Michigan Film Festival

For all of you aspiring producers and directors out there, here is the perfect event for you. It is the Michigan Film Festival August 28^th and 29^th at Rosa Parks Circle & Wege Plaza in Downtown Grand Rapids. The big kick-off will be Friday night, August 28^th with a party to welcome all, from film enthusiasts entered in the competition to first time attendees. The MFF campus will include locations at both GRAM and UICA and will feature screenings, lectures, receptions and workshops on Saturday, August 29.  You can expect to see an amazing display of short films from a Michigan perspective as a requirement for the competition is to refer to Michigan is a couple different ways. Although it is too late to enter the competition, you will still be able to view all great variety of films that will be entered. This is one event that has all the elements to make it a home run so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!

Journey Live from Van Andel Arena

The Van Andel Arena continuously books incredible events and concerts. This summer has been no exception! They have done it once again by locking in Journey, one of the most infamous rock bands of all time, will be putting on a show to remember Tuesday, August 25^th. Journey’s current tour has received stellar reviews with new lead singer Arnel Pineda gaining the support of Journey fanatics, young and old, along the way. This is a one of a kind show with Pineda’s high energy performance adding to the already illustrious reputation of Journey.  What better way to wrap up another great summer in Grand Rapids than one last bash lead by classic-rock legends, Journey!

Grand Rapids Running with the Bulls – Downtown Grand Rapids

One of the most exciting and creative events is being brought to the streets of Grand Rapids. This event will give all those that attend the rush of what it’s like to run with the bulls in Spain. Expect this time instead of running for your life; you will be running from checkpoint to checkpoint and enjoying great drink specials along the way. It is the El Toro Running of the Bulls, but instead of bulls you will be chased by the Grand Riggidy Roller Girls! Streets around the Van Andel Arena will be blocked off in order to host this crazy event from 11AM-2PM August 22^nd. Along wit the thrill of dashing through the streets, $25 will get you an even t-shirt and the opportunity to donate to two charities. So grab your friends, your running shoes, and get ready to have an awesome time taking place in Grand Rapids’ rendition of the Running of the Bulls!

AC/DC Black Ice Tour – Van Andel Arena

AC/DC has travelled all across the globe on their Black Ice Tour. The tour has already been awarded “Major Tour of the Year”, and they are about to make their way to Grand Rapids! Their new album, Black Ice, has made rock and roll history by debuting at #1 on album charts in 29 countries.  There will be a huge crowd, legendary band, and record-breaking music being played for those lucky enough to attend on Tuesday, August 18^th. This concert is one of the highlights of the Van Andel Arena’s stellar lineup this summer. This performance promises to blow you away, as it has received amazing raves and reviews from all who have seen it. It is the first time that AC/DC has gone on tour in 5 years, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity and have to wait another 5 years.

Grand Cycling Classic – Downtown Grand Rapids

The Meijer Grand Cycling Classic is back for a third straight year, and is ready to take the streets of Grand Rapids by storm. The race takes place Saturday, August 8^th welcoming professional and amateur cyclists, as well as those wanting to get a first hand view of the action from the streets. There is even a kid’s race taking place with over 250 participants this year. We may even be witnessing the very next Lance Armstrong peddling over Grand Rapid’s brick roads on Saturday. The track for the pro/am race will consist of a course circling the Van Andel Arena on Fulton, Market, Oakes, and Ionia. The race is sponsored my several Grand Rapids Businesses and Organizations as this should be an exciting celebration of Downtown Grand Rapids. The festivities begin at 10:45 A.M. so, make sure you get there early enough to get the best view of this all day event!

Electronic Music Festival – Downtown Grand Rapids Event

Come attend this truly original and authentic Grand Rapids Event. This genuinely local event will feature all Grand Rapids performers playing all types of one of a kind music accompanied by an amazing light show. Perhaps the best part about the GR Electronic Music Festival is that it’s totally FREE! The Festival starts this Saturday, August 1st at 7pm and the party doesn’t end until midnight, at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids. So come down, enjoy an evening of music and dancing, and support our local musicians at the 1st and hopefully not the last Electronic Music Festival.

71 Days of Fun – Grand Rapids Public Museum

For those of you looking for somewhere fun to take the kids this summer, but would like to get out of the sun for a day, here is a great idea for you. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is hosting 71 Days of Fun. This limited time promotion offers attractions and activities that have never been available in the museum before. Each day of the week (Mon-Sat) there is a unique opportunity to experience history in a whole new way! One day you could be walking down the Streets of Old Grand Rapids and the next you get to enjoy a more hands on experience in the “Make it and Take it” craft activities. You can see a full breakdown of the exciting new themes at the museum’s website. On top of all the amazing new exhibits they are offering, there will also be free carousel rides and discounted admission which everyone will enjoy. The event ends September 4th so make your way out to the Public Museum before summer comes to an end!

Wake Wars at the B.O.B. Downtown Grand Rapids

The B.O.B. is at it again with another amazing event. This time they have teamed up with Action Water Sports to host “Wake Wars”. The event will be held right next to the B.O.B. which, as you may remember, was the same location where the hosted the very popular event “Downtown GR Rail Jam”. It starts at 4pm on July 25th and 26^th. There will be tons of activities for all age groups and skill levels. For anyone with a wakeboard, there will be free wakeboarding in special above ground wakeboarding pools. For those with more advanced skills there will be a trick competition on Saturday night and an extreme air competition on Sunday evening. To compete you will have to qualify, but if you don’t make it, it will still be an awesome show to watch. If wakeboarding isn’t your thing, there are still lots of other activities for you to participate in. There will be a volleyball court, a game pool with lots of fun water games, raffle prize giveaways, an outdoor BBQ. Not to mention a rockin’ after party inside the B.O.B. You won’t want to miss this awesome event!

Art Prize

If you haven’t heard the buzz about Grand Rapids’ Art Prize competition and want to get involved it’s not too late! For those of you unfamiliar with the Art Prize, it is an international art competition that brings together incredible talents and visions for different works of art. It is hosted by Grand Rapids and offers a 1^st place prize of $250,000! Hosts and Vendors include beautiful locations such as UICA galleries and Ah-Nab-Awen Park. All details and dates are available on their website http://www.artprize.org/. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the most talented artists that Grand Rapids has to offer, as they showcase their skills in this fun and funky competition. Whether you want to get involved and become a part of this great competition, or just have a passion for art; the Art Prize is an event that will be extraordinarily unique and exciting to see.

Taste of Grand Rapids

The 10^th and annual “Taste of Grand Rapids” is quickly approaching, and is one event that you cannot miss out on. John Ball Park Zoo will host the event that includes over 15 of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. There will also be approximately 20 bands performing likely with some mediocre dancing from the audience. Also, there will be the State of Michigan Barbecue competition. And, for all you penny-pinchers, the parking and admission to this fantastic event is free! What more could you ask for in a beautiful summer day in Grand Rapids? ….Food, music, dancing, sun, fresh air, friends, and ….oh yeah….more food!!! The event kicks off July 24^th and promises to satisfy more than just your tastebuds. Bon Apetite!