A Glimpse of Africa Festival

This celebration of African culture is West Michigan's largest festival dedicated to the continent, drawing families together for a weekend of food, music, dance, and art. You'll find authentic cuisine from various African countries, live performances by local DJs and dancers, fashion shows featuring African designers, and hands-on activities like henna tattoos, hair braiding, and headwrap styling. The festival also includes craft shopping, entertaining quizzes, and family-friendly entertainment throughout. Best of all, admission is completely free. The festival takes place at Calder Plaza, downtown Grand Rapids's spacious outdoor gathering space. Downtown has abundant parking options, including a ramp directly beneath the plaza, with most meters free on weekends. The DASH bus offers complimentary rides around the area if you'd prefer not to drive. Whether you're local or planning a weekend getaway, Grand Rapids offers plenty to explore—over 300 restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby, plus the African American Museum and several other cultural sites worth visiting while you're in town.