ArtPrize weekend is officially here, and Grand Rapids is packed.

From ArtPrize 2026 transforming downtown into a massive citywide gallery to The B-52s & Devo, Bowling for Soup, Black Label Society, monster trucks, festivals, and plenty of nightlife, this is one of the busiest September weekends in West Michigan.

Whether you're looking for art, live music, family activities, or a reason to make a trip to the lakeshore, here are some of the biggest events happening around Grand Rapids and West Michigan this weekend.

All Weekend & Multi-Day Events

ArtPrize 2026

Friday–Sunday | Throughout Grand Rapids

The big one is back. ArtPrize officially begins Friday, September 18, and continues through October 3, transforming galleries, businesses, parks, museums, restaurants, and public spaces throughout Grand Rapids into exhibition venues.

Viewing the entries is free, and this year's event includes hundreds of participating locations along with special performances, installations, workshops, markets, and community events. Voting officially opens Friday at noon.

The official ArtPrize Opening Celebration takes place Friday from 5:30–10 p.m. around Rosa Parks Circle and the Pearl Street Bridge, kicking off the competition with live entertainment and a major community celebration.

Michigan Irish Music Festival

Friday–Sunday | Heritage Landing, Muskegon

One of West Michigan's biggest cultural festivals returns to the Muskegon waterfront. The Michigan Irish Music Festival features six stages of entertainment, traditional and contemporary Celtic music, Irish dancing, cultural programming, shopping, children's activities, and plenty of Irish food.

Friday festivities run into the evening, Saturday offers a full day of entertainment, and Sunday includes free admission from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tech Week Grand Rapids

Through Saturday | Locations Throughout Grand Rapids

Tech Week Grand Rapids heads into its final stretch this weekend after a week filled with more than 120 independently hosted events centered around technology, entrepreneurship, AI, innovation, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and the local startup community.

Programming continues Friday and Saturday at locations throughout the region.

Sister Act – Final Weekend

Friday & Saturday | Circle Theatre

If you've been meaning to catch Sister Act, time is running out. Circle Theatre's feel-good musical comedy wraps up its run Saturday, September 19. Featuring music by Alan Menken, the production follows disco diva Deloris Van Cartier after she finds herself hiding out in a convent.

CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Dale Chihuly's colorful glass installations continue throughout Frederik Meijer Gardens, giving visitors an opportunity to combine art, gardens, sculpture, and a fall walk in one outing.

Friday, September 18

Bowling for Soup

Elevation at The Intersection

Pop-punk fans can start the weekend with Bowling for Soup, joined by Ballyhoo! and rosecoloredworld. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the all-ages show.

ArtPrize Opening Celebration

Rosa Parks Circle & Pearl Street Bridge

ArtPrize officially gets underway Friday with its Opening Celebration. This year's kickoff centers around music, including a procession from Rosa Parks Circle to the Pearl Street Bridge and a performance featuring the massive Earth Harp.

GRAM After Dark

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Keep your ArtPrize night going after dark at GRAM. Friday night's event brings DJs, music, and nightlife energy into the Grand Rapids Art Museum as part of opening weekend.

GRPM Late Night

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum stays open late Friday, giving visitors extra time to explore the museum after dinner or while making their way through downtown for ArtPrize. Select planetarium shows and carousel opportunities may also be available.

Blue Collar Rock

Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre celebrates working-class rock with a show featuring music associated with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty, and more. Friday is the September performance of the concert series.

Grand Haven Musical Fountain: Made in Michigan & Motown

Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium

Head to the lakeshore Friday night for a free Musical Fountain double feature celebrating music connected to Michigan and the sounds of Motown.

Saturday, September 19

The B-52s & Devo – Cosmic De-Evolution Tour

Acrisure Amphitheater 

Saturday brings two new-wave legends to the Grand River. The B-52s and Devo join forces for the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour, with DJ Cummerbund opening the show.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

Van Andel Arena

Families can watch Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and more come to life inside Van Andel Arena. The show also features freestyle motocross riders, stunts, and a transforming robot appearance.

Black Label Society

GLC Live at 20 Monroe

Metal fans have a huge Saturday night option as Black Label Society takes over GLC Live at 20 Monroe with Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel.

Yacht Rock Revue – PRIMETIME

The Intersection

Smooth out your Saturday with Yacht Rock Revue, bringing the soft-rock sounds and over-the-top yacht-rock atmosphere to The Intersection.

Eastown Streetfair

Wealthy Street 

The 53rd Eastown Streetfair takes over Wealthy Street with more than 100 artist, craft, and community booths, food vendors, drinks, family activities, and a full day of live music. Admission is free.

ArtPrize: Opera Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle

Rosa Parks Circle

ArtPrize's opening weekend continues Saturday with a featured performance from Opera Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle. The weekend's ArtPrize programming also includes markets, workshops, live painting, and pop-up experiences throughout downtown.

Merchants and Makers ArtPrize Market

Rosa Parks Circle

Shop local makers and artists in the middle of the ArtPrize action during the first Merchants and Makers market of the competition.

Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster & Heritage Days

Holland | Saturday & Sunday

Travel back in time at Van Raalte Farm with historical reenactors, military drills, period demonstrations, vendors, historical figures, medical scenarios, and special programming tied to America's 250th anniversary. Saturday's activities begin at 9 a.m.

Michigan Irish Music Festival

Heritage Landing, Muskegon

Saturday is the festival's biggest full day, with multiple stages featuring Celtic music, Irish dance, cultural activities, shopping, food, and family programming along Muskegon Lake.

Sunday, September 20

GWAR

The Intersection

If you'd prefer your Sunday night a little louder—and considerably messier—GWAR takes over The Intersection with Weedeater and BRAT. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the all-ages show.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

Van Andel Arena

Sunday brings one final monster truck show to Van Andel Arena, giving families another chance to see the Hot Wheels trucks, motocross riders, and over-the-top stunts.

Bayside

Elevation

Alternative and punk-rock fans can catch Bayside at Elevation with Driveways and Grave Secrets Sunday night.

Carter Faith – Cherry Valley Forever Tour

The Stache

Country fans have another Sunday option when Carter Faith brings the Cherry Valley Forever Tour to The Stache with Anna Graves.

Michigan Irish Music Festival – Final Day

Heritage Landing, Muskegon

Sunday is your final chance to enjoy the Michigan Irish Music Festival. The day begins at 10:30 a.m., with Irish music, cultural activities, dancing, food, and shopping continuing through the afternoon. Admission is free from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Van Raalte Civil War Muster – Battle Day

Van Raalte Farm, Holland

Sunday's historical programming includes a period church service, children's drills, historical impressions, and a reenacted battle beginning at 2 p.m.

Explore ArtPrize

If you didn't get enough art Friday or Saturday, Sunday is a great day to slow things down and explore. ArtPrize entries are spread across venues throughout the city, from traditional galleries to restaurants, hotels, parks, storefronts, and unexpected public spaces.

Make the Most of Your Weekend

This is a big one for Grand Rapids.

ArtPrize 2026 officially opens, Tech Week finishes its run, and concert fans can choose between Bowling for Soup, The B-52s & Devo, Black Label Society, Yacht Rock Revue, Bayside, Carter Faith, and GWAR.

Families have Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Eastown gets taken over by the Streetfair, and anyone willing to make a short drive can experience the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon or the Civil War Muster in Holland.

So grab your friends, pick an event, and make the most of the weekend—and don't forget to look at some art while you're downtown.

Event schedules and ticket availability can change, so check with the venue or organizer for the latest information before heading out.