Grand Rapids Summer Bucket List 2018

Summer unofficially kicks off this weekend and let me tell you I’m really excited. Bring on the warm weather, afternoons at the pool, dinner on the grill, and savoring the long nights with friends and family outdoors. To make the most of my favorite season I created a summer bucket list of things to do this summer in Grand Rapids. Happy summer friends!

Drive to the Lakeshore

We’re so lucky to live so close to Lake Michigan so there’s no excuse to pack your beach bag and head to the water. Take a drive to Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck or South Haven and enjoy some sun and fun at the beach.

Enjoy a Movie Outdoors

Don’t miss Movies on Monroe this summer with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. starting on June 8. You can find a lineup of movies on their website (I’m excited to see The Greatest Showman again) so you can enjoy your favorite movies with friends and family.

Kick Off Summer With Festival of the Arts

Celebrate the local arts and try some amazing food at Festival of the Arts running June 1-3. With musical performances, local artists and many food booths there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Festival of the Arts.

Catch a Concert Outside

The Fifth Third Bank Concert Series at Meijer Gardens kicks off May 30-September 3 this year. Check out the lineup of great artists coming to Grand Rapids this summer and enjoy the great weather while listening to your favorite tunes. Meijer Gardens also offers their Tuesday Evening Music Club which is free for Meijer Gardens members.

Also, check out GRAM on the Green this year at The Grand Rapids Art Museum. The full lineup is coming soon but this is a great way to enjoy downtown and listen to amazing music.

If you work downtown head to Rosa Parks Circle for Relax at Rosa where you can grab food from local food trucks and catch a short concert featuring local artists.

Get Ice Cream

You guys know I absolutely love ice cream (I’m seriously obsessed). With the warm weather an ice cream cone is a must and I’ve put together a list of my favorite spots in Grand Rapids. Enjoy!

Dine Alfresco

Don’t miss your opportunity to dine outdoors this summer at some of the best patios in Grand Rapids. This list needs to be updated but some of my favorite spots to dine alfresco include Donkey, Butcher’s Union, Sovengard, and Sandy Point Beach House.

Go to Michigan’s Adventure

I grew up going to Michigan’s Adventure every summer and always had such a fun time with friends and family. The best part is it’s a short drive from Grand Rapids and the rides are fun for all ages. They also have a great water park to cool down on the hot summer days.

Restaurant Week Grand Rapids

Save the date for Restaurant Week Grand Rapids coming August 8-19. This is a fun way to try a new restaurant or try something new at one of your favorite restaurants. Stay tuned for more information!

Grab Your Friends for a Whitecaps Game

Baseball and summer are the perfect combo so head out to Fifth Third Ballpark for a Whitecaps game this summer. Check out the full schedule and meet your friends for a fun time enjoying the great weather and entertainment.

Enjoy a Weekend Getaway

Ready for a little getaway this summer? Head up north or take the train to Chicago for a fun weekend away.

Pack a Picnic

I love packing a picnic and heading to a park or the lake to enjoy some snacks outdoors. One of my favorite spots to stock up on picnic items is Martha’s Vineyard for cheese, crackers, wine, beer and delicious items from the deli.

Read a New Book

Now is the perfect time to start a new book that you’ve been dying to read. Check out a book from the Kent District Library and spend some time outdoors with a page turner.

Pick Berries

Have you ever picked your own strawberries? Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market offers U-Pick options for strawberries that are great for eating or making strawberry jam (my favorite tradition with my mom and sister).

Enjoy S’mores

This is mandatory on my summer bucket list because I’m obsessed with s’mores. I even have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to all things s’mores. I’ve tried out fo the box options for making s’mores and trust me just keep it simple and you can’t go wrong.

Try a New Recipe Using Local Ingredients from Fulton Street Farmers Market

Take advantage of all the delicious local produce during the summer months that you can pick up from the Fulton Street Farmers Market. Try making a new recipe finding the ingredients at the farmers market!

Have Dinner in the Field

Green Wagon Farm is hosting dinner in the field this season! Check out their event page for details and dates for the events this summer. This is great for date night or gathering with friends.

Watch the Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythefield Country Club

If you haven’t been the to the Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythefield Country Club this is your year to check it out. Happening from June 12-17 this is a great event for the whole family to enjoy!

Try SUP Yoga

Have you tried yoga on a SUP (stand up paddleboard)? This summer Funky Buddha Yoga is offering classes at Reed’s Lake so check out the schedule to give it a try!

Download this FREE Summer Bucket List checklist:

What’s on your summer bucket list? Leave a comment below with what you’re excited to this summer.