Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival 2024
2024-11-21 - 2024-11-23 | DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Now in its 17th year,

this Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food and spirits, this Festival will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palate.

Ice Breaker Festival 2025 - South Haven
2025-01-31 - 2025-02-02 | Downtown South Haven, Downtown South Haven, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Ice Breaker Festival is a FUN, FROSTY, WINTER CELEBRATION! Held annually on the first weekend of February, it’s a time when the quiet winter streets of South Haven HEAT UP with activity and people!
West Michigan’s predominant and growing winter festival is showcasing dazzling ice sculptures, chili cook-off, cardboard sled races, pub slide, outdoor ice skating, horse drawn wagon rides, s’mores roasting and many more exciting activities throughout downtown South Haven.
The not-to-be-missed highlight of this annual event is the sculpting of more than 30 blocks of ice, weighing 300-600 pounds each, into incredible works of frozen art. The Ice Sculpting competition has two divisions – professional and amateur. Take a stroll around downtown to see all of the “cool” designs! While admiring all the amazing ice displays, be sure to enjoy the Pub Slide, with food, drink, and entertainment specials offered at participating bars and restaurants all weekend long.
The streets of South Haven will be blazing on Saturday, February 1st as the SHJYL “Heat the Streets”, offering fire pits open for s’more roasting! Also on Saturday, the Professional Chili Cook-Off provides downtown South Haven restaurants & bars the opportunity to vie for the coveted “Con Carne Trophy”. Visitors will be tempted with delicious chili creations from 23 participants, and votes will decide whose chili will win the trophy! Trophies for the chili cook-off and ice carving competition will be awarded during the champions of ice awards reception on Saturday evening.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides throughout town, or take the family ice skating at the rink in downtown South Haven. There will also be a great variety of family-fun activities throughout the weekend.
Plan now to join us for the annual Ice Breaker Festival 2025!

Date and Time
Friday Jan 31, 2025 Sunday Feb 2, 2025

January 31st – February 2nd, 2025

Location
Downtown South Haven

IAK SpringFest in Okemos Michigan 2025
2025-04-26 | Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49048, United States
Celebrate Community and Culture at IAK SpringFest in Okemos Michigan 2025
Each spring, the city of Okemos, Michigan transforms into a vibrant tapestry of culture, faith, and community spirit during the beloved IAK SpringFest in Okemos Michigan 2025. This family-friendly festival, hosted by the Islamic Association of Greater Lansing (IAK), brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the essence of spring through food, fun, and fellowship.
Held on Saturday, April 26, this annual event offers a welcoming environment where diversity is embraced, traditions are honored, and smiles are shared freely. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor passing through, SpringFest offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local Muslim community while enjoying live entertainment, delicious eats, and kid-friendly activities.
A Celebration for Everyone
SpringFest isn’t your average spring festival. It’s rooted in the spirit of inclusion, education, and goodwill. The event is hosted at the Islamic Center in Okemos, a spacious and inviting venue where attendees can experience the warmth of hospitality that IAK is known for.
Festival-goers can look forward to food trucks offering everything from savory halal street food to international desserts like baklava, falafel, shawarma, and samosas. Enjoy warm mint tea or freshly made fruit smoothies as you stroll through the vibrant marketplace and vendor booths featuring local artisans, handcrafted jewelry, henna art, books, and more.
A Family-Friendly Affair
IAK SpringFest in Okemos Michigan 2025 is designed with families in mind. The kids’ zone includes bounce houses, face painting, games, and interactive storytelling sessions. Parents can relax and socialize while their children are safely entertained in the enclosed activity area.
In addition, there are educational booths where families can learn about Ramadan, Islamic history, and Michigan’s diverse Muslim population in a non-religious, informational format. Volunteers are available to answer questions and encourage cultural exchange in an open, respectful space.
Live Entertainment and Cultural Performances
The stage at SpringFest comes alive with cultural dances, spoken word poetry, calligraphy demonstrations, and musical performances that showcase the rich artistic traditions of the global Muslim community. From South Asian tabla beats to Arab drumming ensembles, each performance is a celebration of multicultural heritage.
Interactive sessions include calligraphy stations where visitors can have their names written in Arabic, storytelling circles led by local authors, and community discussions on unity and diversity.
Why You Should Attend
The IAK SpringFest isn’t just a festival—it’s a movement toward building bridges across cultures and faiths. It’s an ideal event for anyone looking to broaden their worldview, support a local mosque doing outreach, and enjoy the festive side of Michigan’s multicultural landscape.
With free admission, ample parking, and a warm atmosphere, this event stands out in the April event calendar.
source: Facebook

The 47th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival 2026
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-07 | Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI, 48226,, United States
Jazz Luminaries Ron Carter, Bob James, Ravi Coltrane, Artemis, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets and more to hit the 2026 Detroit Jazz Festival Stages

