Grand Rapids is heading into one of its biggest weekends of the spring season. From the grand opening celebrations surrounding the new Acrisure Amphitheater to opera performances, neighborhood festivals, playoff hockey, live music, food events, and independent film premieres, the city is packed with ways to spend the weekend. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back morning, a major downtown event, or a night out centered around music and culture, here are nine standout things to do this weekend, starting tonight—
Thursday, May 14
‘The Lost Dog’— Short film screening
Bamboo Gallery, 2 W Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Thu, May 14 | 6:30 p.m.
$10 at the door
Film lovers, creatives, independent arts supporters, local culture enthusiasts.
Grand Rapids’ independent arts scene steps into the spotlight this weekend with a screening of The Lost Dog at Bamboo Gallery. Guests will watch the debut of the short film, followed by a behind-the-scenes feature and a live Q&A session with the cast and crew, offering insight into the creative process behind the project. A reception rounds out the evening, making a night to remember.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 15-17
WestFest Carnival returns to John Ball Park
WestFest 2026 brings one of the West Side’s favorite spring traditions back to John Ball Park this weekend with three days of rides, games, concessions, and family-friendly fun. Hosted by Sacred Heart Parish for more than 30 years, the festival welcomes visitors from across Grand Rapids to celebrate the community spirit of the city’s West Side.
Presented by Skerbeck Entertainment, the carnival midway will feature rides and attractions for all ages throughout the weekend.
John Ball Park, Grand Rapids
Fri, May 15, noon–close | Sat, May 16, 11 a.m.–close | Sun, May 17, noon–close
Single-day ride wristbands: $32.75 online in advance; $35 at the midway.
Friday, May 15
Studio Park pre-party at the Piazza
Studio Park launches its new seasonal Pre-Party series this weekend, transforming the Piazza into a relaxed downtown gathering space ahead of one of the city’s biggest entertainment moments: Lionel Richie’s opening-night performance at the new Acrisure Amphitheater. Designed to make downtown concert nights more social and walkable, the pre-party atmosphere combines music, yard games, drinks, and outdoor lounging in the heart of the city. The concept is simple but effective— park downtown, settle in with friends, grab food or cocktails, and head to the concert when it’s time. With the series expected to continue throughout the summer on major concert weekends, this opening installment sets the tone for a lively new downtown tradition.
Studio Park Piazza, 123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids
Fri–Sat, May 15–16 | Various show nights
Free entry; food and drinks available for purchase
Event details: Studio Park Events
‘Madama Butterfly’— Presented by Opera Grand Rapids
DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Fri–Sat, May 15–16 | 7:30 p.m.
Through Opera Grand Rapids and venue ticketing outlets
Who it’s for: Opera fans, performing arts audiences, date nights, classical music lovers
Opera Grand Rapids closes its season with a fresh staging of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, bringing one of opera’s most enduring works to DeVos Performance Hall for two evenings of large-scale performance. While rooted in the emotional power and sweeping music audiences expect from the classic production, this reimagined version introduces a refreshed artistic perspective designed to make the story feel new and fresh.
Saturday, May 16
Acrisure Amphitheater Community Celebration
Acrisure Amphitheater, Downtown Grand Rapids
Sat, May 16 | 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Free, but ticket reservation encouraged at the Ticketmaster Reservation Page
More info: Official Community Celebration Page
One of the biggest weekends in downtown Grand Rapids this year arrives Saturday with the Acrisure Amphitheater Community Celebration, a free all-day event officially welcoming the city’s highly anticipated new venue. Running from late morning into the evening, the celebration is designed as a large-scale public open house featuring live music, self-guided tours of the amphitheater, local food trucks, and a major drone show presented by Meijer at dusk around 9:30 p.m.
Food trucks scheduled to participate include Pressed in Time, El Caribe, Two Bones BBQ, Patty Matters, Ohana Hawaiian Ice, and Furniture City Creamery, creating a festival atmosphere throughout the day. Sponsored by Grand Valley State University, the event highlights the amphitheater’s role as a future centerpiece of downtown entertainment and riverfront activity. While admission is free, organizers encourage guests to reserve tickets ahead of time through Ticketmaster due to strong demand.
Please note: Acrisure Amphitheater has a No Bag policy, permitting no bags, backpacks or purses, other than those required for medical or parenting needs, into the venue. Small clutches no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″ will be permitted.
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is inviting concertgoers to make the most of their night downtown and Park It at the Market, an easy and convenient way to enjoy dinner, drinks, and experiences before heading to the AcrisureAmphitheater.
Creston Pancake Breakfast
Spencer Street NE, Creston Neighborhood
Sat, May 16 | 9 a.m. – Noon
Tickets: Not required
Who it’s for: Families, neighborhood residents, community-focused visitors.
For more info, visit: Creston Neighborhood Organization
A beloved north-side tradition returns Saturday morning as the Creston Pancake Breakfast transforms Spencer Street NE into a lively neighborhood festival filled with food, activities, and community connection. Guests can enjoy free pancakes and coffee while exploring more than 20 community resource booths, interactive art projects, and children’s activities designed to make the event welcoming for all ages.
This year’s gathering also includes a preview of Georgie’s Farm Market, a nonprofit grocery initiative focused on improving access to fresh food within the neighborhood.
Blandford Nature Center Farm Spring Native Plant Sale
3145 Milo St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI.
Sat, May 16 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Additional event details: Blandford Nature Center Events
Gardeners looking to refresh their landscape before summer arrives can browse a wide selection of greenhouse-grown plants at this year’s Spring Native Plant Sale. Positioned as one of the final major opportunities of the season to fill in garden spaces before colder months return later in the year, the event focuses on native plants suited to local growing conditions.
Visitors can also access a current native plant list and cultural planning guide beginning May 7, making it easier to plan landscaping projects and select the right varieties for their spaces. Families are encouraged to attend as well, with children’s activities available for ages 3 and up. El Jalapeño Food Truck will also be onsite, adding to the casual community atmosphere.
Hockey: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Chicago — Calder Cup Central Division Finals
Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids
Sat, May 16 | 7 p.m.
$33–$45
GriffinsHockey.com
Playoff hockey returns to Van Andel Arena Saturday night as the Grand Rapids Griffins battle Chicago in the Calder Cup Central Division Finals. With postseason intensity filling the arena, the matchup promises one of the loudest and most energetic crowds of the spring season. Fans can also take advantage of the popular $2 hot dog and $2 beer specials available during all home playoff games. As the Griffins continue their push toward the Calder Cup, this game stands out as the weekend’s marquee sporting event.
Sunday, May 17
Opera—’La Bohème’ — Free Community Performance
Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids
Sun, May 17 | 3 p.m.
Free (RSVP requested)
RSVP & more event info: Opera Grand Rapids Events Page
West Michigan Opera Project rounds out the weekend programming with a free community presentation of La Bohème at Fountain Street Church. Designed as an intimate and accessible performances, the afternoon production offers audiences the chance to experience opera in a welcoming community setting, creating a broader entry point for audiences who may be exploring opera for the first time. Set within the historic architecture and acoustics of Fountain Street Church, the event closes the weekend’s arts programming on a more personal and community-centered note.
