Festivals

Hosted by the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, the Lakeshore Art Festival is returning after a year off due to the pandemic.

Muskegon welcomes return of popular Lakeshore Art Festival

Hosted by the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, the Lakeshore Art Festival is returning after a year off due to the pandemic. With nearly 200 exhibitors, children’s activities, food vendors, and an all-new community participation project, LAF is sure to please.

Latest in Festivals
Henry and Lindsay Cherry co-founded I AM Academy, which empowers Black students and is behind the 2021 Juneteenth festival in Holland.
Juneteenth returns with fun and a renewed purpose

Holland's Juneteenth celebration will be a day of fun, learning, and healing. Alongside the festival fun will also be a COVID-19 clinic and voter registration drive.

This photo of a Snowy Owl was taken by local photographer Susie Hughes.
Things to do in April: Hunt for eggs, shop for a bargain, or learn about frogs and birds

Spring has sprung. Among the many events scheduled in April in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties, you can check out Easter egg hunts, artisan marketplaces, get bird-watching tips, learn a frog call, attend a spring fling, or visit a museum for free. 

Fellinlove Farm will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.
Leprechaun hunt, farmers market, and fresh sap on tap along the Lakeshore

Who’s had enough of this winter weather? March brings the first day of spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and the appearance of flowers peeking out of the ground. In Allegan, Muskegon and Ottawa counties, there’s much to do.   

Spring Lake Sparkle offers more than 120,000 multi-colored lights along that community's main street.
Sparkling displays spread joy in Lakeshore downtowns

In communities throughout the Lakeshore, downtowns are dressed up for the holidays. Shining brighter than the others this year is Spring Lake, where “a lot of love” went into the hands-on decorating for its inaugural Sparkle Festival.

The Felt Mansion is offering self-guided holiday tours.
Things to do in December: ’Tis the season for lights, gifts, and Santa

After these many months of battling coronavirus, December brings a renewed sense of hope and joy to the Lakeshore. Winter is upon us, and there’s a nip in the air. Whether you want to get outside or stay home, there are enjoyable ways to explore Ottawa and Allegan counties. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

Dancers pose during the 2019 Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta.
Fiesta returns to Grand Haven this week

The Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta will return for a second year in spite of COVID-19 restrictions. Organizers are working hard to make sure people can participate safely with virtual events and a weeklong offering of activities.

Kyle A. Moroney with her family during last year's Coast Guard Festival.
A spirited salute to the 2020 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival that never was

With this year's Coast Guard Festival canceled because of COVID-19, longtime Grand Haven resident Kyle A. Moroney explains what's so special about the 10-day community celebration. And she shares photos from her favorite moments. 

Visitors to Holland fill the sidewalks with the reopening of downtown.
Hope for recovery stirs as visitors flock to reopened Lakeshore downtowns

Photo essay shows how merchants in downtown Grand Haven and Holland are back in business. They are optimistically looking forward to recovery three months after shops and restaurants were ordered closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s tulip time in Holland without the festival

Holland’s 91st flower show played to a very small audience this year after the coronavirus pandemic forced the first-ever cancellation of the annual Tulip Time Festival.

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