Jazz Luminaries Ron Carter, Bob James, Ravi Coltrane, Artemis, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets and more to hit the 2026 Detroit Jazz Festival Stages
DETROIT – The Detroit Jazz Festival, the world’s largest (and best) free jazz festival, tonight announced this year’s amazing lineup during a livestreamed preview event at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center on the campus of Wayne State University. The evening featured live performances from the 2026 Artist-In-Residence jazz titan, saxophonist Joe Lovano along with Lamy Istrefi (drums), Leo Geovese (piano), and John Menegon (bass).
“Each year, we strive to raise the bar artistically while staying true to what makes the Detroit Jazz Festival so special – and 2026 is no exception,” said Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. “This year’s lineup brings together some of the most celebrated and innovative voices in jazz today – from legends like Ron Carter and Bob James to boundary pushing artists like Ravi Coltrane, Artemis, and Kurt Elling with Yellowjackets – creating an unforgettable experience for fans of all generations.
“Just as important, we remain deeply committed to producing a world-class festival that is free and accessible to everyone. That mission is only possible because of the incredible support from our patrons, sponsors and community partners, whose belief in the power of jazz allows us to keep this tradition alive and thriving in Detroit.”
The Detroit Jazz Festival will be held in Hart Plaza downtown Detroit, Sept. 4-7 (Labor Day weekend).
The 2026 partial lineup:
Friday, Sept. 4

2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet, featuring Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano, Will Calhoun
Miles Electric Band
Tia Fuller featuring Shamie Fuller-Royston – “Fuller Sound”

Saturday, Sept. 5

Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report
Artemis
Bob James
Ravi Coltrane Quartet: Centennial Celebration
Skylar Tang
African Rhythms Alumni Quintet ‘Celebrating the Centennial of Dr. Randy Weston’ TK Blue – alto saxophone, flute; Alex Blake – bass; Neil Clarke – African percussions; Frank Lacy – trombone
Gabrielle Cavassa
Cyrille Aimée Quartet
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

Sunday, Sept. 6

2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet: Sound Prints Featuring: Lawrence Fields, Yasushi Nakamura and Rudy Royston
Vijay Iyer Trio with special guest, Adam O’Farrill
Take 6
Catherine Russell
Nduduzo Makhathini
INSTANT ALTER featuring Natasha Agrama Clarke and Emilio Modeste
Luca Ciarla solOrkestra

Monday, Sept. 7

Coltrane 100 – 2026 Artist-In-Residence Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts – Both Directions at Once
Cindy Blackman Santana
Joey Alexander Trio
Ron Carter & Foursight
The Django Festival Allstars with Special Guest Grace Kelly

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About the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation
Under the leadership of President and Artistic Director Chris Collins, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that presents jazz and educational workshops throughout the year. The Foundation produces the Detroit Jazz Festival, which is the signature event for the Foundation and the largest free jazz festival in the world. The Festival is also a major tourist attraction for the City of Detroit, with 26 percent of its audience coming from out of state. For more information, visit detroitjazzfest.org.
The Detroit Jazz Festival is supported by the Gretchen C. Valade Endowment for the Arts, a private foundation generously created by the late Angel of Jazz, Gretchen C. Valade. The Foundation also receives grant funding from the DTE Foundation, Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, Kresge Foundation, the Knight Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest and the Carolyn and Mel Wanzo Music Legacy Endowment. Hundreds of individuals also contribute to the Festival through membership and donations.
Major corporate partners include Rocket Companies, Carhartt, JPMorgan Chase, AARP, Absopure and Kia.
Since 2009, the Detroit Jazz Festival has been produced by the acclaimed Detroit-based production group, Paxahau.
Media partners include Fox 2 Detroit, 760 WJR, WEMU-FM, DownBeat, WDET-FM 101.9, WRCJ 90.9 FM, Channel 22, City of Detroit’s new arts and entertainment channel, and Detroit PBS, WJZD Radio, WJZZ Detroit Jazz Radio, and DETIPTV.
About Paxahau
Paxahau is a world-renowned production and promotion company specializing in music festivals and live events, always placing the highest priority on music and experience. Since 1998, the Paxahau brand has established itself as a leader in event production, rooted firmly in Detroit’s rich musical heritage.
The company first gained recognition as an underground dance music promoter in the early 90s and is now in its 20th year as producer of the Movement Music Festival, recognized globally as one of the longest-running dance music events in the world. Since 2009, Paxahau has been entrusted with managing operations and production for the Detroit Jazz Festival, bringing the same commitment to excellence, artist experience, and world-class production that defines their body of work.
For more information, visit:
Website – www.detroitjazzfest.org
Facebook — @DetroitJazzFestival
Twitter — @DetroitJazzFest
Instagram — @DetroitJazzFest
