Top 10 Things To Do In Grand Rapids This Weekend
Published March 29, 2025
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It’s not solely the history that contributes to making Grand Rapids a wonderful place to explore.
There's a lot to appreciate here, such as gardens and nature, cultural celebrations, and artistic events, along with plenty of flavorsome drinks and food.
Find out the top 10 things to do in Grand Rapids this weekend!
Where is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids lies adjacent to the historic Grand River about 40 km (25 miles) east of the Lake Michigan. It serves as West Michigan’s cultural and economic center.
It is a large city that derived its name from the historic Grand River and is widely recognized for its historical significance, furniture craftsmanship, artistic contributions, and cultural practices.
It is likewise Kent County's county seat.
Grand Rapids' existence started in the year 1826 at the time Louis Campau opted to establish a trading outpost here, enabling it to develop into a settlement over time.
Consequently, several historic attractions in Grand Rapids suggest its extensive, rich history.
You can observe signs of that past in its architecture, museums, and heritage landmarks.
Thus, what would be the best way to enjoy your vacation in this lovely and varied metropolis?
These are the top 10 things to explore inside of Grand Rapids this weekend!
1. ArtPrize
This is a globally recognized, yearly art contest that converts Grand Rapids downtown into an outdoor exhibition space.
More than 200 spots display thousands of pieces, and both judges and public votes decide the champions.
The event, spanning 19 days, showcases artworks from artists across the globe, exhibited in galleries, gardens, coffee shops, and various locations throughout the town.
With no charge for entry, ArtPrize presents a thrilling opportunity to engage with innovative art and dive into Grand Rapids's creativity.
2. Founders Brewing
This is a cherished brewery in Grand Rapids recognized for its creative, prize-winning brews and inviting taproom, making it one of the top things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend.
It features a selection of popular beers available year-round, including Rubaeus raspberry beer and Dirty Bastard beer.
Here, visitors can experience a deli featuring locally sourced meals, live music, and perspectives on the brewing process.
Founders Brewing's limited and seasonal editions are eagerly awaited by beer enthusiasts, turning it into an essential stop for anyone discovering the grand craft beer culture in Grand Rapids.
3. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens
As a Calvin College component, this place emphasizes the conservation of native vegetation and wildlife and covers more than 100 acres.
Birdwatching, hiking, and admiring flowers are well-liked pastimes here, and more than 200 animal species and 260 types of plants can be seen.
Here also, Bunker Interpretive Centre provides environmental education programs for displays for every age and throughout the seasons.
This sanctuary offers a tranquil escape for those who appreciate nature and a learning tool for the community.
4. Heritage Hill
Heritage Hill District, the earliest Grand Rapids residential area boasts approximately 1300 historic residences covering architectural designs ranging from Prairie School to Greek Revival.
A walking excursion here will showcase 37 of its finest residences, featuring designs by Frank Wright.
Also, architecture enthusiasts will find pleasure in discovering this exquisitely maintained area close to the city center.
5. Farmers Market of Fulton Street
In operation since 1922, this market is a vibrant marketplace showcasing regional produce, baked items, meats, and handmade products. It’s among the fun things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sundays here showcases crafts created by artisans while Saturdays highlight products from more than 200 nearby farmers.
Also, mobile eateries and live performances amplify the lively ambiance, turning it into a favored destination for both tourists and residents.
A trip to this farmers market is ideal for tasting regional flavors and assisting Michigan's farming community.
6. Van Andel
This arena is the top entertainment venue in Grand Rapids, holding concerts, athletic competitions, and activities throughout the year.
It is also the home of the hockey team of Grand Rapids and can accommodate as many as 12,000 individuals.
Since its inauguration in 1996, the arena has welcomed renowned performers such as Elton John, and Metallica, along with Disney OnIce.
From athletic competitions to live performances, Van Andel provides options for everyone, establishing it as a central hub for entertainment in the city.
7. Grand Rapids Symphony
This symphony, established in the year 1930, is among Michigan's top music ensembles, and is part of the top things to do in Grand Rapids MN.
Featuring more than 400 performances each year and encompassing youth initiatives and concert series, it is the city's cultural cornerstone.
It backs the regional ballet and opera troupes and organizes events such as the lovely Symphony Youth Chorus and Bach Festival.
Guests can experience top-notch music all over Grand Rapids, ranging from community spaces to regional celebrations.
8. Great Lakes Cruiser
This pub cruiser provides an enjoyable method to discover Grand Rapids’ culinary landscape by cycling a bike of 15 seats among bars and gourmet destinations.
Tours typically last between 2 to 3 hours, with paths lasting approximately 20 minutes in between each halt.
It’s an energetic approach to tasting regional cuisine, getting some physical activity, and exploring various sights during the journey.
Ideal for gatherings, this Pub Cruiser ensures a memorable, communal encounter in the area.
9. Meyer May House
This house, a stunning Prairie-style creation by Frank Wright, is an expertly restored historical location.
