Next up in our Best of Grand Rapids series: Arts & Entertainment. After highlighting our Communities & Personalities, we’re turning to the musicians, festivals, artists, and creatives who bring energy and character to the city.
We did things a little differently this year. Rather than separating winners and finalists—or heading into a second round of voting—we’re recognizing the top three write-in vote-getters in each category as winners. With such strong showings across the board, it felt only right to celebrate each as a standout.
Want to see the full list across all categories? Grab a copy at Meijer, Schuler Books, D&W, Barnes & Noble, Family Fare, but hurry. The Best of Grand Rapids issue tends to fly off shelves fast! Check Newsstand Outlets for a full list of retailers. Better yet, Subscribe for just $24/year and never miss an issue.
Winners are listed in no particular order.
Annual Festival
- ArtPrize
- Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo
- Pulaski Days
Band from Grand Rapids
- 6 Pak Band
- Brena Band
- Crane Wives
Bowling Alley
- Clique Lanes
- Wengers Bowling Alley
- Northfield Lanes
Comedian
- John Donovan
- Matt Lauria
- Darius Walker
Dance Instructor
- Lia Reau – Lia’s Line Dance
- Ericka Goss – Michigan Ballet Academy
- Darby Tutas – The Studio Benji
Dance Venue
- Rumors Nightclub
- The B.O.B
- West Michigan Latin Dance
Dance Venue/Organization for Social Dance
- The Studio by Benji
- Grand Rapids Social Dance Studio
- Imprint Dance Company
Improv Troupe
- Rapid Fire Improv
- River City Improv
- Pop Scholars
Karaoke
- Fulton Street Pub
- K-Rok Korean BBQ and Karaoke
- Z’s Bar
Live Music Venue
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- 20 Monroe Live
- Pyramid Scheme
Movie Theater
- Celebration Cinemas
- Wealthy Street Theater
- Phoenix Theater
Museum
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Music Series
- 5th Third Bank at Meijer Gardens
- Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series
- Cecilia Music Center Acoustic Cafe Folk Series
Performing Arts Organization
- Grand Rapids Ballet
- Broadway Grand Rapids
- The Civic Theatre
Singer (female)
- Laura Bennett
- Molly Schultz
- Hannah Rose Graves
Singer (male)
- Tyler Gitchel
- Brian VanderArk
- John Shae
