Grand Rapids is known for its vibrant community, and today we’re going to talk about the fantastic events in Grand Rapids every year. Whether you’re coming for a visit or looking to move to the area, there are always fun events to look forward to here.

ArtPrize  

Imagine the entire city turning into a massive open-air gallery; that’s what we get with ArtPrize. For 18 days, artists from all around the world showcase their work in every corner of the downtown Grand Rapids area. From sculptures to paintings to interactive installations, there’s something for everyone. And you even get to vote on your favorite pieces.

ArtPrize is an incredible way to engage with art and see some truly innovative creations. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious, ArtPrize is a must-see and you’ll be blown away by the creativity on display. 

Laugh Fest

Laugh Fest is a 10-day festival all about laughter, as you can imagine. You can catch standup comedy, improv shows, and even family friendly events. It supports an incredible cause, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, which provides emotional support for people dealing with cancer. So while you get to have a great time, you are also contributing to a very worthy cause. From big-time comedians to local talent, Laugh Fest brings a lot of joy to the city. It’s the perfect way to beat those winter blues when the Laugh Fest is going on. 

Festival of the Arts 

The Festival of the Arts is a three-day event. It’s a celebration of music, dance, visual arts, and food. It’s one of the longest-running festivals in the city and is entirely volunteer-run. You can catch performances on multiple stages, participate in art workshops, and enjoy a variety of delicious foods. It’s a fantastic community event that really showcases the local talent and creativity. Plus the food is absolutely amazing. 

World of Winter Festival 

When winter rolls in, Grand Rapids embraces the season with the World of Winter Festival. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, light displays, and outdoor activities. There are interactive art installations, ice skating, and food trucks. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter. Winter doesn’t seem so bad when you have all of the World of Winter Festival fun to look forward to.

Grand Rapids International Beer, Wine, and Food Festival 

For food and drink enthusiasts, the Grand Rapids International Beer, Wine, and Food Festival is a must-visit. It’s one of the largest culinary festivals in the Midwest featuring hundreds of breweries, wineries, and food vendors. You can sample everything from craft beers to gourmet dishes. It’s an absolute food lovers paradise. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just enjoy trying new things, this festival is the place to be. 

Beer City Open

We have one of the top pickleball tournaments in the entire country, the Beer City Open. We all know there’s a big pickleball craze going on and this is an absolutely thrilling event for both players and spectators with some of the best talent competing right here in Grand Rapids. Plus, with Grand Rapids being Beer City USA, you can bet there is plenty of great beer to enjoy while you watch.

There you have it with some of the best annual events in Grand Rapids from art and comedy to food, drink, and sports, there’s always something happening in the city. We hope you get the chance to experience these events and see why Grand Rapids is such a special place to be.