Tag Archives: live music

Kentwood debuts Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, featuring food trucks, beer tent, live music, farmers market and more




By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is debuting its Fall Festival to celebrate the change in seasons with food trucks, a beer tent, live music, a farmers market and activities for community members of all ages to enjoy. 

The free-to-attend festival will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, on the lawn of Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

“We look forward to celebrating the start of the fall season as a community with a variety of outdoor activities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “We have something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to lean into your competitive side in the volleyball competition or scarecrow building contest or opt for a relaxing activity like visiting the farmers market or artist vendor booths.”

The farmers market will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the food trucks, beer tent, artist vendors will be available 11 a.m.to 8 p.m. The beer tent features craft beers and seltzers from Railtown Brewing Company as well as other local seasonal and domestic beers.

Food Trucks: from barbeque to kettle corn, and much more

There will be an array of food trucks offering cuisines like barbeque, tacos and burgers as well as sweet treats like kettle corn, cheesecake, ice cream, donuts and more.

Local artist vendors and farmers market

Local artist vendors will feature goods like jewelry, posters, woodwork, books, home décor and more. Farmers market vendors will sell everything from fruits and vegetables to coffee and baked goods and much more.

Live music starts at 11 a.m.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Hot Leslie, followed by DJ SnaxAstro Jackson and RocknSoul. Attendees will hear everything from rock and pop to blues and hip-hop.

The Fall Festival also will feature a scarecrow building competition for all ages. Each team of two to four people will have an hour to create a scarecrow. The straw, stuffing, and stake will be provided, but each team will need to bring all additional materials such as clothing and accessories to dazzle the judges at 4:30 p.m. Teams can pre-register online and are required to pay a $10 entry fee.

Free children’s activities: face painting, bobbing for donuts and more

Free activities for children of all ages also will be offered, yard games and face painting throughout the event. At 1:30 p.m. there will be bobbing for donuts and at 2:30 p.m. there will be pumpkin rolling.

The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics.

Volunteers are needed for helping at the Kids Fun Zone. Sign up to support this new community event and find additional event details and volunteer requirements at kentwood.us/FallFest.

Community invited to Kentwood’s Kickoff to Summer Celebration on Saturday, June 8

WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages slated for Saturday, June 8.

The Kickoff to Summer Celebration features a variety of food trucks and artist vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities, live music and cornhole and beach volleyball tournaments in the area around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with another fun festival that has something for all ages,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a fantastic lineup of food, artists, musicians and activities, we’re looking forward to a full day of sharing the best in summer flavors, sights and sounds.”


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The free-to-attend festival will begin with a beach volleyball tournament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courts near City Hall at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The tournament features four-player teams competing for a championship prize of shirts and a $100 credit toward this fall’s Kentwood Parks and Recreation indoor volleyball league.

The volleyball tournament is limited to six teams. The cost to participate is $100 per team. Those interested can register online or call 616-656-5270.

Food trucks, artist vendors and the beer tent will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the festival. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. More than 15 artists will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods varies by vendor.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Jessie Ray and the Carolina Catfish, followed by DJ Snax, Lighting Matches and Par-llo Connection.

The cornhole tournament runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. The double-elimination tournament concludes with a trophy awarded to the top team.

Each cornhole team consists of two players, and participants must be 18 or older to compete. The cost to participate is $40. Only one teammate needs to complete the registration online or by phone at 616-656-5270.

Kids activities such as face painting, an obstacle course, hoop shoot, and an art activity are offered throughout the day.

The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and NN Autocam Inc., gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.

Volunteers are needed for the festival. To find more event information and sign up to volunteer, visit KickoffToSummer.

(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Fiesta Caribeña spices things up Oct. 18th at DeVos Performance Hall

By WKTV Staff

 

Live music! Dance performance! Salsa classes! DJ Tony Banks! Local art!

 

That’s what’s in store with Latin Entertainment Series: Sean Blackman presents Fiesta Caribeña, featuring Armando Vega and Junior Mathieu Thursday, Oct. 18th at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

Tickets are available at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box office; online at Ticketmaster.com; and charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

  • $25 General Admission
  • $40 VIP includes reserved seating and 2 complimentary drinks.

For more info, visit DeVosPerformanceHall.com.