Summer in West Michigan: Five must-see events to finish summer strong

With the school year just around the corner, Lakers will soon be returning to campus… But summer isn’t over yet! West Michigan boasts a number of events and festivals for all ages, and there are still plenty of opportunities for Lakers to take advantage of this summer. Check out these five upcoming West Michigan events to end your summer on a high note. 

Coast Guard Festival

Held in Grand Haven, the Coast Guard Festival sees over 350,000 attendees annually, including some of the nation’s highest-ranking Coast Guard dignitaries. The festival highlights include large events, like the Kids Parade, Grand Parade, and a community picnic in honor of the community’s inaugural Coast Guard picnic in 1924. The festival also includes plenty of smaller-scale events, including ship tours, a flea market, a cardboard boat race and much more. Learn more on the Coast Guard Festival website .

Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival

Find engaging environmental education opportunities for the whole family and explore 21 new murals across Grand Rapids during the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival on July 26. Each new mural, created by artists from around the country, features a different endangered species native to Michigan. Children can explore the kids mural tent and a ‘meet & greet’ with different animals, while adults can enjoy an artisan market, live music, food trucks and more. Get more information about the event and the organization’s other efforts on Pleasant Peninsula’s website .

GR 175 Photo Exhibit

Did you know that the city of Grand Rapids turned 175 this year? Celebrate the city that GVSU gets to call home by exploring 175 years of history through 175 Grand Rapids photos. The exhibit will be held in a variety of locations around the city now through December 31, giving everyone a chance to experience the city’s rich history. Find more information on Experience GR’s website . 

Summer Dance Festival

Mark your calendar for August 22 - 23 to explore a range of genres and performances during the fourth annual Summer Dance Festival, hosted by the Grand Rapids Ballet. This free festival, held at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, features a performance by a GVSU dance ensemble as well as several other local groups, including Anishinaabe Dancers with Fire Creek Drum, dance companies from across Michigan and more. More information can be found on Grand Rapids Ballet’s Summer Dance Festival website . 

Return to the River

Hosted at Sixth Street Park in Grand Rapids on August 23 and 24, this free, two-day festival is an all-ages event featuring live music and art, traveling art installations, an artisan market, 23 different food trucks and more. Visit the Return to the River Facebook event page for more information.