The Ultimate Guide to Late Summer Events in Grand Rapids (And Where to Call Home)

Briarlane
Jul 14
3 min read

Summer in Grand Rapids is in full swing, and the upcoming calendar is packed with live music, food festivals, and outdoor entertainment. Whether you prefer the energy of downtown or the expansive greenspace of our local parks, there is something for everyone just a short distance away.

If you are currently looking for a new place to live, finding a home that balances a peaceful retreat with city convenience is key. Located just minutes from downtown and local hotspots, Briarlane Apartments places you right near the heart of the action while offering a quiet, wooded neighborhood setting to return to.

Here are the top late-summer events happening around Grand Rapids, and why Briarlane is the perfect home base for all of them.

Can't-Miss Grand Rapids Festivals

Our community is incredibly close to some of the city's best outdoor venues, including Belknap Park and Riverside Park, which are hosting major events this season:

Upheaval Festival (July 17–18) – Belknap Park (30 Coldbrook St NE): Get ready to rock. This two-day rock and metal festival features national touring bands across multiple stages, alongside local food vendors and craft beer.
Breakaway Music Festival (August 14–15) – Belknap Park: Experience one of Michigan's largest EDM festivals, complete with nationally known DJs, VIP experiences, art installations, and fantastic food vendors.
Taco Fest Grand Rapids (August 28–30) – Riverside Park (2001 Monroe Ave NE): Located just a few minutes from Briarlane, this three-day festival is packed with tacos, margaritas, live music, family activities, local vendors, and a beer garden.

Blockbuster Concerts Downtown

Downtown Grand Rapids is booming with incredible talent this summer. With the new Acrisure Amphitheater opening up an amazing outdoor concert experience and Van Andel Arena continuing to draw massive crowds, your evenings are set.

At the New Acrisure Amphitheater:

July 29: 5 Seconds of Summer
July 30: Chicago & Styx
July 31: The Coral Reefer Band
August 1: Lynyrd Skynyrd & Foreigner
August 8: Jerry Seinfeld
August 11: Goo Goo Dolls
August 15: Five Finger Death Punch
August 16: Hilary Duff
August 21: Lindsey Stirling

At Van Andel Arena:

July 17: Zac Brown Band

Explore the Fulton Street Farmers Market

Just a short trip from your front door, the Fulton Street Farmers Market (1145 Fulton St E) is a Grand Rapids staple. Beyond their regular weekly market, they are hosting special weekend events this summer that are perfect for finding unique local goods:

Summer Rummage Sale (Sunday, July 26 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Shop garage sale finds, vintage goods, antiques, clothing, collectibles, and home décor from dozens of local vendors.
ART! at the Market (Sunday, July 26 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Browse handmade art, crafts, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints, and gifts from talented local artists.
Weekly Farmers Market (Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Shop from over 100 vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese, honey, flowers, fresh baked goods, coffee, and artisan products like handmade soaps and candles.

Local Tip: Free parking is available on-site, though it fills up quickly on Saturdays! If you prefer public transit, The Rapid Route 14 stops right outside the market, making it an easy trip from your apartment.

Worth the Short Drive

If you feel like exploring the rest of West Michigan, these regional events are a very easy trip from Grand Rapids:

August 5–8: Unity Christian Music Festival (Muskegon)
August 8–9: Rock The Country (Hastings)
August 29: Burning Foot Beer Festival (Muskegon)

Make Briarlane Your Home Base

After a long weekend of singing along at the new Acrisure Amphitheater or exploring the artisan booths at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, you need a comfortable, relaxing place to recharge. Tucked away yet close to it all, Briarlane offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with features designed to make life easier.

Beat the summer heat with central air conditioning and a dip in our sparkling heated outdoor pool, or unwind on your own private patio or balcony. With updated kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, an on-site fitness room, and a pet-friendly policy that welcomes both cats and dogs, our community provides the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.

Lease Now Before You Miss Out! Our apartments are in high demand and leasing fast. Tour our community today and secure your late-summer home before our limited availability is completely gone. Visit BriarlaneGR.com to check pricing, view floor plans, and apply!