There are some weekends when you just want to clone yourself.
This is one of them.
ArtPrize has already been spilling into downtown Grand Rapids during Preview Week, but Friday, Sept. 18, is the official start of the competition, when public voting opens. From there, the weekend gets busy fast.
But while ArtPrize may be GR’s headliner this weekend, it’s hardly the only show in town. Neighborhoods across Grand Rapids are hosting their own festivals, parties and community gatherings, from Eastown to Boston Square and Creston. Add in opera, live music, family activities and art scattered throughout the city, and there’s enough happening this weekend to keep even the most ambitious weekend planner busy.
Here’s what to put on your calendar for Sept. 18-20.
Friday, Sept. 18
ArtPrize 2026
Sept. 18-Oct. 3 | Throughout Grand Rapids
ArtPrize’s 2026 competition officially begins Friday, when public voting opens. Artists are exhibiting throughout Grand Rapids in museums, galleries, businesses, public spaces and unexpected locations.
Among the participating venues are the Grand Rapids Art Museum, DeVos Place, Acrisure Amphitheatre and Cūra Gallery, located in Silva’s parking garage at 975 Ottawa Ave. NW. And that’s only a fraction of the ArtPrize footprint.
This year’s event also features four themed weekends highlighting dance, music, visual art and fashion.
The celebration extends beyond downtown, too. SouthPrize brings ArtPrize into the Third Ward through a partnership with the Southtown Corridor Improvement District.
GRAM After Dark
8 p.m.-midnight | Grand Rapids Art Museum | $25 | 21 and older
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is staying open late Friday for GRAM After Dark, a late-night ArtPrize celebration featuring DJ sets, artmaking activities, a cash bar and after-hours access to the galleries.
Guests must be 21 or older and present photo identification. Visionnaire-level members receive two complimentary tickets.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Saturday is when the weekend really explodes, with ArtPrize events and neighborhood celebrations happening across Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Opera at Rosa Parks Circle
Sept. 19 | Rosa Parks Circle
Grand Rapids Opera is bringing opera into the heart of ArtPrize weekend with performances at Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday.
It’s a particularly fitting pairing for a weekend built around discovering art in unexpected places: Instead of heading into a theater, audiences can experience Grand Rapids Opera in one of downtown’s most recognizable public spaces, surrounded by the energy of ArtPrize.
Eastown Streetfair
9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Wealthy Street between Giddings and Lake streets
The Eastown Streetfair returns for its 53rd year, transforming Wealthy Street into a full-day neighborhood celebration.
More than 100 booths will feature Michigan artists, makers and community organizations, with food vendors, live music and a craft beer and cocktails tent rounding out the day.
The music lineup includes the Yuriana Sobrino Trio at 12:45 p.m., Potatoe Babies at 2 p.m., DJ Disorder at 3 p.m., Dalagoa Trio at 4 p.m., Garbage Angel at 5 p.m., M6 West at 6 p.m., Loftside Story at 7 p.m., Caitlin Cusack at 8 p.m. and Furia del Ritmo at 9 p.m.
GR Plays
1-3:30 p.m. | Congress Elementary Playground, 940 Baldwin St. SE | Free
THE PLAYGROUNDgr is hosting its largest community event Saturday, bringing families together for an afternoon centered on play, creativity and connection.
Activities include yoga with Full Bloom Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness, self-portrait and skin-matching activities, pet-rock creation, break dancing with Teknique Street Dance Academy, circus arts with Grand Rapids Circus Project and nature play with TreeSchool.
There will also be drumming and a drum giveaway with Josh Dunigan, music from DJ Tron, a bounce house and a complimentary ice cream truck.
The free event is intended to make play therapy-based activities accessible to families who may face barriers such as cost, transportation or insurance.
Boston Square Neighborhood Party
3-9 p.m. | Boston Square Business District along Kalamazoo Avenue | Free
Boston Square is hosting a neighborhood-wide celebration Saturday, inviting residents and visitors to explore the district while celebrating its businesses, culture and community.
The event will feature local food, live entertainment, activities and guided neighborhood tours from 3-6 p.m. Visitors can also explore HUB 07 and Kabo Flats, learn about housing and homeownership opportunities and get a glimpse of what’s ahead for the neighborhood.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Creston Pride
Sept. 20 | Berean Baptist Church, 1574 Coit Ave. NE
Creston Pride brings the weekend to a close with a family-friendly celebration hosted by En Vivo Church and the Creston Neighborhood Association.
The event will feature local performers, activities, vendors and food while celebrating the diversity of the Creston neighborhood and supporting Grand Rapids’ LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Please note: Event details are subject to change, including due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Before heading out, check the event’s official website or social media channels for the latest information on schedules, cancellations, locations and other updates.
