Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

10/09/2026

World of Winter returns to Downtown Grand Rapids January 8–February 28, 2027! ❄️

Our free winter festival is just three months away and we’re getting ready for another season of fun throughout Downtown.

On Monday, we’ll reveal this year’s large-scale installations. Stay tuned for a first look at what’s coming!

Previous Installation Credit:
1. DropDrop & DGRI & LiveSpace
2. Moetu Batlle and David Passegand
3. Taylor Dean Harrison
4. Moetu Batlle and David Passegand
5. Illumaphonium

10/09/2026

World of Winter returns to Downtown Grand Rapids January 8–February 28, 2027! ❄️

Our free winter festival is just three months away and we’re getting ready for another season of fun throughout Downtown.

On Monday, we’ll reveal this year’s large-scale installations. Stay tuned for a first look at what’s coming!

10/08/2026

Cheers to 14 years of B**r City, USA! 🍻

B**r City Brewers Fest brought together 25+ local breweries to celebrate the people and craft behind Grand Rapids’ b**r scene. The annual Pro-Am competition also returned, pairing member breweries with local homebrewers to create one-of-a-kind b**rs.

This year's winner was:
🏆 Rockford Brewing Company + Justin Solack

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about this annual event, head to B**r City Brewers Guild.

Here’s to keeping B**r City brewing!

10/07/2026

That’s a wrap on ArtPrize 2026! 🎨✨

What a way to close it out — with a special appearance by Bryan Cranston, a drone show, the ArtPrize awards ceremony and a Guinness World Record set right here in Grand Rapids.

GR took the title for the largest-attended fashion show, featuring Grand Rapids-based designer RC Caylan Atelier. 👏

Thanks for bringing the energy and plenty of people Downtown. See you next year, ArtPrize! 👋

Credit: Nick Irwin for Experience GR

10/03/2026

Tonight!

I am headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend to visit ArtPrize, a celebration of ART. Is it really what they claim to be, Art City, USA? if you’re near, come be a part of this party. They will be trying to break the world record for the largest attendance at a fashion show. What?! Crazy, but, why not?! I’ll be at the Acrisure Amphitheater, on October 3rd, presenting one of the awards, and watching this amazing union of different art forms. Maybe I’ll see you there.

10/02/2026

Love it or hate it, AI in art isn’t something we can just ignore. So let’s talk about it.

Join us on October 14 for a real, open conversation with Kevin Buist on AI and Art. In an era where a single prompt can generate an entire image, where does human creativity sit? We’re diving into what this all means for artists and creators today.

📍 Bamboo Grand Rapids
🗓️ Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 4:00 PM – Lecture & Q+A
🥂 5:00 PM – Reception & Mingling
🎟️ Free & open to the public

Come grab a drink, meet fellow local creatives and weigh in on this conversation. No RSVP needed.

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

Whether you’re exploring Downtown GR or seeing your neighborhood in a whole new light, there’s no denying the energy taking over Grand Rapids right now. This is the final week to get out and experience ArtPrize 2026 before it wraps up for the season!

Locations Featured In Order:
1. JW Marriott
2. The Riverwalk behind Devos Place
3. Ford Museum
4. Cura Gallery/SILVA
5. Pekich Park
6. Calder Plaza
7. Amway Grand Plaza
8. Lyon Square
9. Devos Place

Photo Credits:
Courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
Photographer: Nick Irwin

Art Credits:
Midnight in the Pumpkin Dragon’s Garden • Jennifer Dunahee
Sandhill Cranes • Craig Merchant
Persistence • Ryan Schmidt
The Appreciation Project • Wendy Anderson Halperin
No Such Thing as Scrap • Erik Cederquist
The Ultimate Suncatcher • Autumn Hartpence
Suspended • James Derck
Tomorrow • Seejon Czaplicki, Isabella Werschky
Bones to Live By • Fritz Olsen