Family events in Kentwood, MI

Set outdoors in downtown Grand Rapids, the artisan jewelry market brings makers together beneath the Market Shed at Grand Rapids Downtown Market to showcase rings, necklaces, bracelets, beaded items, accessories, and other adorned wearables. A dedicated charm bar highlights Italian charm bracelets and handmade floral resin rings. After exploring the market, visitors can step into the Market Hall for a bite to eat.

Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2026, a big-screen collection of standout feline moments gathered from fan submissions, animated shorts, music videos, and beloved viral classics. The program runs approximately 70 minutes and is not rated. In keeping with the festival’s partnerships with local animal organizations, a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Second Chance Cats of West Michigan. This volunteer-run rescue in Grand Rapids focuses on providing cats with the time, medical care, and patience they need to thrive, has placed over 1,400 cats in homes since 2021, and uses free-roaming rooms to better understand each cat’s personality for thoughtful matches. Due to last year’s sellout, two screenings are planned this year.

A summer pickleball camp at Dinks and Dingers invites kids ages 5 through 15 to stay active, learn the game, and have fun in a supportive setting. Over the course of the week, participants practice fundamentals, play friendly matches, and build confidence while making new friends. The camp welcomes beginners as well as seasoned young players, with activities designed to keep everyone engaged and moving. A discounted lunch option is available after camp. Space is limited, and additional sessions are offered.

Kick off the new school year at the Kentwood Farmers Market with an evening of family-friendly fun. Enjoy music, games, giveaways, and activities for children of all ages as summer winds down. Savor bites from Airborne Burritos, Sugary Snowballs, and Taste of Toya’s World. Explore a wide range of market vendors, including 24K Gold Coffee, Acacya Plant Care, Aly Jay's Cake Pops, Arts & Crafts, Cloudscape Hill Lavender, Coit Farms, Daily Indulgence, Equitable Access, Golden Turmeric, Inspired Homemaker, JJ's Gift Baskets, Love Lotus Artistry, Mi true north kitchen, Nugget Woodcrafts, Ruimin Studio, Smoke'n Butts BBQ, Sticks & Stones by Brooke, The Great Bread Company, The Power of the Tongue, Uniquely Made Kreations, and Wright's Pretzel Bites. Back-to-school partners will also be on hand, including Autism Center at Wedgewood, Girl Scouts, Kent County Oral Health Coalition, Meridian Health, MSUE, and W2W Healthy You. Sponsored by Gillis Family Chiropractic and Corewell Health. The market runs rain or shine.

Guided barn tours at Hestóvin Stables offer a friendly look at the horses and an overview of the stables’ programs in a calm, welcoming setting. Tours are available by appointment only, and advance registration is required to reserve a time.

This after-school hangout for middle school students takes place in the 180 and offers a relaxed space to unwind with friends. Attendees can enjoy group games, time to connect, and pizza in a welcoming setting focused on fun and community.

Stay cool at GR Skate and Event Center Kentwood with a midweek roller skating session in an air-conditioned rink. For $10, enjoy skating along with unlimited pizza and pop. A relaxed way to add some fun to the week.

Admission is free for everyone on Thursday evenings at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, made possible by the Meijer Foundation. Explore current exhibitions and take part in free Thursday night events offered throughout the year, and pick up a snack or beverage from the museum café. A Thursday night event calendar is available to help plan a visit.

Pretty Kool closes out the Summer Concert Series on the lawn at Kentwood City Hall with a high-energy performance spanning favorites from the 1970s through today. The Grand Rapids-based band keeps the crowd singing and dancing. Food trucks on site include Desi's Tropical Sno Shack, Dune Buggy, S&S Bailey's Concessions, and Tarriko Taqueria. Guests may bring beer or wine, and leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for relaxed seating on the grass. The series features ten concerts in total.

