An 18-year-old Henna artist, Alivia Apol founded her business, “Liv for Henna” as a way of  sharing her passion for henna with the community. And tomorrow night from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Apol will  join an exciting line-up of 25 musicians, jugglers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, break dancers, and  more at the Gentex Street Performer Series in Downtown Holland. The 2026 Street Performer Series is  proudly sponsored by Gentex Corporation with additional support provided by the Michigan Arts and  Culture Council. 

Apol’s journey with henna began just three years ago when her neighbor in Hudsonville asked the  budding artist about the possibility of learning the art for an upcoming party they were having. Apol gave it  a try and soon discovered a love for the art of henna, leading to the opening of her small business, Liv for  Henna. That same year, she participated in Gentex Street Performer Series for the first time, showcasing  her talents to thousands of visitors and residents each Thursday. 

“My favorite part of the Gentex Street Performers Series is the sense of community it creates,” said Apol.  “It is so much fun meeting new people, seeing familiar faces return each week, and sharing my art with  visitors from all over”. 

Henna is a form of temporary tattoo created by staining skin with natural henna paste. Each design can  last between 1-2 weeks. Apol’s biggest inspirations come from nature, the world around her and  traditional henna designs. At the Series you can find Alivia creating custom freehand henna for visitors of all ages, including flowers, animals, traditional swirl designs, and more. You won’t want to miss the  opportunity to get a henna tattoo by Liv for Henna this Thursday, July 30 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in front  of RIT Music! 

Street Performer Series attendees should note that 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic and parking  from Columbia Avenue to River Avenue from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursday nights to accommodate the  crowd. Free public parking for the event is available in the surface lots on 7th and 9th Streets, in the 7th  and 9th Street Parking Decks, and at the Holland Civic Center Place. And don’t forget that while the  Series is free to attend, tipping the performers is customary, as the Series is a traditional busking event. 

The Downtown Holland Social District is also open during the Street Performer Series, meaning that  patrons ages 21+ can purchase alcoholic beverages at one of nearly 20 different participating  establishments to enjoy while strolling throughout Downtown Holland during the event. For a list of  participating establishments, the social district regulations, and the district boundaries, please visit  www.downtownsocialdistrict.com.

Street Performer Series Performer Line-Up for July 30 

Balloon Twisters 

Steve’s Twisted Balloons 

Steve is a dad to two beautiful daughters and the owner of “Steve’s Twisted Balloons.” He started twisting  balloons for family and friends at birthday parties just four years ago. Aft4er launching his public balloon twisting career at the Street Performer Series, he has quickly become one of the area’s most sought-after  balloon artists for special events, birthday party appearances, and more. He is excited to make his return  to the Street Performer Series this year! 

Dancers 

Flow Like Water 

Flow Like Water is a break-dancing crew that performs regularly at festivals and events throughout West  Michigan, bringing the crowd to their feet wherever they go. Their high energy and hip-hop beats are only  matched by their amazing dance skills. This highly captivating performance crew seeks to connect within  the community through the world of dance and entertainment. 

Mystic Maribel “Mysticular with kids at festivals and events! 

Caricatures by Britta  

” Garza is dancer with a passion for the beautiful art of Middle Eastern belly dancing.  Since taking her first class close to 20 years ago, she has worked on perfecting the art as both a solo and  group dancer. She got her start right here in Holland and has been part of the Series since its second  year. She loves inviting audiences of all ages to join in the fun, sharing the joy, energy, and artistry of  belly dancing downtown each summer. 

Graphic Artists 

Be Airbrushing 

Libby Geurink is a high school teacher by day, who started an airbrush tattoo business to combine her  love for being creative with her love of interacting with people! Libby has been a street performer on her  own for several years and is excited to be teaming up with her 14-year-old daughter, Brea, for the first  time this summer! Together, they can airbrush a wide variety of colorful designs on the skin, which are  always pop

Britta Lindemulder has loved to draw since she was a young child. She earned how to draw caricatures  while working at Michigan’s Adventure back in 2008 and graduated from Grand Valley State University in  2011. A tattoo artist by day, Britta has been drawing caricatures at the Street Performer Series since  2012. Passionate about all forms of art, Britta enjoys connecting with people and bringing their creative  visions to life through her work. 

Doodle Face 

Brooke Wolf has talents in all creative outlets, but for the Street Performer Series she brings a unique  style of art in the form of glitter tattoos! She uses safe and kid-friendly paints to make designs that are  popular among all ages. When she’s not painting faces, you can also find Brooke assisting Steve’s  Twisted Ballons! 

Henna by Anna 

Anna Hoskins is a full-time artist who holds both a BFA and MFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art  and Design. While she enjoys working in her studio, she loves to combine her passion for art and meeting  people by drawing henna tattoos at reunions, birthday parties, weddings and more! Anna has been a  Street Performer Series regular for over 15 years 

Liv for Henna

Alivia Apol is a 17-year-old with three years of experience as a henna tattoo artist. She’s loved creating  art in multiple mediums since a young age, including acrylic painting, sketching, resin, and more. In  addition to performing at the Street Performer Series, she’s also made appearances birthday parties,  farmers markets, block parties, and more. Alivia works to provide a positive and fun experience for all age  groups and loves being able to interact with others! 

Oopsie Doodles 

A local musician, music teacher, and artist, Mari Jo Koedyker brings a unique form of caricature art to the  Street Performer Series! Oopsie Doodles are “blind” caricature drawings done without looking at the  page, resulting in a fun and whimsical portrait of her subjects! 

