Explore Grand Rapids like a local with our insider’s guide to ArtPrize. From parking tips to the best food spots and must-see art installations, we’ve got your perfect downtown ArtPrize day covered!
It’s that time of year again – ArtPrize has returned to Grand Rapids. As locals who work in the heart of downtown on Ionia Ave, we’re pretty lucky to experience the city on a daily basis. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned ArtPrize pro, we’re here to give you the insider scoop on how to make the most of your day exploring the city and soaking in all the art and culture this event has to offer.
Here’s our take on where to park, what to pack, and how to hit all the best spots for a memorable ArtPrize day.
Let’s face it, the first challenge of any downtown visit is parking. And while street parking can be an option, our advice is to keep it simple and stress-free by using a parking garage. Specifically, we recommend the Studio Park garage on the south side of downtown. It’s easy to access, and starting your day here sets you up for a smooth journey north through the city’s best spots.
Plus, Studio Park offers the perfect bookend for your day – if you’re up for it, you can cap off your ArtPrize experience with frozen yogurt or catch a movie at their luxe theater before heading back to your car.
ArtPrize is all about exploring, so pack light but smart. Here’s our quick checklist:
Once you’ve parked, start your journey by heading north up Ionia Avenue. This brick-paved street has a great vibe, lined with food spots and shops, but we’re going to point you toward one of the main hubs: Rosa Parks Circle.
This area will be buzzing with ArtPrize installations, food trucks, and all kinds of pop-up events. A must-see is the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) just steps away. Whether you pop in for a full experience or just admire it from outside, it’s always worth checking out. Plus, those front steps are a solid meet-up spot if you're coordinating with friends.
After you’ve explored Rosa Parks Circle, make your way to the Blue Bridge – it’s only a few blocks away. The bridge is always a popular spot during ArtPrize, and the views along the Grand River are unbeatable. From here, we recommend heading west toward the Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, then taking a short stroll to Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
This park is a little slice of serenity in the city, with a walking path that curves along the water and offers some peaceful views. Plus, you’ll find more art installations here, framed by the natural beauty of the park and the river. Take a breather and enjoy the moment – watching the river move through the rapids is one of our favorite calming experiences downtown. This is like our mini-mini version of Central Park (lol.)
After visiting the blue bridge and ah-nab-awen, now would be a good time to head back into the city. At this point you’ve likely worked up an appetite so we’re going to dive into some of our favorite spots.
*Disclaimer, we do marketing work for HopCat, Scholar and Nightwatch. They totally deserve to be on this list though. We wouldn't work with them if they weren't top notch.
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Lucky for you, Grand Rapids has no shortage of awesome places to grab lunch. Here are our top picks:
Need a caffeine fix? Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or just need a quick iced coffee, we’ve got you covered:
If you’re wrapping up the afternoon and looking for a place to unwind with a drink, there are plenty of great options, but here are a few of our favorites:
Note: Wiseman, Sidebar, and Nightwatch are really fun places to go as well. All three of these are quite small in square footage, so it can be a bit tough to get a table if you have a party of more than 2 people. But if you snag a table and are in the mood for a darker, more intimate setting, you’ll have a great experience.
If you're a beer person, don't worry, we didn't forget about you. If a cold one sounds good, Founder's and New Holland are great local staples that are totally worth checking out. This time of year, their outdoor patio space is where you want to be!
After a day of exploring, it’s time for dinner. Here’s where we’d recommend ending your day:
Note: Leo’s and Chop House are two of the best spots to go downtown, but they’re a bit more traditional and formal, which might not be what you’re looking for after walking around the city for a few hours. A lot of guests will be wearing sport coats. If this is what you’re in the mood for, you’re in for a premium experience. Enjoy!
You’ve walked the city, seen some incredible art, enjoyed great food and drinks – now it’s time to head back to Studio Park. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, grab frozen yogurt, or if you’d rather wind down, catch a movie at Celebration Cinema Studio Park. With comfy seats, a full bar, and food service, it’s easily the best theater experience in town.
And just like that, your car is only steps away for an easy exit after a full day in the city.
New to ArtPrize this year is activations located in EastTown. Venues with art displays will feature a sign outside that says "Venue," letting you know they are an artist vendor. If we were in EastTown, we'd make a candle at WaxPoetic and then go to Yesterdog for a bite to eat.
That’s our guide to enjoying ArtPrize in downtown Grand Rapids! We’re so excited to welcome everyone to the city for this awesome event. Whether you’re here for the art, the food, or just the experience, you’ll find something to love about Grand Rapids during ArtPrize.
If you have any questions or want more tips, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram at @launchkitdesign – we’re happy to help. Enjoy your time downtown!