The 21st Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise presents a two day Main Event at the Rogers Plaza Town Center parking lot in Wyoming, celebrating cars, family, friends, food, music, and entertainment, with free admission throughout the venue. Stroll the signature Collector Car Row to see a diverse showcase of more than 240 vehicles from local private owners, from a 1923 Ford T-Bucket to a 2025 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Hennessey, with show cars displayed across the grounds. More than 40 local sponsors and vendors will offer giveaways, freebies, and games, and official Metro-Merch will be available at the west end of the venue near the Metro-Main Stage. A complimentary shuttle in partnership with The Rapid provides service from the Wyoming High School parking lot and the Kent District Library – Wyoming Branch, with free parking and frequent loops throughout the event. The Food Court presented by Honor Credit Union features 24 vendors serving a wide range of favorites, including BBQ, smash burgers, sausages, authentic tacos, quesadillas, pizza, hot and iced coffee, fresh lemonade, elephant ears, shaved ice, cotton candy, sno-cones, funnel cake, and more. Families will find activities at the Cumulus Media Kids Entertainment Tent in Metro Square near the stage, including face painting, rock painting, coloring sheets, and wooden building kits, with nearby attractions such as a paintball tunnel, climbing wall, and a scavenger hunt. The Metro-Main Stage will host seven live performances with free admission, and the Miss Metro Cruise Finale will feature the final 10 pin-up contestants in a judged competition with local celebrity judges and lively audience participation, culminating in the crowning of Miss Metro Cruise 2026. LUCKYS SELF SERVE DYNO on Plummers Disposal Metro Way offers a popular dynamometer experience where high-end sports cars and tuned classics are tested, with speeds topping 160 mph, located by the Planet Fitness storefront at the east end of Rogers Plaza, and participant registration is available. For safety, a strict no-burnout policy is enforced by police due to busy walkways and viewing areas close to the road. Volunteer opportunities span more than 15 roles, including support for the kids area, dyno viewing, surveys, event improvements, venue setup, and the information tent, with a free T-shirt, snack, and drink provided.

With a new location and schedule, the Unity in Motion Festival is set to deliver an expanded, free, family-focused celebration of movement, creativity, wellness, and community connection. After the City of Kentwood canceled the original plans for safety and weather reasons, the event has been relocated to Gezon Park in Wyoming, Michigan, offering more space, cooler conditions, and additional activities. Expect free catered lunch and ice cream while supplies last, games, outdoor camp experiences, community vendors, wellness resources, raffles and prizes, plus a back-to-school supplies giveaway. Programming includes dance and movement for kids, teens, and adults, creative arts stations, hands-on wellness experiences, interactive activities for families, and information about outdoor skills, biking, and movement programs. There will also be opportunities to learn about Cultivating Futures’ Power MoveMent youth dance and movement program alongside other enhanced therapies and wellness supports. Presented by Cultivating Futures, this inaugural gathering aims to bring the community together for an energizing end-of-summer sendoff.

Now in its fifth year, this official Metro Cruise weekend PIT STOP transforms the shared parking area behind Oakestown Mall and Borgman Ford in Grandville into a lively showcase of vehicles, demonstrations, games, and food. The attractions include the Folsom State Prison bus, multiple monster trucks such as the one titled America Land of the Free, and the All Horned Up and Inventory Liquidation race trucks. Car enthusiasts can check out more than 150 vehicles from the West MI Mustang Club along with rides from the Mike Stone car club, and a custom semi-tractor by Todd Gilliland will be on display. The Grandville Fire Department will present two Jaws of Life extrication demonstrations. Guests can enjoy lawn games like ladder ball, cornhole, and connect four, while kids can get creative with an art project led by the Cradle to Crayons Art Club and take part in activities with Boy Scouts Troop 292 of Grandville. Food options include Mexican favorites from Kitchen La Familia such as carne asada fries, quesadillas, and tacos, Australian snacks from Boomerang Bites like sausage rolls, potato cakes, ANZAC biscuits, and honey joys, and sweet treats from Cruisin’ the Street Sweets including soft serve ice cream, pretzels, floats, waffles, and lemonade.

Woodchip Campground hosts the Wagz Dogs cart for an afternoon serving Chicago-style hot dogs, chili dogs, Italian beef, and more. This local favorite has been named the best for Chicago-style hot dogs in West Michigan. Visitors who are not camping are welcome to stop by the food truck. Enjoy your meal in the covered pavilion, and check in at the office to pick up a parking pass for your vehicle.