One City. Endless Experiences.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

Glass Sculptures

Dale Chihuly, the most sought-after glass artist in the world, is spotlighted in a large-scale outdoor exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. A New Eden features 14 glass sculptures in diverse locations across the Gardens. Runs April 30 through September 30. More

ArtPrize 2010

It's the world's largest art prize - and your vote helps decide the winner! Hundreds of emerging artists explore different mediums to showcase their artwork throughout Grand Rapids to playfully engage in the public. Don't miss this event coming September 22 - October 10, 2010 More

From School House to White House

Journey back to a time of one room school houses, large public schools, and private tutors. See these future presidents as young sports stars, choir members, and musicians. Watch them mature into serious college and military academy students. More

Farmer's Markets

Sample the fresh bounty of Michigan’s West Coast – fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, homemade goods and more – at numerous area farm markets. The largest include Fulton Street in Grand Rapids

Big-Time Baseball

The West Michigan Whitecaps, a professional minor league baseball team, play 70 home games each season starting April 11th through August 31st. Every Friday home game from June through August, a former Detroit Tiger great will be on hand to greet fans. More

Festival Fun

Check out some of the area’s biggest community celebrations: the Ionia Free Fair (July 21-31); the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven (July 30-Aug 8); Greenville's Danish Festival (Aug 19-22) Celebration on the Grand (Sept 9-11); Hispanic Festival (Sept 10-12). More

Secret Beach

There are 18 public beaches on Lake Michigan between Muskegon and Saugatuck/Douglas. One of our favorites is Kirk Park, which boasts more than 68 acres of sandy beach, high bluffs and wooded dunes. It’s often less crowded than other higher profile beaches, so keep it a secret! More

Local Performances

Take advantage of all the talented performers in Grand Rapids. The Frederik Meijer Gardens annual Summer Concert Series runs May through August. This years lineup features the Doobie Brothers, Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer, Kenny Loggins and much more. More

Outdoor Dining

With warm weather on its way, enjoy the fantastic dining in Grand Rapids outdoors. Find restaurants with outdoor patios or enjoy your meal by the lake. More

Traveler's Choice

There’s something for everybody in Grand Rapids. If we haven’t hit your sweet spot with reasons 1-9, check our Grand Ideas for even more events and attractions and even book your stay with one of our Grand Ideas hotel packages. More