Residents turn out for Grand Rapids' 175th B-day

A Band plays live at the Grand Rapids 175th birthday celebration at Rosa Parks Circle, June 7, 2025.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (APN) — The city of Grand Rapids celebrated turning 175 years old with a large birthday party on June 7th, 2025, inviting the city's residents to join in on the fun downtown.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Breonna Taylor Way was filled with tables from city departments and local vendors.  

Rosa Parks Circle was packed as people enjoyed the many activities, games, food and music the city made available for attendees at the celebration.

"It should happen more often," a participant said.

With temperatures in the 80s, children had a splash in the city's fountain.

There was a long line for the dunk tank as people wanted to get their shot at city officials, who were good sports and enjoyed meeting families.

The Grand Rapids 175th birthday celebration will continue in the coming months with the city planning more events.

"The Brewers Guild of Grand Rapids, obviously, we’re in beer city, they’re doing a 175th celebration of beer. That’s going to be citywide," said JD Waldvogel, City of Grand Rapids Strategic Marketing Communications Specialist. 

To keep up with the latest events of the Grand Rapids 175th celebrations, visit the City of Grand Rapids' website or social media pages.