Return to the River Festival is Back!
Hey Grand Rapids! Get ready for a fun-filled weekend by the Grand River.
The Return to the River Festival is returning for its fourth year on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 2026, with interactive activities, live music, art installations, and food for all ages.
The event is free and kicks off at 1 PM each day in the North Monroe neighborhood along the riverwalk at 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park, and Sixth Street Bridge.
No tickets needed, just show up, dress up (costumes encouraged!) and enjoy. We love a good festival and this is a fun one!
in this article
Return to the River 2026 Details
Dates & Times
Saturday, August 22: 1 – 11 PM
Sunday, August 23: 1 – 8 PM
Locations
The festival spans three connected Riverwalk locations: 555 Monroe, Sixth Street Park, and Sixth Street Bridge, all within walking distance.
Lineup + Schedule of Activities
This year’s festival includes DJ sets, live music acts, vendors, artisans, and community organizations on the Sixth Street Bridge for the Pleasant Peninsula Market.
Get excited for some really cool art installations and entertainment activities along the riverwalk.
Headliners include:
What to Expect at Return to the River 2026
At 555 Monroe
- DJ and Electronic Music Stage: Featuring 17 DJs throughout the weekend.
- Live Bands: Saturday, 1 – 11 PM; Sunday, 1 – 8 PM.
- Saturday’s Lineup: Father Abraham, ALTôH, Lord Vybee, Kribbs, Ojos De Gato, Coconut Connie, Gerdie, Speedtek, VEIL, & VALI UNA.
- Sunday’s Lineup: SVVITCH, Mellow, QURL, Problematic Black Hottie, Raedy Lex, LADYMONIX, & Zen Selekta.
- Free Face Painting: Saturday, 1 – 8 PM; Sunday, 1 – 8 PM.
- Body Marbling: Saturday, 1 – 8 PM; Sunday, 1 – 8 PM.
At Sixth Street Park
- Live Bands: Saturday, 1 – 11 PM; Sunday, 1 – 6:30 PM.
- Saturday’s Lineup: Botala, Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Baraka, Grupo Super Nova, Hail Your Highness, Money Soup, & Anastasia Elliot.
- Sunday’s Lineup: Kula Yoga Vinyasa, Silver Creek Revival, Bleau Otis, & David Sharp Worlds Quartet.
- Interactive Art: Don’t miss this year’s immersive art exhibits, POP! by Gentilhomme and Astral Relics by FuzzPop Workshop. These glowing art exhibits combine imagination and wonder.
Also at Sixth Street Park on Saturday and Sunday, 1 – 8 PM:
- Body Marbling
- Interactive Activities
- Hand Drawn Portraits
- Photobooths
- Food Trucks & Snack Carts
On Sixth Street Bridge
Merchant’s & Makers will host an artisan market packed with over 65 vendors offering custom jewelry, toys, art of all kinds, skin care, home decor items, food, clothing and more. Saturday and Sunday, 1 – 8 PM.
Additional Activities
From free cotton candy to live aerialists and acrobatic performances, there’s so much to see and do at the Return to the River festival. Here are a few more activities and offerings you can expect at this year’s Return to the River fest.
Free Books: provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library, Schuler Books, and Cellar Bird Books
Scavenger Hunt: Explore along the riverwalk to complete the “Furberts” Wizard Quest
Puppy Petting Zone: the Humane Society of West Michigan (Saturday from 1 – 5 PM)
Refreshment Zones
Food Truck Rally: Expecting over 20 local and regional Food Truck Vendors for 2026, serving everything from tacos to BBQ, pizza, empanadas, and desserts.
Grab & Go Adult Beverages: Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the Downtown Refreshment Area. Participating establishments include Noodlepig, SpeakEZ Lounge, Embassy Suites and City Built Brewing.
Extras for Families
Shaded Seating & Water Stations: Stay cool and hydrated at shaded canopy areas, and refill water bottles for free.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment: Look out for family-centric activities like storytelling sessions and outdoor games designed to keep both kids and adults engaged.
Low Sensory Zone: At the west end of the Sixth Street Bridge for attendees who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of music and activities.
Insider Tips
Take advantage of the free educational walking tours, where kids can learn about local wildlife and river conservation.
Participate in the public art scavenger hunt, a fun way to explore and spot hidden gems along the river.
Parking and Accessibility
Street Meters: Meters east of Division Avenue are free after 5 PM, while meters west of Division Avenue charge until 6 PM. You can use the MOTU app to pay by credit card.
Free Downtown Shuttle (DASH Bus): Enjoy a free shuttle service every 15 minutes from DASH lots with low parking rates. Plan your route here.
Parking Lots: Here’s your best options for parking lots:
- ADA & Volunteer Parking: 544 Monroe Ave NW (2-minute walk from 555 Monroe)
- Ellis Parking Company – MSU: 432 Monroe Ave NW (7-minute walk from 555 Monroe)
- DeVos Place Ramp: 238 Michigan St NW (9-minute walk from 555 Monroe)
- Government Center Ramp: 300 Monroe Ave NW (11-minute walk from 555 Monroe)
- Area 7 DASH Parking: 301 Mt Vernon Ave NW ($4 full-day rate, 16-minute walk or free shuttle every 15 minutes)
- Area 9 DASH Parking: 250 Seward Ave NW ($3 full-day rate, 20-minute walk or free shuttle every 15 minutes)
Dog-Friendly
Dogs are welcome, but use your best judgment based on your pet’s comfort in crowded settings. If your dog is reactive toward other dogs or people, it’s best to leave them at home.
See You There?
Come on down to Return to the River! Enjoy the riverfront, connect with your community, and experience everything from art & music to family-friendly interactive activities in one fantastic weekend.
