing and singing along to incredible music.
BEER & WINE
Suds on the Shore
Ludington | Aug. 15 | sudsontheshore.com
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Muskegon | Aug. 29 | burningfoot.beer
After 10 incredible years on Pere Marquette Beach, Burning Foot Beer is beginning a new chapter at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. Expect more space, expanded art installations, new interactive elements, and the best craft beer around.
Oktoberfest GR
Grand Rapids | Sept. 25-26 | oktoberfestgr.com
Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Grand Rapids | Nov. 20-21 | showspan.com/grw
Now in its 19th year, this Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from area restaurants.
FOOD
Taste of Muskegon
Muskegon | June 12-13 | tasteofmuskegon.org
All the best food and family fun fills Muskegon’s Hackley Park, including beer, powerboats, music, bounce houses and more.
National Asparagus Festival
Hart | June 12-14 | nationalasparagusfestival.org
Cereal Festival
Battle Creek | June 13 | bcfestivals.com
Taco & Tequila Fest
Grand Rapids | June 27 | grtacoandtequilafest.com
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City | July 4-11 | cherryfestival.org
National Blueberry Festival
South Haven | Aug. 6-9 | blueberryfestival.com
Restaurant Week GR
Grand Rapids | November TBA | experiencegr.com
PRIDE
Pride In The Park
Saugatuck/Douglas | May 31-June 6
Saugatuck.com/pride-week
Kalamazoo Pride
Kalamazoo | June 5-6
outfrontkzoo.org/pride
Muskegon Pride
Muskegon | June 6
muskpride.org
Grand Haven Pride
Grand Haven | June 13
ghpride.org
Greater Grand Rapids Pride Festival
Grand Rapids | June 20-21
grpride.org
Celebrating the LGBTQ community, this year’s Pride Festival will have all the music, performers, vendors, rainbows and other fun of years prior, at Calder Plaza and the surrounding streets.
Holland PRIDE
Holland | June 27
holland.org/pride-festival
ARTS
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair
Kalamazoo | June 5-6
kiarts.org
This annual start to summer in Kalamazoo began more than 70 years ago and it’s back once again, featuring the work of more than 130 fine artists, music, food trucks and a beer garden filling Bronson Park.
Japanese Animation Film & Art Expo
Grand Rapids | June 5-7
jafax.org
West Michigan Chalk Art Festival
Grand Rapids | June 19-21
grandrapids.tanger.com
Sand Sculpture Contest
Grand Haven | June 20
visitgrandhaven.com
GR Lit Fest
Grand Rapids | June 22-29
grlitfest.com
This free, seven-day literary festival features Michigan-based authors, discussion panels, reader gatherings, book signings, and more, including an Adult Book Fair at 6th Street Hall on June 28.
Grand Haven Art Festival
Grand Haven | June 26-28
grandhavenchamber.org
Lakeshore Art Festival
Muskegon | June 27-28
lakeshoreartfestival.org
The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. Experience nearly 250 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, a Children’s Lane, artisan food market, street performers, interactive art stations, and so much more!
South Haven Art Fair
South Haven | July 4-5
southhavenarts.org
West Shore Art Fair
Ludington | July 4-5
visitludington.com
Michigan Fiber Festival
Allegan | Aug. 12-16
michiganfiberfestival.info
Arts and Drafts Festival
Norton Shores | Aug. 15
nortonshoresparksandrecreation.com
ArtPrize
Grand Rapids | Sept. 17-Oct. 3
artprize.org
