One of my first neighborhoods that I explored when I moved to Grand Rapids in the 1980s was Eastown and instantly I fell in love with this area of the city.
For one, this southeast neighborhood business district was so unique because of the many mom and pop shops that populate their main arteries of Lake Drive and Wealthy Street. And the second reason was because no matter what time of the day I arrived to walk their streets, it was always a different experience.
Thankfully that uniqueness is still alive today many decades later
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the neighborhood’s annual event, the
43rd Eastown StreetFair, welcomes families of all sizes, colors and definitions to return once again for a celebration of the arts, more than 150 vendors, ethnic and American food from restaurants and food trucks, live regional musicians, and of course, the famous Eastown locals who provide so much of the eclectic flavor that makes this area of the city such a delight.
This year also will welcome back the popular 2015 debut of the Sidewalk Chalk Art Battle hosted by Joe Parsaca (Paintings By Tubes). For the 2nd Annual All Ages Sidewalk Chalk Art Battle at the Eastown StreetFair, Parsaca is offering a slew of new prizes and opportunities to win big at this year’s competition. Visit his
Facebook event page to get more details on the contest and for a complete list of prizes that are being added all the time.
Main Stage Acts: (Family friendly stage hub lot next to Eastown Cafe)
11 - 12 p.m.Triumph Music Academy
12 - 1 p.m. Bootstrap Boys
1 - 2 p.m. Olivia Mainville
2 - 3 p.m. Cardboard Swords
3 - 4 p.m. PotatoeBabies
4 - 5 p.m. The Legal Immigrants
5 - 6 p.m. Valentiger
6 - 7 p.m. Brother Adams
7 - 8 p.m. Lady Ace Boogie
Billy's Stage Acts: (Family friendly until 8pm and inside Billy’s)
12:30 - 1:15 p.m. Kathleen & The Bridge Street Band
1:30 - 2:15 p.m. I Believe In Julio (with special guest Jonny Bruha)
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Silverstiles
3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Lipstick Jodi
4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Moto
5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Red Legs
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Paddlebots
8 - 9 p.m. Sound Check
9 p.m. - Close GR Soul Club
Admission: Free