It’s hard to believe it’s already August! Where has this summer gone? If you’re like us, you may still have a dreamy summer to-do list that you haven’t quite made it through. Never fear, there are still so many ways to make the most of the warm days and longer evenings.
This August, get out and explore all that Grand Rapids and the suburbs have to offer by riding The Rapid to a variety of unique events. Many of the events that made our list are free or low-cost, making them affordable for everyone’s summer budget. Whether it’s heading to the John Ball Zoo with your children or taking in one of the many outdoor summer concerts, we hope to see you on board as we get you to these great August events.
Spend your Thursday evenings at the Grand Rapids Art Museum! On Meijer Free Thursdays, the museum stays open late so you have more time to explore. You'll also get the chance to enjoy free live music outdoors, food trucks, a well-stocked cash bar.
Route 6, 9, 11, 13, SL can get you there. Plan your trip.
Friday, August 5, Ride The Rapid to John Ball Park for fun for the whole family! WGVU Public Media and Meijer has teamed up to present Kids Day at The Zoo. It's just $4.00 per person with a voucher, while kids one and under can enter for free. Vouchers are available at Meijer, Kent District Library locations, Flagstar Bank and Fox Honda. Kids Day takes place from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Route 12, 50 can get you there. Plan your trip.
Make your way to South Division Avenue on August 5 for First Fridays Gallery Hops from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. This event is the perfect excuse to discover artwork by local artists, handmade goods and wonderful food and drink specials. Save time and money by riding The Rapid.
The Silver Line and Routes 1, 3, 4, 6, 13, 14, 15 can get you to Division Avenue.
On August 18, get on board the Route 6 to travel to the Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF). You'll be able to enjoy the musical stylings of the Isaac Norris Project in ICCF's beautiful garden. Admission is free and all donations taken will benefit Family Have, ICCF's emergency shelter for families who are experiencing homelessness.
Routes 4, 6 can get you there. Plan your trip.
5. 2016 Summer Concert Series: Made in the Mitten
On August 22 and 23, take a ride around the mitten with Michigan's best in this concert inspired by legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Madonna. Local vocalists and musicians will be performing at Circle Theatre covering song we all know and love. Tickets are just $18.
Routes 6, 14 can get you there. Plan your trip.
6. HopStock
Head down to Calder Plaza on Saturday, August 13, for a celebration of beer, collaboration and music! HopStock celebrates all the Grand Rapids Area Brewing Community has to offer. Advance tickets (21+ only) are $35 and features a 6:30 p.m. entry time, 10 tasting tickets and a reusable tasting cup. There's also a VIP ticket that offers a 5:30 p.m. entry time, 15 tasting tickets and a reusable tasting cup.
Routes 11, 13 and the Silver Line. Plan your trip.
Ride The Rapid to Ah-Nab-Awen Park to watch Edward Scissorhands on August 5 and Ferris' Bueller's Day Off on August 19. Movies start at dusk, but come at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy pre-movie activities, food, fun and a movie. An early arrival time also ensures you get the best spot in the park.
Routes 11, 13 and the Silver Line can get you there. Plan your trip.
The fifth annual GRandJazzFest takes place on August 20 and 21 at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of Grand Rapids. Enjoy performances from notable jazz musicians as well as up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences. No admission is required for this family-friendly event. All you'll need is a blanket or folding chairs and some snacks.
Routes 6, 9, 11, 13 and the Silver Line can get you there. Plan your trip.
The 39th annual Hispanic Festival will be taking place at Calder Plaza on August 26 through August 28. Mark your calendars for a chance to enjoy delicious food, great music and a mix of culture from different Latin American countries.
Routes 11, 13 and the Silver Line can get you there. Plan your trip.
Ride Route 16 to get to the Metro Health Farm Market in Wyoming. Featuring a variety of goods from 60 local vendors, there’s something for everyone to love at this market. Visit on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October for fresh local goods and a fun-for-the-whole-family environment!
Route 16 can get you there. Plan your trip.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
Comments, like all content, are held to The Rapidian standards of civility and open identity as outlined in our Terms of Use and Values Statement. We reserve the right to remove any content that does not hold to these standards.