GRNow Weekend Guide July 2-5, 2010 E-mail
Fourth of July celebrations top the list of holiday weekend events, including fireworks shows in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Grandville, Holland, East Grand Rapids and more. Also this weekend, the U.S. Table Tennis Open continues at DeVos Place, LZ Michigan pays tribute to Vietnam Vets at Fifth Third Ballpark and the Gerald R. Ford Museum unveils its newest exhibition.

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Friday (07/02)

B-52's - The rock quartet best known for 'Love Shack' and 'Rock Lobster' takes the stage at Heritage Landing for the Muskegon Summer Celebration concert. KC & The Sunshine Band opens; tickets are $18 for youth and $35-$65 for adults.

U.S. Table Tennis Open - The largest table tennis competition in North America takes over DeVos Place this weekend with 90 tables and more than 600 top rated players. General spectator admission is $5-$30 and the general public can play in the US Open Novice unrated events for $15-$30.

From School House to White House - The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum's newest exhibition engages visitors with documents, artifacts and photos drawn from from twelve Presidential Libraries to reveal interesting details about the children who would grow up to become presidents. The exhibit runs through October 3, 2010 and is open daily. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for youth.

All Friday Events


Saturday (07/03)

American Idol Live! - See the top ten finalists from American Idol Season 9 at Van Andel Arena, including Crystal Bowersox, Andrew Garcia, Michael Lynche, Didi Benami and Idol winner Lee DeWyze. Tickets: $40.50-$70.50.

LZ Michigan - Vietnam War Veterans will receive an official 'welcome home' this Saturday starting at 2 p.m. at Fifth Third Ballpark. The event will pay tribute to the Veterans and invites their families and the general public to join in the celebration that will feature speakers, special exhibits, a motorcycle rally, live music, fireworks and more. General admission tickets are $10, Vietnam Vets are free.

Kentwood's 4th of July - Kentwood's annual parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 3 at the corner of Eastern and 52nd Street and proceeds to Kalamazoo and 60th. The fireworks show at dusk will be held at the City Center (4900 Breton Rd SE).

Tonic - Muskegon Summer Celebration continues with headlining act Tonic. The Grammy-nominated band reached the Billboard Charts with "If You Could Only See" and "Take Me As I Am" before going on hiatus until 2008. Now back together, the alt/roots band takes the stage with Candlebox and Default. Tickets: $18-$61.

Holland 4th of July - The Celebration Freedom Festival at Kollen Park on Saturday, July 3 starts at noon with live bands, dance and choral groups performing until the fireworks show at dusk.

All Saturday Events


Independence Day (07/04)

Grand Rapids 4th of July Family Fireworks - The Michigan Lottery, Amway and Spartan Stores present this year's Independence Day activities and fireworks in downtown Grand Rapids. Live music and entertainment at Ah-Nab-Awen Park starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks display begins at dusk.

Front Row for the Fireworks - Enjoy exhibits, carousel rides, planetarium shows and organ concerts at the Grand Rapids Public Museum while waiting for the fireworks show over the Grand River to begin. As darkness falls, stay inside the air-conditioned Museum or head to the enclosed lawn seating area. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids and proceeds benefit Museum programs.

East Grand Rapids Fireworks - EGR's 4th of July Celebration gets underway with the parade at noon, followed by the annual water ski show, games and activities and live music. The fireworks launch at dusk.

West Michigan Whitecaps - Celebrate Independence Day at Fifth Third Ballpark as the 'Caps take on the Dayton Dragons. The first 1,000 kids in the stadium eat free, the first 1,000 fans will receive a free t-shirt and a special July 4 fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets are $5+.

All July 4th Events


Monday (07/05)

Grandville's 4th of July Celebration - The annual parade (11 a.m.) and fireworks (dusk) on Monday, July 5 cap off an entire weekend of events like all-star baseball and softball games, a pancake breakfast, a community worship service, an arts and crafts festival and more.

All Monday Events