Events

 January

1^sst week in January :  annual Victorian Dinner fundraiser.  The elegant Voigt House dining room will be the scene of this one-of-a-kind event, where each evening ten guests enjoy an eight course Victorian-style dinner served by costumed maids and butlers.  The table will be resplendent with the original Voigt china, silver and crystal.  The proceeds from the purchase of the dinners benefit the programming at Voigt House Victorian Museum.

February        

Jump Start

This UICA fundraiser began in 1986 as a small gathering of artists who wanted to purchase one another's art. The event is now held on the Saturday closest to Valentines Day and has grown into a highly anticipated auction of unique artwork.

April

2nd week  Walk Michigan  Lincoln Park

mid-month:   YWCA Take Back the Night  Walk Downtown

3rd week:  Pietro's Run Fasta  Eat Pasta 5K Run  Southeast Grand Rapids

May

1st weekend:  Daffodil Parade    Black Hills  North of Hall, West of Godfrey

Mid-month:   Walk Michigan  Plaster Creek Trail

3rd week:   John Ball Arts and Crafts Fair  John Ball County Park

Last weekend:  Grand Macker  Calder Plaza and Downtown Streets

Memorial Day weekend:   Ceremonies and Parade  Downtown Streets

June

1st weekend:   Annual Festival  Downtown

1st weekend:   Front Runners 5K Run  Riverside Park

mid-month:   Antique Car Show  Riverside Park

mid-month:    Walk Michigan    Huff Park Nature Walk

3rd weekend:   Lesbian/Gay Life Celebration  Riverside Park

Last weekend:   Fishing Derby    Richmond Park

July

4th of July Celebration    Ah-Nab-Awen Park

1st weekend:  Hollyhock Lane Parade  Calvin/Giddings Area

mid-month:   Kids Park Party  Lincoln Park

mid-month:    Band Concert in the Park    Riverside Park at Guild Street

mid-month:    Walk Michigan    Riverside Park

3^rd week Richmond Park Festival    Richmond Park

3^rd week American Legion Parade    Downtown Streets

end of month German Fest    Calder Plaza

end of month Peacefest    Garfield Park

end of month Band Concert in the Park    Riverside Park at Guild Street

August

3-5 Soul of the City    Calder Plaza

7 National Night Out    Kick-Off  Martin Luther King Park 

mid-month:   Festa Italiana   Calder Plaza

mid-month:    Celebration in the Park    Aberdeen Park

mid-month:   Walk Michigan    Garfield Park

mid-month:    Riverside Arts and Craft Fair    Riverside Park at Guild Street

end of month Polish Festival    Calder Plaza

September

Labor Day Parade and Rally    City Streets and John Ball County Park

first week  Celebration on the Grand  Downtown    Fireworks: Friday  Parade: Saturday

first week   Hispanic Festival   Calder Plaza

mid-month:   Mexican Independence Day Festival    Calder Plaza

mid-month:    Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off    LaGrave at Fulton

October

Pulaski Day Parade    Bridge/Stocking/Walker Streets

November

Veterans Day Parade    Downtown & Veteran's Memorial Park

mid-month:    Jaycee's Santa Claus Parade    Downtown

End of month:   Brew-ICA

 UICA's ever-popular annual beer-tasting .Celebrate the art of beer with over 80 microbrews from Michigan and around the world. Beer,  h'ors d'oeuvres as well as the bluegrass

December

Children's Christmas Parade    S.E. Grand Rapids Streets

Holiday Artists' Market

UICA's Holiday Artists' Market features the original works of over 40 artists from throughout the Midwest.   Original art includes paintings, jewelry, pottery, textiles, glass, photography and sculpture.  Free admission.

Early in the month

Annual Holiday Artists Market, featuring gift items by over 40 West Michigan artists, holiday music and munchies. Friday : 5-9 pm; Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. Admission Free.