Many consider the kickoff to summer in Grand Rapids the weekend of Festival of the Arts.

98.7 WFGR logo
Get our free mobile app

This year is the 54th year of Festival of The Art and If you're new to Grand Rapids or just don't the history of Festival here is what you need to know.

The History of Festival of the Arts

Credit: Canva / Festival of the Arts via FaceBook
Credit: Canva / Festival of the Arts via FaceBook
loading...

Festival began in 1970 – a grand celebration of the arts in West Michigan, inspired by the 1969 installation of Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse” (“The Great Swiftness”).

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
loading...

From the beginning, the vibrant red stabile served as the backdrop to Festival, as well as a symbol of the City of Grand Rapids.

When Does Festival of the Arts 2023 Happen

This year's Festival of the Arts kicks off Friday at 5 p.m.

  • Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where Does Celebration of the Arts Take Place?

Celebration of the Arts takes place in downtown Grand Rapids near Calder Plaza.

What Is There To Do At Festival of the Arts?

There are so many things to do at Festival of the Arts.

  • Check out and purchase art from local artists
  • Enjoy live music from a variety of talented musicians
  • Dance to the music
  • Enjoy tasty food from different food booths
  • And so much more

Volunteer For Festival of the Arts

They are always looking for volunteers. You can help out for a few hours or the entire weekend. You can also help out by yourself or with a group. to get more info and sign up to volunteer click here

You can find out more information about Festival of the Arts by clicking here

Grand Rapids is known for Festival of the Arts but there are many other things Michigan is known for.

25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For

Michigan is known as the Motor City and is home to Motown. But that just scratches the surface of what the Mitten state is known and famous for.

These 9 Lazy Rivers Are Perfect For A Hot Michigan Summer

Summertime in Michigan is filled with endless possibilities of how you can have fun outdoors. One of the most relaxing ways to have fun is to go tubing down a river in Michigan. These are 9 lazy rivers that are perfect for a hot Michigan summer.

Michigan Celebrities First Jobs

Before they became famous they had regular jobs just like us.

More From 98.7 WFGR