Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the months of July and August.
7/3
Grand Rapids Foodie Fest 2026
Calder Plaza
July 3-5
grandrapidsfoodiefest.com
The 5th Annual Grand Rapids Foodie Fest is a three-day event celebrating a diverse community of food vendors, retail merchants, a beer garden, and live entertainment throughout the 4th of July weekend. Come celebrate America’s 250th the best way possible: Eating delicious food.
7/7
Father John Misty
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
July 7, 7 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
With his lush songwriting, wry wit, and magnetic stage presence, Father John Misty delivers an experience both intimate and theatrical. Expect a set filled with indie-folk favorites, sharp lyricism, and the kind of charismatic performance that has made him one of the most distinctive voices in modern music.
7/9
Riverwalk Festival
Downtown Lowell
July 9–11
discoverlowell.org/riverwalk_festival
Lowell’s signature summer celebration transforms the city’s historic downtown into a lively hub of music, food, art, and family fun. Stroll along the Flat River, browse artisan vendors, catch live entertainment, and enjoy the small-town charm that has made this community festival a longtime West Michigan favorite.
7/11
Black Arts Festival
Bronson Park, Kalamazoo
July 11, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
blackartskalamazoo.org
Celebrate creativity, culture, and community at the 40th annual Black Arts Festival. This family-friendly event showcases live music and performances, local artists, food vendors, cultural exhibits, youth activities, and Black-owned businesses, creating a vibrant day that honors Black artistry and heritage in Southwest Michigan.
7/13
Lucy Dacus with Smidley
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
July 13, 7 p.m.
meijergardens.org
Few concert venues are as magical as the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on a summer evening. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus brings her thoughtful lyrics and warm indie-rock sound to the stage, joined by Smidley for a night of introspective songs and memorable performances beneath the stars.
7/21
The Great Gatsby
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
July 21–26
grandrapids.broadway.com
Step into the glamour, excess, and heartbreak of the Roaring Twenties when the Tony Award-winning musical The Great Gatsby arrives in Grand Rapids. Featuring dazzling choreography, lavish sets, and a jazz-infused score, this Broadway spectacle brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale of ambition, love, and the American Dream to vibrant life on stage.
7/23
Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Acrisure Amphitheater
201 Market Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
July 23, 7:30 p.m.
acrisureamphitheater.com
Experience one of cinema’s greatest sequels on the big screen while the Grand Rapids Symphony performs John Williams’ iconic score live. From the Battle of Hoth to the unforgettable revelation between Luke and Vader, this immersive concert brings the beloved film to life in a whole new way.
7/24
West Michigan Italian Festival
Tanger Outlets
350 84th St. SW, Byron Center
July 24-25
westmichiganitalianfestival.com
Join us for a two‑day celebration honoring Italian culture with delicious food, lively entertainment, and activities for all ages, including: Authentic Italian cuisine from on-site vendors, Italian beer and wine selections in a beer garden, artisan booths, live music, a kids area, and bocce ball courts with a tourney for players of all skill levels.
Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven
July 24-Aug. 2
coastguardfest.org
One of Michigan’s most beloved summer traditions, the Coast Guard Festival honors the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with more than a week of events along Grand Haven’s waterfront. Expect ship tours, parades, carnival rides, fireworks, community celebrations, and plenty of patriotic spirit as thousands gather to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage.
7/25
We’re All In This Together: A Disney Channel Throwback Party
The Stache
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Grand Rapids
July 25, 9 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Get ready to relive the golden age of Disney Channel with a dance party packed with hits from High School Musical, Camp Rock, Hannah Montana, The Cheetah Girls, and more. Whether you grew up memorizing the choreography or singing along in your bedroom, this nostalgic night promises plenty of throwback fun.
8/1
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes Tour
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Aug. 1
vanandelarena.com
One of the biggest names in stand-up comedy returns to Grand Rapids for an evening of sharp observations, relatable stories, and deadpan delivery. Known for his clean humor and everyman perspective, Nate Bargatze’s arena-filling tour has made him one of the most successful comedians in the world.
8/4
BIPOC Night Market
Fulton Street Market
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m.
fultonstreetmarket.org
Join us for the bi-annual BIPOC Night Market, celebrating the rich diversity of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses in our community. These vibrant evening events feature local artisans, makers and entrepreneurs, live entertainment, delicious eats and community connection.
8/13
The Dear Hunter: The Road to Sunya Tour
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Known for ambitious concept albums and genre-defying arrangements, The Dear Hunter brings their cinematic sound to an intimate venue setting. Fans can expect soaring melodies and intricate storytelling that seamlessly blends progressive rock, orchestral influences, and emotional depth.
8/14
Breakaway Michigan
Belknap Park, Grand Rapids
Aug. 14–15
breakawayfestival.com
Belknap Park becomes an open-air dance party when Breakaway returns with two days of electronic music, immersive production, and festival energy. National touring DJs like Canabliss, Two Friends and Subtronics, along with interactive experiences and a vibrant crowd, make this one of the region’s premier EDM events—and a perfect way to keep summer going strong.
8/16
Hilary Duff
Acrisure Amphitheater
201 Market Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Aug. 16, 7 p.m.
acrisureamphitheater.com
Hilary Duff is bringing her first major tour in years to Grand Rapids. Fans can sing along to early-2000s favorites like “Come Clean” and “So Yesterday” while celebrating the return of one of pop culture’s most beloved stars. With special guests La Roux and Jade LeMac joining the bill, this will be a night packed with throwback energy and pop anthems.
8/29
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Heritage Landing, Muskegon
Aug. 29, 2026
burningfoot.beer
Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of art, music, and craft beers. The festival is now held each at Heritage Landing, with a beautiful view of Muskegon Lake. While the venue has changed, the spirit remains the same—a uniquely lakeside experience brought to life by the collaboration of the Lakeshore Brewers Guild’s breweries.
