WHAT’S GOING ON, AUG '23

8/1

GRAND HAVEN

COAST GUARD FESTIVAL

Grand Haven

July 28-August 6 coastguardfest.org

If you’ve never been to the Coast Guard Festival, do you really live in West Michigan? This annual event is back with all the entertainment you could hope for. The carnival returns of course, along with live music, fireworks, cardboard boat races, ship tours and much more. Not to mention all the great food and drinks already in Grand Haven.

8/4

KALAMAZOO RIBFEST

Arcadia Creek Festival Site

145 E. Water St., Kalamazoo Aug. 4-5 kalamazooribfest.com

Ribfest is a two-day event at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site. The event features national and local rib vendors that sell meats in outstanding BBQ sauces. To complement the rib vendors, additional food vendors will be offering side items and sweet treats, along with national rock and country musical artists, local bands, plenty of fun activities including children’s crafts/games, and the exciting contest for Best Ribs in Kalamazoo.

8/5

BASS COUNTRY 6TH ANNIVERSARY

The Intersection

133 Cesar E. Chavez, Grand Rapids Aug. 5, 8 p.m. sectionlive.com

Bass Country is a multi-room event held at The Intersection, Elevation, and The Stache, focused on Dubstep, Bass, House, Trap and more. Come celebrate the 6th anniversary of this iconic event with Deathpact, Champagne Drip, Ruvlo and more.

8/6

SUMMER KALAMAZOO BIZARRE BAZAAR

Bell’s Eccentric Café

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Aug. 6, 12-5 p.m. facebook.com/kzoobizarrebazaar

Mark your calendar for handmade local art, crafts, and fun! Come peruse more than 20 local artists and makers at the Bell’s Brewery Garden. Vendors will include jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, pottery, clothing/accessories, beauty/ wellness, painting, illustration, and so much more.

8/7

LISTENING LAWN: SOCCER MOMMY

Studio Park Outdoor Piazza

123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Aug. 7, 7 p.m. themidtowngr.com

Soccer Mommy is the indie rock project of singer-songwriter Sophie Allison, known for her introspective lyrics and dreamy guitar melodies. With her evocative storytelling and emotive vocals, she crafts poignant songs that navigate the complexities of youth, relationships and personal growth. Joining her for this outdoor show is Pool Kids, a raw and energetic pop-punk/emo band.

8/12

SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST

Grand Haven City Beach

August 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. grandhavenchamber.org/sandsculpture-contest

Imagine being surrounded by sun, surf and sandcastles! The Sand Sculpture Contest is a fun way for you to put your sand sculpting skills to the test, or to come out and see some of the coolest sculptures around. This family-friendly event gives participants two hours to create their masterpiece before celebrity judges observe their work and crown the newest royalty of the sand castles.

A GLIMPSE OF AFRICA

Calder Plaza

Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. aglimpseofafrica.org

The A Glimpse of Africa Festival is the largest, one-of-a-kind African cultural event in West Michigan. This spectacular, family-friendly event showcases the rich, diverse, and beautiful African cultures through Fashion, Art, Food, Dance, Music, and a variety of interactive activities. Africa is the home of amazingly diverse people, cultures, unique amazing talents, and at the A Glimpse of Africa festival, you will get to experience all that topped with warm, unforgettable African hospitality.

8/17

THE CHICKS WORLD TOUR

Van Andel Arena

130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com

Drop the “Dixie” and you get The Chicks, the Grammy Award-winning American country music trio that gained widespread recognition with their powerful harmonies and outspoken lyrics, tackling social and political issues. With hits like “Wide Open Spaces” and “Not Ready to Make Nice,” The Chicks have solidified their place as one of the most influential and enduring acts in contemporary country music. Guest Ben Harper opens.

8/18

HOXEYVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Wellston | August 18-20 hoxeyville.com

Sprawling across 150 acres of farmland surrounded by Manistee National Forest, this naturally tranquil fest in Northern Michigan boasts some of the best roots music around, including Marcus King, The Wood Brothers, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and more.

BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Grand Rapids | Aug. 18-19 breakawayfestival.com

Headlined by Deamau5, Porter Robinson, RL Grime and Tiesto, Breakaway is bringing a weekend of the hottest electronic and dance music to Grand Rapids. Adding to the experience is a silent disco sponsored by White Claw, not to mention food trucks, vendors and activities.

8/19

GR8 TACO FEST

Sixth St. & Front Ave. Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. facebook.com/GR8foodtrucks

The first locally produced event all about celebrating the versatility that is the taco! This festival looks to bring you more than 40 food trucks and restaurant vendor booths, all celebrating all the creative things that can be considered a Taco, taking over the parking lot on the corner of Front Ave. & Sixth St. near downtown Grand Rapids.

8/24

RORY SCOVEL: THE LAST TOUR

The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Dr. SW, Grand Rapids pyramidschemebar.com

Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

Rory Scovel is a talented American comedian known for his unique and unpredictable style of standup comedy. With his quick wit, impeccable timing, and ability to seamlessly blend absurdity with relatable observations, Scovel has gained a dedicated following and has been featured on numerous comedy specials and television shows.

8/25

POLISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2023

Calder Plaza

Aug. 25-27 polishheritagesociety.com

Thousands of people turn out each year for this three-day celebration of Polish food, music and culture. Activities include a Paczki eating contest, children’s tent for crafts, a demonstration tent on Polish cooking and arts, and more!

8/26

BURNING FOOT BEER FESTIVAL

Muskegon

Aug. 26 burningfoot.beer

Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of beer, beach, art, and music. The festival is held in August along Lake Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore in Muskegon, offering the perfect way to end the summer. Beach camping and barefoot entry make it unique, but the Brewers’ Ring makes it extraordinary. This year, the headliner is Julian Marley, son of Bob.