Grand Rapids is now considered one of the top places to travel to in the U.S., so why not combine a visit with attending one of its many annual events? There’s plenty to choose from, such as the internationally celebrated ArtPrize, a number of chances to sample the famous craft beer output of Beer City, as well as live music and comedy festivals. Here are our top choices for festivals in Grand Rapids.
ArtPrize
The largest annual event in Grand Rapids is ArtPrize, a three-week-long public art competition that takes over the whole city. It has had a meteoric rise since it started in 2009 and was the most attended public art event in the world in 2014 and 2015. Its premise is simple: artists from all over the world show up, create new artworks in any medium and display them around the city, with over $500,000 in prizes given out by both public votes and expert judges. For an idea of the scale, in 2017, 1,346 works created by 1,512 artists from 42 states and 47 countries were exhibited in 175 venues.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Winter Beer Festival
Unsurprisingly, Beer City has some great beer festivals, and the Winter Beer Festival is perhaps the best. Held for the 13th time in March 2018 by the Michigan Brewers Guild, it featured more than 140 Michigan breweries and brewpubs, with over 1,000 different craft beers to sample. A day ticket is usually around $50 and comes with 15 tasting tokens. There are food trucks and live entertainment as well.
Festival of the Arts
One of the largest all-volunteer arts festivals in the U.S., Festival of the Arts has taken place annually since the installation of Alexander Calder’s iconic red sculpture La Grande Vitesse in Calder Plaza in 1969. The free, three-day community event includes a variety of performances, a juried art exhibition, opportunities for children and adults to get involved with art, and dozens of food booths to enjoy. All proceeds are reinvested in the West Michigan community.
GRandJazzFest
What better way to spend a beautiful summer weekend than with some free live jazz? The seventh annual festival GRandJazzFest will take place in August 2018, with 10 acts playing across two days in Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Performers include nationally acclaimed acts and local favorites, and previous festivals have attracted over 10,000 people. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and snacks, and settle in for a chilled time.
LaughFest
Organized by the nonprofit cancer support organization Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, LaughFest was launched in 2011 to celebrate “laughter for the health of it.” The 10-day festival features stand-up, improv, showcases and more at venues across the city and West Michigan. Previous performers have included Amy Schumer, Maria Bamford, and Kevin Hart. All proceeds support the organization’s free support programs.
Founders Fest
For one day a year, Beer City’s most famous brewery takes over the streets around its Grandville Ave location with live music, local food trucks, and, of course, beer. Founders Fest 2018 will take place in June and feature six acts, including a musical collaboration of employees from Founders. Tickets are $40, and that includes two drinks. Keep an eye out for rare finds in the specialty beer tent.
GRAM on the Green
GRAM on the Green is an annual summer concert series hosted by the Grand Rapids Art Museum. For six weeks through July and August, free live music performances of all genres occur every Thursday evening, with dancing, food trucks, and a cash bar. The museum is also free on Thursday evenings, so don’t miss the chance for a look around before the show.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
