GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Get ready to try new cuisine and watch some iconic dragon boat races—the Global Water Fest is returning to Grand Rapids this weekend!
Each year, the festival boasts food from around the globe, live music, an artisan market featuring young entrepreneurs and more.
The festival is hosted by the GR Asian-Pacific Foundation, and this year marks the fourth year the event is taking over Grand Rapids. The organization's website said the festival is held "to celebrate diverse global cultures and strengthen community ties" in West Michigan.
On Saturday, July 27, you can watch 20 teams of community members from local businesses and nonprofits as they take on the annual dragon boat races. Each boat has 14 paddlers and a drummer. The four boats then race along the Grand River to take home the win.
13 ON YOUR SIDE will have two boats of paddlers in the race—so keep an eye out if you plan to watch the races!
On Sunday, July 28, you can try your hand at the dragon boats. Community members can race the boats for free, as well as take paddle boards onto the river.
The music, performances, vendor booths and food trucks will be set up in Canal Park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Learn more about the event and how you can participate here.