Constructed in the year 1909 for garment producer Meyer May, the house presented Wright's design inspiration for Grand Rapids.
Many original elements such as furniture, 108 skylights, and windows are preserved and unblemished here, providing a look into life in Michigan during the early twentieth century.
Tours here feature a movie about the residence's past, offering guests a thorough examination of this architectural gem.
10. Grand Rapids’ African American Museum
This museum, also known as GRAAMA highlights the culture and history of African Americans inside Michigan, making it part of the best things to do in Grand Rapids this weekend.
This museum emphasizes Black Americans's impact via civil rights displays, popular culture, and contemporary issues, offering perspective on both past and present encounters.
Here, occurrences, spoken narratives, and distinctive objects animate the tales.
GRAAMA provides a complimentary educational opportunity to the community, perfect for those interested in discovering the vibrant cultural heritage of the African American population of Michigan.
Additional Things To Do In Grand Rapids This Weekend
Fish Ladder Park
This park has a 5-step "ladder" created by Joseph Kinnebrew, an artist, to assist migratory fish in evading Sixth Street.
This architectural design enables species such as trout and salmon to move upstream, particularly in breeding seasons.
The park provides guests a distinctive opportunity to see the fish leap through every stage, crafting a thrilling, informative exhibition.
The tranquil environment by the river enhances the experience, creating a great place for unwinding and watching wildlife.
Thornapple Pointe Golf Club
Thornapple Pointe is a picturesque location for golf lovers that features an eighteen-hole course, located amidst the panoramic Thornapple River.
Featuring bentgrass fairways, carts with GPS, and vibrant sceneries, the golf course provides a mix of difficulty and restfulness.
The scenic vistas and well-kept fairways make the club a fantastic spot for residents and tourists seeking a relaxed experience on the lawn.
Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids's Children’s Museum, created for children aged two to twelve, provides experiential learning via play and is among the fun things to do in Grand Rapids MI.
Featuring 18 permanent displays, children can perform on a Puppet Stage, discover Aunt Daisys Farm, and create sounds in their noisy room.
Also, a small city display, Little Grand Rapids, allows children to engage in role-playing of adults employed in a little community.
Daily activities here bring diversity to every trip, making the museum a preferred choice for Grand Rapids family-oriented entertainment.
Downtown Market
This Downtown Market in Grand Rapids is a lively, LEED-certified marketplace perfect for both food enthusiasts and shoppers.
Featuring an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked treats, handcrafted items, and global gastronomy, it’s a prime spot for tasting regional distinct tastes.
Guests can discover a variety of options here, including Neapolitan pizzas, Detroit BBQ, and street food from Vietnam.
Additionally, this market provides cooking classes, transforming it into a vibrant center for gaining knowledge, dining, and discovering community enterprises.
To experience Grand Rapids' true flavor, it is essential to visit this market.
Blandford Center
Covering 143 acres, this center operates as one of the non-profits committed to conserving wildlife and promoting environmental awareness.
The center hosts a range of species, including vultures and hawks, and provides 4 miles of walking paths across fields, forests, and rivers.
Blandford offers seasonal children's activities and local events, creating a vibrant community perfect for families.
Also, Blandford Farm and Wildlife Education Centre improves guests' interactions, providing an understanding of sustainable farming and regional fauna.
Robinette Apple Haus and Winery
Robinettes Apple Haus and Winery stands as a cherished family-run treasure that dates back to the year 1911, initially recognized for its fruit orchards.
Currently, it provides wine samples, fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty apple cider, and baked items, and is part of the fun things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The winery commenced operations in 2006. It has broadened its selections to feature more than 20 types of hard cider and wine.
Here, guests can savor seasonal fruits such as apples, apricots, and peaches, and explore their farm shop for special presents and goodies.
Robinette’s merges the allure of a classic winery with the contemporary charm of handcrafted wines, creating an ideal experience for everyone.
John Ball Zoo
This zoo, an inner-city zoo situated near Grand Rapids downtown, showcases more than 1100 animals from various regions globally.
Here, authentic habitats provide animals with natural surroundings.
Guests can enjoy behind-the-scene tours, ride on camels, go ziplining, and discover swan paddle boats.
Also, for a more distinctive experience, consider an Overnight Adventure in order to stay at the camp in the animal park area.
Indeed, this zoo provides an entertaining and informative experience for guests of every age.
Grande Vitesse
This eye-catching red sculpture is a renowned creation by Alexander Calder, an artist, and is located inside Calder Plaza.
Erected in the year 1969, it represents Grand Rapids' creative essence and became the inaugural public project funded by the National Endowment the Arts.
It measures 43 feet in height and 54 feet in length and is a favorite spot for pictures and community activities.
Definitely, art enthusiasts ought to explore this cultural icon, which has turned into a core element of urban pride.
Gerald Ford Museum
The museum honors the legacy and life of President Gerald Ford, providing both permanent and changing exhibitions that examine his profession and family.
