The first Festival of the Arts drew about 7,000 people and activities were confined to Vandenberg Plaza, the public square now commonly referred to as Calder Plaza. Today, the event spans multiple city blocks and attracts upwards of 300,000 visitors – always on the first weekend of June each year.

Festival of the Arts has also expanded its scope over the years, encompassing virtually every discipline of the arts – visual art, dance, music, film, literature, design and more. It’s also become one of the city’s favorite food events, as local nonprofit organizations host booths offering a tremendous variety of street foods, including Greek, Polish, Asian, and Latin favorites.

What to See & Do at Festival 2024

• See 300 original art pieces by accomplished local artists competing for juried prizes. Works are displayed in the DeVos Place Skywalk.

• View the work of local youth – from young fives to 12th grade – at DeVos Place Convention Center.

• Shop the Artisan Village along Ottawa Street for locally made paintings, ceramics, woodworks, photography, jewelry and more.

• Attend 100 music and dance performances – classical, choral, rock, pop, folk, soul, jazz, country & more. Click herefor a schedule.PDF File for a schedule.

• Sample street foods from 20+ vendors representing American, Central American, Caribbean, Mexican, European, African and Asian cuisines. Click herefor a full list. for a full list.

• Bring the kids to participate in a variety of creative activities, including a paint-in and a digital scavenger hunt.

Hosted by: City of Grand Rapids