Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of August.
8/7
Two Hearted Day
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo
Aug. 7, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
bellsbeer.com
Two Hearted Day is back, celebrating one of America’s most iconic IPAs with the return of a fan-favorite hazy to make things even juicier. Guests can enjoy Official on draft and in package, with a special pint glass giveaway for the first 100 pours of Two Hearted or Official at both 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. A Two Hearted Fish Paint Along with Maria kicks off at 7 p.m. (tickets required), along with a Two Hearted burger special, curated IPA flights, 10% off all Two Hearted merch and apparel, and plenty of giveaways throughout the day.
8/8
Josh Johnson
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Aug. 8
glcliveat20monroe.com
Josh Johnson is an Emmy-nominated writer, stand-up comedian, actor, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana by way of Chicago. His stand-up blends razor-sharp storytelling with deeply topical humor. In between specials, he’s became known for releasing a new 15–45 minute set nearly every week on YouTube—rapid-fire topical comedy that earned him praise like “the funniest guy on the internet” from WIRED.
8/9
Sunset Cinema Series
Celebration Cinema Studio Park
111 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
August 9-23
studioparkgr.com
Every summer, Studio Park makes use of its outdoor piazza for free movie screenings. Movies start at 8 each Saturday—all you need to do is show up early with a blanket or low-rise camping chair to secure a spot. Feel free to bring snacks, and beverages are available for purchase. August’s lineup includes Dirty Dancing, Inside Out and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
8/14
A Live Conversation w/ Rainn Wilson
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Aug. 14, 7 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
Join for an unforgettable live conversation with the talented actor Rainn Wilson, the man behind the eccentric Assistant to Regional Manager, Dwight Schrute. Get ready to relive the magic of The Office with a special screening of one of the show’s most iconic episodes. Then Rainn Wilson will take the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the secrets of bringing Dwight Schrute to life.
8/15
Breakaway Music Festival
Belknap Park
30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids
Aug. 15-16
breakawayfestival.com
Where top-tier talent collides with the hometown—Breakaway Music Festival brings globally recognized hip-hop and electronic talent to local cities, creating accessible and unforgettable live entertainment experiences. This year’s event at Belknap Park features Zedd, Gryffin, Rezz, Isoxo and many more.
Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
330 Lakeside Dr. NE, Grand Rapids
Aug. 15-16
grgreekfest.com
“Yassou” means welcome—and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church invites the community to experience a vibrant celebration of Greek culture and tradition. The annual festival showcases the rich heritage of the Greek Orthodox people through lively music, traditional dances, unique gifts, and of course, delicious food. It’s a weekend filled with joy, hospitality, and a taste of Greece—Opa!
8/16
Suds on the Shore
Rotary Park, Ludington
Aug. 16
sudsontheshore.com
Suds on the Shore is bringing the party to Ludington, where more than 2,000 new friends are waiting and the taps are flowing. Spend the afternoon sipping your way through craft beers, local wines, ciders, and meads—plus food trucks, live music, and laid-back summer vibes. What more could you ask for?
GR8 Taco Fest
Riverside Park, Grand Rapids
Aug. 16, 2 p.m.
facebook.com/GR8foodtrucks
GR8 Taco Fest returns to Riverside Park in 2025 for a vibrant celebration of all things tacos! This free community event will feature a variety of food trucks and vendors showcasing their unique taco creations, including special offerings from trucks that don’t normally serve tacos.
8/18
Foxing
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave., Grand Rapids
Aug. 18, 7 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Foxing is a genre-blurring indie rock band from St. Louis known for their emotionally raw songwriting, cinematic soundscapes, and ambitious experimentation. Since their 2013 debut, The Albatross, they’ve evolved far beyond their emo and post-rock roots, embracing orchestral flourishes, synth-pop textures, and art-rock ambition. Whether playing in intimate clubs or sprawling festivals, Foxing delivers catharsis in every note.
8/21
Hardy - Jim Bob World Tour
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
Country rock artist Hardy, “the pride of Philadelphia, Mississippi,” has earned a reputation as “a promising purveyor of keeping the spirit of classic heavy Southern rock alive” (American Songwriter), “capable of writing the big hits for radio, obstinate enough to do something completely unexpected, and savvy enough to find the throughline for it all” (Rolling Stone).
8/23
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon
Aug. 23
burningfoot.beer
This is not your ordinary beer festival. Burning Foot is a celebration of beer, beach, art, and music. The festival is held in August along Lake Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore. Beach camping and barefoot entry make it unique, the Brewers’ Ring makes it extraordinary.
8/28
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
sectionlive.com
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus broke into the mid-2000s post-hardcore scene with their explosive debut Don’t You Fake It, fueled by the hit single “Face Down” and its unflinching message against domestic violence. Blending emo intensity with pop-punk hooks and a touch of screamo, the Florida-based band became a staple of the alternative rock wave. Over the years, they’ve evolved their sound while staying true to emotionally charged roots and socially conscious lyrics, building a loyal fanbase and a reputation for passionate shows.
