Futsal, Music, Food and Family Fun Highlight GR Hispanic Festival
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
The 39th annual Hispanic Festival will take over Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. Whether you’re celebrating your heritage or expanding your cultural horizons, the Hispanic Festival is a fun, family-friendly celebration for all.
Here are our top five things to check out at this year’s event.
- Futsal: Close to 600 young athletes will take part in the 3rd annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network 3v3 Futsal Tournament. The fun will take place on four courts on Ottawa Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Music Memorabilia: If you love Latin music, you’re in for a treat! The McDonald’s® FiestaTour annual Latin GRAMMY® Experience will visit Grand Rapids as part of a 19-city United States tour. “The McDonald’s FiestaTour will provide additional excitement for Hispanic Festival attendees as well as spotlight Grammy winners of Latino descent,” said Roberto Torres, executive director, Hispanic Center of West Michigan. The exhibit will feature games, prizes, and clothing and accessories worn by Latino Grammy winners when their awards were presented, plus a music listening station and social media wall. The experience is free and open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
- Live Music: Along with memorabilia from famous performers, you can catch local and regional acts live and in person. Plan your visit here.
- Food and Shopping: Food booths at this year’s festival will represent a variety of Latin American countries and a market will be set up with clothing, flags, jewelry and more.
- Kids’ Fun: Family-friendly activities are scheduled throughout the festival, making it a great destination to bring the kids. Find a schedule here.
The festival is the largest fundraiser supporting the programming of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Funds raised go toward educational programming for the Latino and broader population toward self-sufficiency, investing in families, adults and children.
Festivities will take place this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27 from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Photo credit: Images courtesy of the Hispanic Festival, used with permission.
Editor’s note/disclosure: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are proud sponsors of this event.
