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Now in its 47th year, the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival celebrates the diverse cultures of all Latin America countries through authentic entertainment, food, beverages, goods and art. The premier annual event of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, the festival brings tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate and share the heritage and traditions kept alive by the citys Latino community.
What to expect at the Hispanic Festival?
Expect a three-day fiesta complete with live music, dancing, food booths, merchandise booths and more. Its a joyous and fun-filled journey through the multifaceted cultures of Latin America. Please join us:
- Friday, Aug. 1 | 5:00pm - 11:55pm
- Saturday, Aug. 2 | Noon - 11:55pm
- Sunday, Aug. 3 | Noon - 6pm
Where is the Hispanic Festival held?
In Calder Plaza, the largest public gathering space in downtown Grand Rapids. The outdoor plaza is named for the 42-ton, bright red Alexander Calder sculpture at the center of the space.
How do I get to the Festival?
Downtown Grand Rapids is located at the intersection of the I-196 and US-131 expressways, and its easily accessible from every direction by car. You can also fly in to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, named the Easiest Airport Journey in North America, which is just 20 minutes from downtown. Grand Rapids is also served by Amtrak and Greyhound Bus. Click here for details and maps. for details and maps.
Where do I park?
There are many parking lots and ramps in downtown Grand Rapids, including one (Government Center Ramp) directly beneath Calder Plaza. Most others are within a 10-minute walk. Most parking meters are free on weekends. Visitors can hop on the bright pink DASH bus for free transportation around downtown. More parking info here.
Where do I stay?
Book a downtown hotel to stay in the middle of the festivities. There are 13 to choose from and 80+ more hotels around Grand Rapids to meet any budget and amenity preference.
What else is there to do in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is one of CNNs 10 Best American Towns to Visit, so its a perfect place for a weekend (or longer) getaway. Downtown Grand Rapids is home to 300+ restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and entertainment venues within a 10-minute walk of Calder Plaza including a 50-foot mural of Maurilia Ortiz Blakely, who helped organize the citys first Mexican festival (the forerunner of the Hispanic Festival) in 1970, one of several local murals by Mexico-born artist Arturo Morales Romero.
While youre in town, you might also want to check out some concurrent events, including Hamilton, the Musical (July 22-Aug. 3), the Pickle Festival (Aug. 1-3), Almas Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood at the Grand Rapids Childrens Museum (thru Aug. 30) and Sharks at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (thru Aug. 31). Visit our Events page for even more fun stuff coinciding with the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. Plan your stay today!