8/20/25 - UPDATE: Download the Return to the River 2025 digital guide here!
Return to the River is a free music and art festival that celebrates the beautiful public spaces along the Grand River in the Monroe North neighborhood.
On Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, 24 the riverwalk, 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park and the Sixth Street Bridge will be buzzing with live music, stunning art and a wide variety of activities for all ages. The free festival provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the parks and riverwalk in Monroe North and connect with the Downtown Grand Rapids community.
For the fourth annual festival, DGRI's Events and Activation team chose a magic, mythical, fantasy theme. The art and activities will reflect this theme with dragons, unicorns, wizards, fairies and more.
By activating the riverfront space and providing a two-day festival where the community can relax, connect and play, DGRI continues its work to make the Downtown Grand Rapids experience unique and engaging.
In addition to the music and art, a host of free activities will be available:
- printmaking stations
- crown-making art activity facilitated by the Grand Rapids Children's Museum
- free books provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library, Schuler Books and Cellar Bird Books
- body marbling by Black Light Visuals
- caricature/sketch artist
- face painting
- community art activity
- multiple photo-op stations
- free cotton candy
- interactive art activities at the Creative Cube by ACT
- live aerialists and acrobatic performers
- puppy petting zone with the Humane Society of West Michigan (Saturday only)
The Sixth Street Bridge will be packed with a Merchant and Makers Market featuring various custom jewelry, toys, art of all kinds, skin care, home decor items, food, clothing and more.
A variety of over 20 local and regional food trucks and carts will be serving everything from tacos to barbecue to pizza to empanadas to deserts.
This year's festival is also offering a low sensory zone on the west end of the Sixth Street Bridge for attendees that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the music and activities.
Finally, over 25 DJs, bands and performance groups (lineup below) will be joined by three large-scale, interactive art installations bringing visual magic and wonder to the festival grounds (previews below).
Festival details and updates can be found on the Return to the River Facebook event page and Instagram channel.
