Return to the River uses public spaces to build community in Grand Rapids

Get ready to Return to the River—two days of live music and entertainment for all ages – plus food and drinks from the local places that make Grand Rapids grand !

Return to the River is a conscious effort by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc (DGRI) to use the public spaces along the Grand River and build community.

The free events include food trucks, a speaker series from Pleasant Peninsula, the Creative Cube, and more on the Sixth Street Bridge and in Canal Park.

Food Trucks at Return to the River

Patty Matters
Pressed In Time
PizzaMI
Los Pinches Tacos
Crepes by the Lakes
Sanse Filipino Cuisine
Haggerty's
Roasted Red's
Kona Ice
Olly's Donuts
Furniture City Creamery
Dolce Mini Cakes
Semifreddo
Around Baking Company
Underground Cookie Club
Eastown Cereal
Ohana Hawaiian Ice.

Free kayak rentals will be available, 1-5 p.m. courtesy of GR Outside and the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department—Plus a scavenger hunt!

Downtown Refreshment Area establishments serving alcohol during Return to the River:

Noodlepig
SpeakEZ Lounge
Embassy Suites
City Built Brewing
Garage Bar & Grill
Chicago Beef Joint
Linear Restaurant.

DGRI will be out talking to people about their plan to install public art in the area to invite even more community activities to the spaces along the river.

Grab a map and check the line-up — The fun kicks off Saturday, Aug 24 at 1 p.m.!