Musicians 

Arlo Crandell 

Arlo Crandell is an up-and-coming local blues-rock guitarist. He started playing guitar when he was just 8  and has been performing bluegrass music with his family ever since. He’s been street performing on 8th  Street for many years and has performed regularly at festivals and at the Park Theater. Arlo was even  invited onstage to play with the Texas Tenors during their Tulip Time concert in 2024. 

Charlie TenHaken 

Charlie is an acoustic guitar player and singer who performs music across a variety of decades and  genres. This is his first year performing solo at the Street Performer Series after performing last year with  a group of friends and musicians from the Holland Christian High School Jazz Band 

De Leon Fam 

The De Leon Family has been playing music together their entire lives. They are a bi-lingual  Mexican/American duo that blend a touch of classic Americana/country with modern day pop classics in  both English and Spanish. The natural blend of their harmonies is unmistakable and enchanting. This  year marks three years of the band being part of the Street Performers Series in Downtown Holland. 

Delbert Walling & Haley Houtz 

Delbert and Haley first met when she was just a teenager taking guitar lessons from Delbert. Her vocal  talent was evident then, and after college when she returned to the area, they teamed up to create a  musical duo. Delbert and Haley have been now performing together for 16 years and perform a variety of  genres with powerful vocals and guitar. They’ve enjoyed great success performing at festivals, theaters,  corporate events, and more. 

Eli LaCroix 

A talented piano player and musician, Eli is excited to be back for his third year in a row at the Gentex  Street Performer Series! A Holland native, he spent eight years living and performing in New York City  before returning home to West Michigan. He’s grateful for the chance to perform and bring a sense of joy  and camaraderie to the community. 

Evan Vandenberg 

Evan Vandenberg is a local guitarist who enjoys playing for his church and other churches throughout the  community. He composes his own Christian hip hop music and loves to connect with new people every  day through his talents. He looks forward to showcasing his skills on the guitar and inspiring others  through his music. 

Isabel Noguera 

Isabel Noguera doesn’t just write songs—she builds emotional landscapes out of melody and unflinching  honesty. Her sound is raw but intentional and her music is a collision of Indie Rock with a soulful acoustic  sound. Imagine Chappel Roan meets Mitski. Armed with a guitar, she transforms each song into a sonic  journey that lingers long after the last note.

Maddy Grace 

Maddy Kok is a 22-year-old with a huge passion for music, who works as a registered nurse. Maddy  started singing when she was little, taught herself guitar at 11, and has been performing publicly since  middle school. She loves sharing her music to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and bring joy to  others at her performances! 

Mark Cosgrove 

Mark Cosgrove is a local musician and college vocal performance major who has been singing since he  was just two years old. He is a singer and guitarist, both acoustic and electric, playing a repertoire of 60+  crowd-favorite cover songs. In the past, he’s played at several Holland area restaurants, as well as the  Street Performer Series and the Grand Haven Kiwanis Vocal Competition. 

Matthew Nolen 

Matthew is a 25-year-old drummer who is passionate about the drum set and music. Matthew started  playing when he was just five years old and has a strong passion for music, the drum kit, and live  performance! 

Norman Rense 

Norman Rense are an acoustic singer/songwriter trio made up of street performer regulars Albert  Gemmen, Jamison Worst, and Matt Busman. They play at different venues throughout the year, setting a  chill vibe with songs that people can sing along to or just enjoy as they relax with friends. They have  performed at the Street Performers Series (under various names) for the last few years and enjoy being a  part of someone's relaxing summer evening. 

Shayna + Maren 

Shayna Gibson and Maren Case are here to bring you the smoothest harmonies and the feel-good  classics on guitar and keyboard! They have been performing together for over ten years, and Shayna has  been participating in the Street Performer Series every year since 2016. This is their last year in Michigan  together and they’re excited to share it with you on Thursday evenings! 

Steph Gillett 

Steph Gillett is an experienced singer and performer who began singing at her church and soon  expanded to events like fundraisers, weddings, and other local venues. While she studied voice for many  years, she taught herself guitar too. This summer marks her 11th year as a street performer, a tradition  that began in high school and remains her favorite place to perform. 

Third Class Flynn 

Third Class Flynn is an Irish music busking duo, comprised of husband and wife Ray and Cindy Veen.  Dressed as the characters Michael and Mary Flynn, Irish immigrants from the late 1800's, the Flynn's tell  their story through the music of Ireland: folk tunes, dance tunes, pub tunes, laments, and more. 

Other Performers 

Connor Scholten 

Connor Scholten first began yo-yoing as a young child in 1997, and he first performed for the public as  part of the first ever Street Performer series in 2005. He has since worked full time as a yo-yo designer,  coached the top players in the world, and taught yo-yo to thousands of people online. He is also the 2017  and 2018 National Yo-Yo Contest winner. 

Mat Emerick 

Mat Emerick delights audiences of all ages with his whimsical and zany mime, clown and juggler act. He  loves to involve the audience in his routine, and this interactive experience is what makes the show so  fun. No one knows exactly what’s going to happen next… including him!

May & De Fuego 

May & De Fuego is a fire-born performance duo where rhythm meets flame. Combining expressive  dance, fire manipulation, theatrics and curated soundscapes, Nick May and Gem De Fuego deliver a  visually captivating experience that turns every stage into a living story.