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It’s that time of the year where the dream of spring seems in reach for many Michiganders. If you’re someone who wants to make the most of the incoming weather and sun but has always been lacking ideas we have a few for you.
Tulip Time Festival – Holland, Michigan
(May 7th – May 15th)
An annual dutch heritage festival, Tulip Time has become a staple of west Michigan that harkens to an era where tulip mania swept Europe. This week-long festival in the inviting city of Holland has something for everyone such as walks and tours through the curated tulip gardens, as well as an artisan market and much more. Not many Michigan events are as evocative of springtime so go spend a day amongst the tulips and take in the atmosphere.
Here is the link to their website for more info: https://www.holland.org/events/tulip-festival
Frederick Meijer Gardens – East Grand Rapids Township
A 158 acre collection of botanical gardens, sculpture parks, and an art museum: Frederick Meijer Gardens is an incredible destination for a day trip. Between the themed gardens; outdoor stage for live music; and numerous interconnected trails, there is always something to see or do on a trip to Frederick Meijer.
Currently from March 1st – April 30th you can walk through their observatory space with thousands of butterflies for their Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibit.
Here is the link to their website for more info: https://www.meijergardens.org/
Grand Rapids Whiskey Festival – Downtown Grand Rapids
(March 26th)
Hosted in the Devos Place convention center in downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Whiskey Festival promises an awesome experience for whiskey connoisseurs and amateurs alike. A ticket allows you entrance and tickets for pours so you can taste and appreciate whiskeys of all styles from Bourbon, to Scotch, to Japanese whiskey.
Here is the link to their website for more info: https://grandrapidswhiskeyfest.com
Laugh Fest – Numerous locations around Grand Rapids
(March 16th – March 20th)
Presented by Gun Lake Casino, Laugh Fest is a city wide comedy festival featuring many acts of all ranges throughout multiple venues. Featured will be local acts as well as notable comedians you’ve maybe seen act or write on one of your favorite shows. There will also be a clean comedy lineup that may be more suited for the entire family. If you’re someone who has always enjoyed watching stand-up but has yet to go catch it live, this is the perfect opportunity.
Here is the link to their website for more info: https://www.laughfestgr.org/
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
Located near downtown Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo features over 2000 animals ready to come out and greet the spring. As well the normal zoo attractions, John Ball will often hold events of all kinds throughout the seasons making it worth your time to keep up with them.
They open March 25th and offer reduced admission for the first month.
Here is the link to their website for more info: https://www.jbzoo.org/
If you’re curious in seeing more of what Grand Rapids and the greater mid-Michigan area has to offer outside this list, we highly recommend you visit Experience Grand Rapids at their website. They’re an incredible resource for west Michigan activities not mentioned here such as Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park and Blandford Nature Center so explore what they have to offer at this link: https://www.experiencegr.com/