Grand Rapids, MI — June 2, 3, 4, 2023

Festival of the Arts

Festival 2023 planning is already underway!

Dance, music, art, food and activities are all underway.  Be a part of the Festival family and volunteer to help.

Thank you to our sponsors who supported us, our hundreds of volunteers who worked so hard making Festival happen again, and thank you to all of you who came together in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate art, music, food, and community.  Mark your calendars and check back often for more information and applications.

Here's the latest —

Welcome our new Executive Director, Missy Summers. 

Missy comes to us with both corporate and non-profit involvement including community engagement and fundraising.  Her experience began in the banking and finance industry and most recently with Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes as Director of Development with responsibilities for fund development, board management, volunteer recruitment, and program growth.

“I am excited to join the team at Festival of the Arts.  I have a deep passion and love for volunteering and I look forward to meeting everyone and leading us as we build Festival into the future”.

Thank you to our 2022 Festival Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
Calder Main Stage
Presenting Sponsor
Opening Day Ceremonies
Presenting Sponsor
Artisan Village
Presenting Sponsor
Grand River Arts Awards
Presenting Sponsor
Children’s Art Zone
Platinum Partners
Gold Partners
Benefactor Partners
REV Foundation
Anonymous
Contributor Partners
Special Thanks
Kevin Farhat and the staff from the Garage Bar

Are you an artist, performer, food booth or vendor?

Applications for Festival 2022 Performers, Food Booths,
and Artisan Village are open now.

Experience Festival

What is Festival
of the Arts?

Festival is the annual three-day celebration of the arts, held in downtown Grand Rapids. The first Festival in 1970 highlighted the 1969 installation of Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse on what is now known as Calder Plaza. Today, Festival attracts thousands of families downtown, with the best area performers and artists, exhibits, activities for kids, and of course, great food.

Featured Performers

Saturday - 7pm - Calder Stage

The Diatribe

The Diatribe uses performing arts to empower young people. At Festival, The Diatribe presents the Love and Peace Jam hosted by the living party & artist Foster aka AutoPilot, alongside the beacon of peace & love, Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Ericka “Kyd Kane” Thompson. 

Volunteers make
Festival happen

Festival is powered by volunteers – and we need YOU.

Work with your family, co-workers or friends, for a few hours, a few days, or throughout Festival weekend. We have fun jobs for all ages and abilities.

Sign up today, and see why so many people love to volunteer at Festival!