10 Things to Do in Grand Rapids This Summer
Jun 02, 2026
Steve & Margaux’s favorite West Michigan summer hits—lanterns, festivals, live music, dunes, baseball, and big-city concert energy
Summer in West Michigan doesn’t whisper—it shows off. In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we share a punchy list of can’t-miss experiences that make Grand Rapids (and the lakeshore nearby) an extraordinary place to live, visit, and bring your people.
Here’s your GR Summer Bucket List—10 things, no fluff (all pulled straight from this week’s episode).
- Grand Rapids Lantern Festival (John Ball Zoo) – glowing, handcrafted lantern displays + cultural art experiences (reserve ahead).
- Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival (Calder Plaza) – food, music, dancing, art, and a beautiful celebration of culture (free admission).
- Meijer LPGA Classic (Blythefield Country Club) – world-class women’s golf with a big community impact (kids 17 & under free with a ticketed adult).
- Frederik Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts – Fifth Third Bank concerts + the Tuesday Evening Music Club (bonus: Chihuly is included with admission/membership).
- Gentex Street Performer Series (Holland) – free live music downtown, perfect for a summer night out.
- Saugatuck Dune Rides – 40 minutes of views, history, and pure Michigan fun (yes, the “lost town of Singapore”).
- Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival – a West Michigan summer classic with a mix of free + ticketed events.
- West Michigan Whitecaps Game (LMCU Ballpark) – one of the best family nights out in the region.
- Aquasphere Amphitheater (Downtown GR) – national touring acts and big-city energy landing right in the middle of Grand Rapids.
- Beach sunset on Lake Michigan – because this is the reset button we all need.
That’s the magic of West Michigan: you can do “major city summer” and “small-town soul” in the same weekend—often within a short drive. And it’s people, businesses, and organizers like these who make this region so cool.
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