Things to Do This Weekend in Grand Rapids & West Michigan

August is in full swing, and West Michigan’s summer calendar is packed with cultural celebrations, major comedy shows, live music, outdoor movies and lakeshore activities.

From the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival and Jerry Seinfeld at Acrisure Amphitheater to Christian music in Muskegon, a huge country festival in Hastings and surfing along Lake Michigan, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

Here are some of the most popular events happening around Grand Rapids and West Michigan this weekend.

Venue update: Current listings place TJ: The Alien at Elevation and The Marathon at The Stache, both part of The Intersection complex.

All Weekend and Multi-Day Events

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Calder Plaza

Celebrate the music, food, art and traditions of Latin American cultures during one of downtown Grand Rapids’ biggest annual community festivals. The free, family-friendly celebration features live entertainment, dancing, authentic food, drinks, vendors and activities throughout Friday and Saturday.

Unity Christian Music Festival

Heritage Landing, Muskegon

Unity Christian Music Festival brings more than 20 Christian artists to Muskegon for four days of concerts, food, ministry booths and children’s activities along the waterfront. The 2026 lineup includes for KING & COUNTRY, Crowder, Tenth Avenue North, We Are Messengers, Leanna Crawford and more.

CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Colorful glass installations from Dale Chihuly are displayed throughout the gardens, galleries and sculpture areas. The outdoor exhibition is included with general admission and continues through November 1, making it an easy addition to almost any weekend itinerary.

Rock the Country

Barry County Fairgrounds, Hastings

Country and rock fans can head to Hastings for a two-day outdoor festival featuring Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Treaty Oak Revival, Ashley Cooke, Chase Matthew, Uncle Kracker, Shenandoah and more.

Friday, August 7

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Calder Plaza

Kick off the weekend with live Latin music, dancing, food and cultural performances in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. The festival is free and continues into Saturday.

Jurassic Park

Wealthy Theatre

Return to Isla Nublar during a big-screen showing of Steven Spielberg’s classic dinosaur adventure. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 7:30 p.m.

TJ: The Alien – Everywhere Tour

Elevation at The Intersection

Haitian-born, New York-based comedian TJ brings his Everywhere Tour to Grand Rapids with featured performer Darius Walker. The show is open to guests 18 and older, with doors scheduled for 7 p.m.

Genetic Drift

The Stache

Fans of heavy local music can catch Genetic Drift with Tru-Burn, Metzfire and Slumlord Radio. This all-ages show offers another Friday-night option inside The Intersection complex.

Unity Christian Music Festival

Heritage Landing, Muskegon

Friday’s Unity programming continues a four-day celebration of Christian music, community and family entertainment along the Muskegon waterfront.

Saturday, August 8

Jerry Seinfeld

Acrisure Amphitheater 

Comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld brings his signature observational stand-up to Grand Rapids’ riverside amphitheater. The performance begins at 8:15 p.m. and is one of the weekend’s biggest downtown events.

Michael Dutra and the Strictly Sinatra Band

Wealthy Theatre

Step back into the golden age of lounge entertainment with an evening of songs associated with Frank Sinatra. Michael Dutra and the Strictly Sinatra Band recreate the familiar sound and atmosphere of a classic Vegas performance.

The Marathon: Vintage New Wave

The Stache

The Marathon joins DJ Cat Dad for a night of vintage new wave music and ’80s energy. Doors open at 6 p.m., and costumes are encouraged for anyone ready to fully embrace the throwback theme.

Sunset Cinema: Interstellar

Studio Park

Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for a free outdoor showing of Christopher Nolan’s science-fiction epic. With its sweeping space imagery and emotional story, Interstellar is an ideal movie to experience under the night sky.

Great Lakes Surf Festival

Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon

Celebrate Great Lakes surf culture with surfing, paddleboarding, yoga, art, live music and beachside activities. The family-friendly festival welcomes experienced board-sport enthusiasts and curious beginners alike.

Rock the Country: Day One

Barry County Fairgrounds, Hastings

Rock the Country begins its two-day Hastings stop with nationally known country and rock performers, food vendors, merchandise and a large outdoor festival atmosphere.

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Calder Plaza

Saturday provides another full day of live entertainment, dancing, authentic food, drinks, vendors and cultural activities at Calder Plaza.

Unity Christian Music Festival Finale

Heritage Landing, Muskegon

Unity concludes Saturday with another lineup of Christian performers, along with food, children’s activities and community programming beside Muskegon Lake.

Sunday, August 9

Free High Score Comedy

The Pyramid Scheme

Wrap up the weekend with a free stand-up show in the front room of The Pyramid Scheme. Hosted by A La Carte Comedy and Local Grins, the series features a rotating mix of established West Michigan comedians and newer performers. No ticket is required.

Rock the Country: Day Two

Barry County Fairgrounds, Hastings

The country and rock festival continues Sunday with another full day of national performers. The weekend lineup includes Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Treaty Oak Revival and several additional artists.

A Sunday at Meijer Gardens

Slow down after a busy weekend with a walk through Frederik Meijer Gardens. In addition to its conservatories, sculpture park and summer gardens, visitors can explore more than 40 years of Chihuly’s work through indoor and outdoor installations.

Make the Most of Your Weekend

Whether you are celebrating Latin American culture at the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival, laughing with Jerry Seinfeld, watching Jurassic Park or Interstellar, enjoying live new wave music, catching free local comedy or heading to Muskegon for a day at the beach, this weekend offers something for almost everyone.

Michigan summer will not last forever, so do not waste it indoors.