Summer in West Michigan 2024

There’s loads to do in the summer in West Michigan, and we’re here to share a list of some of our fav summer activities for summer 2024. Let’s make it a great one!

Whitecaps Games

The summer sports team of West Michigan is definitely the West Michigan Whitecaps. Spending an evening at the Whitecaps is nothing short of fun, and they also have a ton of themed nights to add to the fun!

See the schedule

Berlin Raceway and Fair

The Berlin Raceway, located in Marne, is definitely an underrated summer activity. Kids 15 and under get in free, and they have a ton of locally sourced food and drinks to enjoy while watching the races. The Berlin Fair is also happening this summer during the week of June 17!

Check out the raceway

Biking and Hiking Trails

With warm Michigan weather comes more opportunity to enjoy some of the hiking and biking trails in the area. Here are some we recommend you definitely check out:

• Cannonsburg trails

• The White Pine Trail (from Comstock Park to Rockford)

• Reeds Lake Loop

• Townsend Park and Cannon Trail – Rockford

• Millennium Park

• Grand Ravines Park

Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets are a BIG hit in the West Michigan area; here are some of our favs:

• The Fulton St Farmers Market

• The Terra Square Farmers Market

• Ada Village Farmers Market

• Grandville Farmers Market

• Holland Farmers Market

John Ball Zoo - Lantern fest and other summer fun

The Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo will be here for a little while longer, but the zoo has plenty of other fun activities going on throughout the summer as well, like Breakfast with the Animals, Rock Roar and Pour, and more. Visit their website to see the full list of events happening this summer.

View the events calendar

Frederik Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts

The Frederik Meijer Gardens summer concerts are the perfect night out during the summer, where you can enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor space. Click the link below to view the lineup and secure your tickets!

See the schedule

GR Pools and Splash Pads

One thing that makes the city of Grand Rapids so unique is the number of public pools and splash pads they have for the public to enjoy! The outdoor pools can be found at Briggs Park, MLK Park, and Richmond Park and cost $1 (resident) and $3 (nonresident) for kids 17 and under and $3 (resident) and $5 (nonresident) for adults.

There are also some amazing splash pads to visit around Grand Rapids for FREE at the following parks: Aberdeen Park, Alger Park, Campau Park, Cherry Park, Fuller Park, Garfield Park, Gerald R Ford Academic Ctr, Heartside Park, Highland Park, Joe Taylor Park, Lincoln Park, Mary Waters Park, Mulick Park, Roosevelt Park, and Wilcox Park.

Learn more

Sunset Cinema at Studio Park

Studio Park Downtown Grand Rapids hosts a “Sunset Cinema” series each year outside, open to the public, and they recently released their lineup! Here’s what you can go watch this summer for free:

• June 22: Toy Story
• June 29: Barbie
• July 6: Top Gun: Maverick
• August 31: Back to the Future
• September 7: Crazy Rich Asians
• September 14: Clueless

Learn more

Miscellaneous events and Festivals

Listed below are some other fun events and festivals you should look into attending this summer:

• Tuesday Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle from 7 pm to 9:30 pm

• The Asian Pacific Festival June 14-16

• Relax at Rosa Concert Series

• GR Parks and Rec Outdoor Fitness Series

• Ottawa County Fair July 22-27

• Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival July 29-August 4

• Hudsonville Community Fair Aug 19-24