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Taste the World Returns to Grand Rapids: Food, Drinks, and Live Music Weekend

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/21 .. d-rapids-food-drinks-and-live-music-weekend.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 11:04 GMT by fox17online

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Taste the World Comes Back to Grand Rapids: Food, Drinks, and Live Music for the Weekend

If you’re in Grand Rapids this weekend, you’ll want to add one event to your itinerary: Taste the World, the city’s most celebrated food‑and‑drinks festival. According to a feature on Fox17Online, the festival returns on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at the bustling Grand Rapids Downtown Market. The event promises a culinary adventure that spans continents, a lineup of live performers that will keep the energy high, and a range of kid‑friendly activities that make it a perfect outing for families.

Why “Taste the World” Is a Must‑See

First launched in 2015, Taste the World has grown into a signature Grand Rapids event that draws both locals and tourists. The festival’s mission is simple: give Grand Rapids residents a passport‑style experience that allows them to sample world cuisines, craft beverages, and local music without leaving town. The 2024 edition promises to be even bigger, with more vendors, more stages, and an expanded schedule of activities.

Where and When

The event takes place at the Downtown Market, a popular indoor venue that has become a hub for food lovers. The market itself spans several stories of historic brick buildings and is surrounded by a lively pedestrian zone, making it easy to explore without a car. The festival will occupy the entire market space, and the park’s wide open lanes will be the backdrop for live stages.

• Dates: Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9
• Time: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (with certain stages open later)
• Location: Grand Rapids Downtown Market, 200 S Grand River Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

A full map of the market and the festival layout is available on the official Taste the World website under the “Map & Directions” section. The map highlights the vendor booths, stage areas, restroom locations, and the kids’ zone.

Food & Drink Highlights

The core of Taste the World is its diverse array of food and drink vendors. From the aromatic spice blends of India to the fresh seafood of Japan, the festival is a global journey in one place. Here are some of the standout offerings:

The festival also showcases a rotating lineup of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, giving attendees the chance to taste Grand Rapids’ burgeoning craft beverage scene. Some stalls will offer pairing suggestions that match specific dishes with appropriate drinks, providing a culinary guide for those who want to experiment.

In addition to food and drink, there are interactive cooking demos and tasting sessions that run throughout the weekend. For instance, the “Salsa Dazzle” station on Saturday will teach visitors how to make authentic salsa while sampling the finished product.

Live Stages and Entertainment

Music is a pillar of the festival. The Fox17 article highlights three stages, each with a distinct vibe:

1. The Main Stage (South Wing): Features local indie bands, DJ sets, and occasional surprise guests from the Grand Rapids music scene.
2. The World Stage (East Wing): Focuses on world music acts, offering a mix of folk, Afro‑beat, and Latin rhythms.
3. Kids’ Stage (North Wing): Dedicated to children's music, puppet shows, and interactive storytelling.

A schedule of performances is posted on the festival’s official site under the “Live Music” tab. This schedule will provide exact times and artist lineups, allowing attendees to plan their weekend. Some performers will also host “Meet & Greet” sessions after their sets, adding a personal touch for fans.

Family‑Friendly Features

For those bringing kids, the festival is packed with activities designed for all ages. A dedicated “Kids’ Corner” offers:

• Mini‑Chef Kitchen: Children can learn how to make simple, healthy snacks.
• Arts & Crafts: Stations where kids can create food‑themed artwork.
• Interactive Story Corner: Short reads about food cultures around the world, tailored for younger audiences.

Parents can relax in the “Chill Zone,” a shaded seating area that provides free Wi‑Fi and a small café that serves healthy, kid‑friendly snacks.

Getting There & Practical Information

The Downtown Market is well‑connected to public transportation. A list of bus routes and stops is available on the City of Grand Rapids website, as referenced in the Fox17 article. The venue offers ample parking, but on‑site parking can be limited, so car‑pooling or rideshare services are recommended.

All visitors are encouraged to follow the festival’s safety guidelines: mask‑wearing for indoor spaces, frequent hand‑washing stations, and optional temperature checks upon entry. Food vendors adhere to strict health‑and‑sanitation standards, and all drinks are served in disposable cups or containers.

Tickets, Donations, and Support

The festival is free to attend, but certain activities (like the cooking demos and special performances) may have a small fee. The official website’s “Donate” page invites supporters to contribute to the festival’s operational costs, ensuring that future editions continue to thrive. Corporate sponsors—including major local companies and the City of Grand Rapids—help fund the event and also showcase their own food and drink offerings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun family outing, Taste the World offers a little something for everyone. From the mouth‑watering international cuisine to the eclectic music lineup, the festival captures the essence of Grand Rapids’ diverse community. The Fox17 article provides a comprehensive snapshot, and the linked resources—such as the festival map, live music schedule, and vendor list—offer deeper dives into each aspect of the experience. Mark your calendar for June 8 and 9, and get ready to embark on a culinary and cultural journey right in the heart of Grand Rapids.