This Festival is an Art, Music, Science & Tech Mash Up
Confluence Fest is the annual Grand Rapids celebration where art, music, science, and technology come together.
It’s a free, two-day event happening in downtown GR that coincides with ArtPrize and serves as the final event of Tech Week GR.
Held at Rosa Parks Circle over September 20 & 21, 2024, it’s a go-to destination for curious and innovative people.
The Festival has six areas to explore, and there’s something exciting to do everywhere you look.
Bring your family to enjoy lots of hands-on activities and cool inventions that everyone will love.
what’s going on
How to Know if Confluence Fest is for You
- If you like free stuff, this is your festival.
- If you like drones, rockets, cool tech demos, or trying out new gadgets, this is your festival.
- If jamming to live music or a DJ sounds like a good time, this is your festival.
- If you’re looking for hands-on family fun during ArtPrize, this is your festival.
- If watching a robot parade march through the city sounds cool, this is your festival.
- If you like seeing what’s new in art, this is your festival.
Event Details
Location
Rosa Parks Circle: 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dates & Times
Friday, September 20, 2024: Friday@Confluence (6-10 PM)
Saturday, September 21, 2024: Main Festival Day
Kickoff Party – Friday@Confluence
Fri, 6 – 10 PM (Sept 20, 2024)
- AI-powered art with hands-on experiences
- Gallery-style fashion presentation
- Culinary creations showcasing innovative food tech
- School of Rock’s instrument petting zoo
- Live music & DJ sets
- Local artisan pop-up market
- Food trucks, outdoor bar with Tito’s cocktails
Super Smash Bros – Innovation Showcase
Sat, 10 AM-6 PM (Sept 21, 2024)
Super Smash Bros. tournament on a giant outdoor LED screen in Rosa Parks Circle
Free-play gaming area for everyone
Displays of gaming furniture and setups
Robotics Parade & Robot Expo
Sat, 10 AM- 4:30 PM (Sept 21, 2024)
Robot street parade through the festival
Robot demonstrations from local school teams
Design your own robot shell and watch it come to life on a robot
10 AM–1 PM: Morning Expo
1 – 1:30 PM: Robot Street Parade
1:30 – 4:30 PM: Afternoon Expo
Future Innovators Zone (FIZ)
Sat, 10 AM- 6 PM (Sept 21, 2024)
Perfect for kids and families, including:
- Hands-on science and tech activities
- STEAM-based playground for kids of all ages
- Various educational booths
Maker Expo
Sat, 10 AM- 6 PM (Sept 21, 2024)
Part science fair, part tech meet up, this is a DIY enthusiast’s dream, featuring:
- Meet the makers & see their inventions/creations
- Various hands-on stations
- Shop the DIY maker community
Mark Your Calendars for Confluence Fest!
In its fourth year, each year of the Confluence Festival is different, but the focus is always on removing borders and expanding minds.
Come see what they’ve got up their sleeves in 2024.
And plan on your kids not wanting to leave until they’ve tried it all!
Confluence Festival Recap
