09/26/2026
🎨One of my absolute favorite times to explore Grand Rapids is officially here.
We spent the day wandering around ArtPrize, and these are just a few of the pieces that stopped us in our tracks. From giant outdoor sculptures The Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum and a sparkling butterfly that definitely earned Aria’s approval 🦋to Amway Grand Plaza that featured an upside-down car and the incredible Lady of the Lakeshore— there is SO much to see this year.
And honestly, that’s what I love most about ArtPrize. You don’t necessarily need a plan. Walk downtown, turn a corner, step inside a building and suddenly you’ve found something completely unexpected.
A few GR Bucket List tips:
ArtPrize runs September 18–October 3, 2026
💰 It’s FREE to explore
🗺️ Use the digital ArtPrize map to plan your route
🗳️ VOTE! You can vote for as many entries as you love, once per entry every 24 hours. Your first vote needs to be cast within the ArtPrize boundaries.
And if you’re bringing kids — DO IT. ❤️ Watching them decide what is amazing, weird, beautiful or completely hilarious is half the fun.
Looking for plans Sept. 26–27? Here are a few you don’t want to miss:
✨ DoodleStreet at Downtown Market
🎨 SouthPrize Voting Day
🎶 Wealthy Street Block Party + Shrek under the stars
🦁 ArtPrize HalfTime Party at John Ball Zoo
🧱 Brickworld LEGO at DeVos Place
We’ve only scratched the surface, so tell me:
👇 What ArtPrize piece is YOUR favorite so far? Drop the name or location below so we can add it to our next GR Bucket List adventure!