Items from the Presidential Archive Network, National Archives, and the Smithsonian improve the experience here.
Notable features consist of engaging exhibits, a Watergate display, and a holographic representation of the White House.
The sound display in their Oval Office and the White House Recording System recordings make history come alive here.
Also, the museum offers a distinctive viewpoint on Ford's administration and significant U.S. occurrences.
Local Cuisine Tour
Grand Rapids stands as a culinary haven, featuring a variety of local restaurants and providing a range that includes traditional American pubs and global cuisines.
Donkey Taqueria provides genuine Mexican tacos inside a transformed petrol station while Yesterdog offers renowned hot dogs in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Also, give Butcher’s Union a try for gastropub offerings and steaks, or stop by Graydon’s Crossing to enjoy internationally-themed pub cuisine.
Then, for a more luxurious experience, Chop House serves premium Midwestern meat in a sophisticated 1940s setting.
In fact, Grand Rapids' culinary landscape is filled with distinctive, tasty choices for all preferences, and is among the best things to do in Grand Rapids tonight.
Grand Rapids's Art Museum
This museum, a remarkable structure certified with LEED Gold, contains more than 6,000 artworks spanning 125000 square ft.
Its collections range from Renaissance pieces to contemporary and modern art, featuring key moments in the 20th and 19th centuries and pieces from America and Europe.
Unique activities here, including music performances, yoga sessions, and artistic exhibitions take place all year round.
The museum additionally features archival resources and one research library, providing art lovers numerous opportunities to discover and value its varied collections.
Kcymaerxthaere Plaques
This project represents a distinctive artistic endeavor by artist Eames Demetrios which uses markers to narrate imaginary tales located in an alternate dimension.
Five plaques honor these “alternate historical" occurrences, organizing a scavenger hunt throughout the city.
Every plaque's tale delves into various fictional characters or occasions such as Grwostlaven and Forest’s Rest.
For individuals fascinated by interactive and narrative art, seeking out these plaques provides a unique twist to discovering the city.
Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park
Established in 1995, this park serves as a cultural icon and features stunning gardens and remarkable statues of 158 acres.
Here, guests can discover Michigan's biggest three-level conservatory, a stone garden, seasonal outdoor flower beds, and woodland paths.
The park also features 300 sculptures, including pieces by Louise Bourgeois, Auguste Rodin, and Edgar Degas.
Even, the famous Da Vinci Horse bronze statue of 24-feet in the park also attracts visitors.
Both art aficionados and nature lovers will discover much to appreciate at this well-known Grand Rapids destination because it’s among the top things to do in Grand Rapids MI.
Millennium Park
This park is among Michigan’s biggest city parks, providing 1400 acres of recreational enjoyment.
Situated close to Grand Rapids, this park includes a 6-acre shoreline, boat hire services, picnic spots, and a trail system of 18 miles.
It features the Grand River's picturesque vistas and is a lovely place for hiking, cycling, and unwinding by the shore.
Its playground and splash pad create a welcoming atmosphere for families, while its serene pathways are ideal for nature lovers seeking to get away.
Urban Institute
This Institute for the Contemporary Arts is devoted to displaying contemporary art featuring exhibitions on cinema, visual arts, movement, and beyond.
The communal area holds frequent activities such as movie displays, performances, and discussions with artists.
Also, the yearly Holiday Artist Market provides distinct options for gift shopping, and the institute offers facilities and resources for regional artists.
Art lovers will really value the varied displays and backing for regional artistic manifestation here.
Public Museum
This museum is essential for those interested in history.
It currently covers three levels and features lasting displays of science, culture, and past events.
Here, more than 250000 artifacts encompass a variety of subjects, including fossils, furniture, and cars.
Their rotating exhibits ensure every visit feels new, featuring popular displays similar to a reproduction of an 1890s commercial area and showcases on the Indigenous Anishinaabe communities.
Notable features here also include Spillman Carousel, Roger Chaffee Planetarium, established in 1928, a café, and a theater.
This place is a classic in Grand Rapids that is definitely worth visiting.
Brewery Vivant
This brewery, situated at East Hill, remains recognized for its lovely French Brews inspired by Belgian tradition.
Located in a revamped old funeral home, the brewery features a chapel and offers acclaimed handcrafted beers.
Guests here can also savor upscale pub food, such as DuckConfit Nachos.
Even, brewery excursions are offered, providing a glimpse into Brewery Vivant's distinct small process of brewing in batches.
A top destination for beer lovers, Brewery Vivant combines heritage, atmosphere, and gastronomic style.
Conclusion
Grand Rapids really is an energetic city brimming with scenic charm, abundant culture, and distinct adventures.
Whether you are discovering art, tasting craft beers, or taking a walk at Heritage Hill, there's something for all.
From historical landmarks to lively bazaars and outdoor escapades, Grand Rapids presents an unforgettable mix of attractions and interesting spots that highlight the finest of Michigan.
Therefore, note down these must-see locations, and be prepared to discover everything that this amazing city provides.
