We are reaching that time of the year where college students are arriving by the carload and area parents with school
-age children begin to worry (or delight) about the long list of back-to-school activities they must engage in before we begin our fall season.
So much is happening right now that the last thing many of them want to worry about is what to eat. Lucky for us, over the next few weeks a series of ethnic festivals begin to fill the night air that to stay home would be a crime.
Kicking off this season of good eats are two cultural happenings in Grand Rapids’ downtown that you simply cannot miss.
The
Polish Festival, happening again at Rosa Parks Circle, is a wonderful stop for authentic Polish cuisine - and not that frozen stuff you see at your local grocer that, in my opinion, should only be used in a pinch.
Not only can you enjoy your pierogis, kielbasa, and kapusta out in the summer air as you chase it with a cold beer, but when the music of the many polka bands hits your eardrums, it will be difficult to stand still. So get in the mix and do your best to keep up with some of the most liveliest of dancing you will see outside of our swing dancers who typically fill this space during throughout the summer.
Also this Friday through Sunday is the 36th annual
Hispanic Festival at Calder Plaza, where you will be amazed at the carnival-like atmosphere as the crowds wander about at this spacious downtown park.
Challenging one’s view of what is real Hispanic cuisine will not be hard to experience here at the Hispanic Festival as your palate is treated to more than just Mexican as food and beverage vendors bring the diversity of this area to City Hall’s square.
In addition to the diversity of food is the types of live music one can expect to hear at this event where the infectious beats of salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia fill the air.
Last year I actually watched a man on a horse ride into the event to kick off his performance. Let me tell you that outside of Opera Grand Rapids’ production of Aida at Van Andel Arena — where they had live animals in their production — there has not been another memorable entrance with an animal until last year. It was thrilling.
In addition to these two festivals downtown is the return of the Grand Rapids Yassou - our annual Greek Festival held on the northeast part of the city. For information on their event, please visit
their site.
While you might be busy with wrapping up your summer, to miss these festivals, which are hallmarks of our local society, would be a real shame. Be sure to add one or two…or even all three to your weekend plans.
Admission: Free