The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is making the most of the final weeks of summer by offering a full weekend of free events, food, live entertainment, local shopping, and plenty of reasons to spend the day downtown.
The weekend gives visitors plenty of ways to experience the Market, including the chance to help create part of its 2026 ArtPrize exhibit, shop 25+ artisan jewelry makers, dig into Brunch Bites, catch live entertainment at Rák Thai, and make the Market the first stop before a show at Acrisure Amphitheater. Here’s what’s happening at the Market all weekend long:
Friday, August 14
Kick off the weekend with dinner, drinks, and live music at Rák Thai. Stop in early for Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm, stay for dinner, and enjoy live music to start the weekend at the Market.
Saturday, August 15
From 11am to 3pm, the Market is hosting a free, family-friendly Community ArtPrize Workshop in the second-floor Banquet Room.
Guests will collaborate with one of the Market's 2026 ArtPrize artists, Grand Rapidian Arturo Morales, to create large-scale pieces made from seeds and beans inspired by Día de los Muertos. Finished pieces will be on full display at the Market during ArtPrize beginning September 12. Everyone is welcome to participate in this free activity, no art experience is needed.
Then, make your way to Sav Sav by Squibb for a Patio Pizza Party from 2pm to 8pm, featuring fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and a wine tasting with Decanter + Coupe Imports from 3pm to 6pm. Grab a pizza, sip your way through the tasting, and settle in on the patio for a beautiful summer night.
If you are heading to a show at the Acrisure Amphitheater? Park It At The Market, grab dinner, drinks or dessert, then take the free, air-conditioned shuttle or enjoy the half-mile walk to the show. If not, you can always sing your head off at Karaoke at Rák Thai.
Sunday, August 16
The Artisan Jewelry Market returns to the Market Shed, with artisan makers showcasing handcrafted rings, necklaces, bracelets, beaded pieces, accessories, and more.
Shop from over 25+ makers and find your next staple piece and fun unique options. Then grab a bite to eat from our Market Hall Merchants and find a seat on the patio to enjoy live music from John Everett from 11:30am to 5pm.
Sunday also marks week three the Market’s Brunch Bites, featuring limited-time brunch specials only available on Sundays throughout August. Dig into Thai-inspired breakfast burritos, lox and bagels, donut fried chicken sandwiches, French toast bubble teas, mimosas, and more!
For those heading to Hilary Duff at Acrisure Amphitheater Sunday night, start the fun early and make a day of it at the Market with brunch, mimosas, jewelry shopping, live music, and plenty of time for dinner, drinks, or dessert before the show.
From food and local makers to art, music, and family-friendly activities, the weekend highlights the range of experiences that bring people together at the Downtown Market. This weekend offers the community a chance to gather, explore, and enjoy the final weeks of summer in the heart of Grand Rapids.
For complete event details, visit downtownmarketgr.com.
