What’s happening in West Michigan this weekend (June 22 and 23)

KENT COUNTY, Michigan — If you can’t believe it, June is already more than halfway over, and with warm temperatures in West Michigan, many people are taking advantage of the opportunity for outdoor activities.

From a Pride festival to celebrating Celtic culture and an electronic music festival to spending time in nature, there’s plenty going on if you’re looking for things to do this weekend.

Grand Rapids Grand Fondo
The Grand Rapids Gran Fondo returns this weekend with cyclists of all skill levels. The “big ride” includes four courses, celebrity riders and the largest finish festival in Grand Rapids. The handcycling event includes an 80-mile race, a 40-mile race, a 25-mile race and a family ride. It takes place on Saturday, June 22nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funds raised at this event benefit Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Click here for more information.

The Grand Rapids Pride Festival
Pride Month lasts all of June, but this weekend in Grand Rapids you can support the LGBTQ+ community by attending a festival hosted by the Grand Rapids Pride Center. This year marks its 36th year in downtown Grand Rapids. Since its inception in 1988, it has grown and is now known as one of the city’s largest single-day events. The event brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community, businesses, allies, and organizations to celebrate diversity and inclusion. There will be over 100 vendors, a beer garden, entertainment such as a drag show, and activities for teens/youth. This is a free, family-friendly event and will take place on Saturday, June 22nd from 12-8 p.m. in Calder Plaza. To view the schedule or learn more, click here.

Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival and Highland Games
The Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. The event will feature performances by Irish/Celtic bands, Irish and Scottish dance schools, food, drinks and music. Visitors can explore their Celtic genealogy, watch Scottish athletes compete in events and even take the kids to a designated area. Tickets start at $12 and run from 9am-11pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

Jerico Fair
On Saturday, June 22, Kalamazoo will once again host a seasonal fair featuring a collection of more than 50 local makers and artists. There will be shopping, live music and food. Vendors from across Michigan will sell handcrafted art, objects and goods including textile art, prints, ceramics, jewelry and woodwork. Admission is free and it is an indoor/outdoor event. It will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Jerico. Click here for more information.

Fair at Lake Odessa
The Lake Odessa Fair is back for its five-day festival, which runs through Sunday, June 23. The 89-year-old event features a volleyball tournament, parade, live music, car show and derby night. It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. Tickets are $15 per person, with children under five admitted free. Click here to view the full schedule or to purchase tickets.

Electric Forest
Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd are the final two days of the 12th annual Electric Forest. Headliners for the final day include Excision, Charlotte de Witte, and OverDrive. Tens of thousands of people from across the country and the world have traveled to Rothbury to set up camp at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury. If you still want to participate, head to the wristband exchange page on their website.

Pure Michigan Trail Challenge
Hello nature lovers! The South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is inviting people to participate in the inaugural Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge. The challenge, which runs through October 2024, offers participants a game-like experience at 11 different locations in area parks, trails and nature preserves. To win a prize, participants must virtually check in at each checkpoint. Each person who completes the challenge will receive a South Haven Pure Michigan Trail Town hat. Participation is free. Click here to register.

“The Robot Zoo” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
This weekend, you can check out The Robot Zoo, the newest exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It features eight robotic animals and over a dozen hands-on activities for visitors. Animals include a giraffe, rhinoceros, chameleon, giant squid and platypus, among others. Each robot moves similarly to the creatures it is modeled after. The inner mechanics of the robots are visible, so you can get a clear look at how they were built and designed. The Robot Zoo will be on display through September 22nd. The exhibit is included with general admission to the museum. Click here for more information.