Free Music and Arts Festival Returns to Grand Rapids Later This Month

A fun, free event to celebrate Grand Rapids' riverfront is returning in just a few weeks!

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Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is hosting the second annual Re(turn) to the River festival August 26 and 27, 2023.

You'll get to enjoy a variety of performances, art, food, games and more from 555 Monroe all the way up to Canal Park.

At Return to the River you'll find:

• Art Installations
• Live Music and Entertainment
• Circus Performers
• Artisan Market
• Food Trucks
• Body Marbling
• Giant Lite-Brite
• Walking Tours
• Creative Cube by @actwm
• Activities & more!

There are three art installations at Return to the River 2023.

Optik

Evanescent

Lovebirds

The festival also includes walking tours. All walking tours are free, last about 90 minutes and start at 555 Monroe. No need to register, just drop in.

During the tour you will learn:

• The history of the Grand River.
• The impact of the furniture industry on the River.
• The rise- fall- rise of the Monroe North neighborhood.
• The status of the return of the rapids project.

Dates and times for the walking tours:

• Saturday, August 26 at 1 PM
• Saturday, August 26 at 3 PM
• Sunday, August 27 at 1 PM
• Sunday, August 27 at 3 PM