Your Weekend Events Guide | July 31–August 2, 2026

The first weekend of August is bringing one of West Michigan’s busiest entertainment lineups of the summer. Grand Rapids will welcome legendary rock bands, nationally touring comedians, throwback dance parties, contemporary ballet and family movies, while Grand Haven wraps up its annual Coast Guard Festival with a parade and fireworks.

Whether you are looking for a major concert, a night of comedy, a family outing or something completely different, here are some of the biggest events happening around Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

All Weekend & Multi-Day Events

DEOS Contemporary Ballet: COLLIDE Series 26

Friday and Saturday | Gezon Auditorium at Calvin University

DEOS Contemporary Ballet presents its largest production of the year with two original ballets featuring professional dancers from across the country. The performances combine contemporary choreography, athleticism and powerful storytelling for a unique addition to the weekend’s entertainment lineup.

Bluey’s Big Play

Saturday and Sunday | DeVos Performance Hall

Bluey, Bingo, Chilli and Bandit come to life through theatrical puppetry in this live stage adaptation of the popular animated series. Three performances are scheduled across Saturday and Sunday, making it one of the weekend’s biggest family-friendly events.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

Friday and Saturday | Downtown Grand Haven

The final days of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival bring ship-related celebrations, live entertainment, vendors, food, community activities and lakeshore fun. The festival concludes Saturday with its beloved Grand Parade and fireworks celebration. A Merchants and Makers market featuring local creators, food trucks and live music will also run Friday and Saturday.

The Black Experience 2026

Friday and Saturday | Grand Rapids

This two-day community celebration begins with a Friday evening house-party-themed kickoff. Saturday’s programming includes speakers, youth activities, a kids’ corner, vendors and food.

Friday, July 31

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band

Acrisure Amphitheater | 8 p.m.

Start the weekend with tropical sounds and laid-back summer energy as Jimmy Buffett’s longtime Coral Reefer Band brings its Keep the Party Going Tour to downtown Grand Rapids. The show celebrates the songs and community Buffett and the band created over decades of touring.

2000’s Rave: Party Like It’s 2003

Elevation at The Intersection | 9 p.m.

Relive the era of burned CDs, early social media and LimeWire classics at this 18-and-older throwback party. Expect recognizable pop, rock and hip-hop favorites remixed for an energetic night on the dance floor.

Bikini Trill

The Stache | 8 p.m.

Bikini Trill brings its blend of reggae, surf rock, electronic sounds and hip-hop influences to The Stache as part of the band’s Zah or Nah Tour. Caliko is scheduled to provide support.

Back to the Future

Wealthy Theatre | 7:30 p.m.

Travel back to 1985 with a big-screen showing of the beloved science-fiction comedy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., giving movie fans plenty of time to grab concessions before Marty McFly and Doc Brown fire up the DeLorean.

West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball

LMCU Ballpark | 6:35 p.m.

The Whitecaps host Beloit for a Friday night game featuring ballpark food, family entertainment, ZOOperstars and postgame fireworks.

Baila at Rosa

Rosa Parks Circle | 6–8 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of Latin music, dancing, lessons and food trucks in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. The outdoor event is open to experienced dancers and complete beginners alike.

Saturday, August 1

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner

Acrisure Amphitheater | 6:30 p.m.

Two of rock music’s most recognizable bands share the stage during the Double Trouble Double Vision Tour. Fans can expect decades of classic hits, with Six Gun Sally joining the lineup as the evening’s special guest.

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes Tour

Van Andel Arena | 3 and 7 p.m.

Nate Bargatze brings his understated observations and family-friendly comedy to downtown Grand Rapids. Demand was strong enough for a second performance to be added, giving audiences two opportunities to see one of stand-up comedy’s biggest touring acts.

Ritual of Riffs

The Stache | 7 p.m.

Heavy-music fans can head to The Stache for Grand Rapids Doomfest’s Ritual of Riffs. The lineup includes Bonehawk, Ghost Pipe, Wolftooth and Warhand for a night filled with doom, metal and crushing guitar work.

Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much

Wealthy Theatre | 8 p.m.

The legendary drummer and co-founder of The Police comes to Wealthy Theatre for an evening centered on stories from his influential career in music.

Coast Guard Festival Grand Parade and Fireworks

Downtown Grand Haven

Saturday marks the grand finale of the Coast Guard Festival. Crowds will gather for marching bands, floats and community groups during the Grand Parade before the celebration concludes with fireworks over the Grand Haven waterfront. Visitors should expect road closures, limited parking and heavy traffic throughout the city.

DEOS Contemporary Ballet: COLLIDE Series 26

Gezon Auditorium at Calvin University

Saturday offers another opportunity to experience DEOS Contemporary Ballet’s dynamic double bill featuring new choreography and dancers from across the country.

Bluey’s Big Play

DeVos Performance Hall

Families can join Bluey and her family for a colorful live adventure filled with music, laughter and impressive puppetry inspired by the Emmy Award-winning television series.

Sunday, August 2

Christopher Titus: Doomed to Repeat Tour

The Intersection | 7 p.m.

Comedian Christopher Titus closes out the weekend with his sharp, fearless and deeply personal style of stand-up. His Doomed to Repeat Tour blends social commentary, storytelling and observations about family and modern life.

Ponyo

Wealthy Theatre | 2 p.m.

Wealthy Theatre’s Family Film Series presents Hayao Miyazaki’s animated fantasy on the big screen. The G-rated Studio Ghibli favorite follows a magical goldfish who dreams of becoming human, making it a great Sunday afternoon outing for families and animation fans.

Bluey’s Big Play

DeVos Performance Hall

The weekend’s final performances give families another opportunity to see Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad brought to life onstage through colorful sets, music and puppetry.

Make the Most of the First Weekend of August

From Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner, Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and Nate Bargatze to the 2000’s Rave, Christopher Titus, Back to the Future and Ponyo, this weekend offers entertainment for nearly every interest.

Families can catch Bluey’s Big Play, dance fans can experience COLLIDE Series 26, and anyone looking for a classic West Michigan summer tradition can head to Grand Haven for the final days of the Coast Guard Festival.

Event schedules and ticket availability may change, so confirm the latest details with each venue before heading out. Get out and enjoy your weekend!