Dreaming Together: An Evening of International Fellowship The Sister Cities program brings people together – within our community and worldwide. Grand Rapids Sister Cities International’s annual celebration showcases the value of diversity, inclusion, and partnership between volunteers, businesses, philanthropists, community organizations, and the City. Together, we will continue to promote Grand Rapids internationally and build […]

Embark on a two-day water adventure at the annual Global Water Fest in Canal Park this July! Experience the thrill of Dragon Boat Races on the Grand River, featuring four majestic boats. Enjoy global cuisine, local art, and live entertainment at this free, family-friendly event by the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation. Immerse the power […]

The German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and Farm Journal are partnering on a multi-state public diplomacy initiative in support of Ukraine’s victory, recovery, and reconstruction. This whistlestop tour, headlined by GMF President Heather A. Conley and Howard Buffett, will foster conversations on how the war in Ukraine affects local, […]

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan's premier annual celebration of the community's rich heritage, taking place August 2-4. Celebrate with Latinx culture, amazing food, and wonderful music. The Hispanic Festival is the perfect place to spend your summer weekend with family and friends!  

A Glimpse of Africa provides a platform that brings people together to celebrate, educate, and share the diverse rich African cultures through food, music, dance,  fashion, art & crafts, and other community activities. Our annual festival is the largest African Cultural Festival in West Michigan with an attendance of over 4,000 people.  

Get ready for the third annual FREE Summer Dance Festival, happening outdoors at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre on August 23 and 24. Join us for an incredible showcase of artistic diversity, highlighting talented local artists from across Michigan, representing a range of genres. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere complete with food trucks, beer, […]

Experience Polish culture through traditional Polish food, beer, music, cultural tents, Polish vendors, food demos, children's activities, and more at the Polish Festival! Thousands of people turn out each year for this three-day celebration of Polish food, music and culture. This event is free to attend and is open to the public to experience & celebrate the […]

Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The City of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region have a long-standing history of diversity and various cultural traditions dating back from early explorers and fur traders, to modern day cultural rituals from new residents of the region. To celebrate this heritage, the Grand Rapids Public […]

Join us for a Venetian Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner A fundraiser for the Grand Rapids - Perugia, Italy Sister City Committee Costumes optional, but encouraged. Sunday, November 10 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Russo Ristorante - Tanger Outlet, Byron Center Cost: $65 per person, $75 including Venetian mask  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/1a53d5e6-1c60-47b4-8d5e-cc7accdbf8ff Includes: Murder Mystery Experience, Dinner Buffet, […]

Celebrating Ghanaian Holiday Traditions Join the Ga West District Committee of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International and presenters Michael Crankson and Albert Okwei for an exciting, interactive exploration of Ghanaian holiday traditions. This presentation will delve into the unique cultural preparations, festivities, and significance of the Christmas and New Year season in Ghana. Explore traditional […]

What you can expect at the 2024 Grand Rapids Santa Parade: The Gentex Santa Parade in downtown Grand Rapids is moving to Saturday, December 7th beginning at 5 pm. Thanks to the Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event that will light up the streets of Grand […]

Celebrating Mexican Holiday Traditions Join Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park as they celebrate La Posada, a Mexican Christmas tradition that is celebrated with songs and gatherings that emphasize community. Guests can also attend a hands-on workshop to create papel picado, a traditional Mexican decoration used to add color and festivity to celebrations. Community Partner: Hispanic Center of […]