Jalsa: Festivity of Food & Culture
2026-01-11 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
“Jalsa” is an invitation to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of India, celebrating in the richness of life. Celebrate the vibrant culture of India at this outdoor celebration!

What to Expect:

Live Music and Dance Performances: Groove to folks, fusion and bollywood beats blending traditional and modern sounds.
Traditional Food Available for Purchase: Enjoy a variety of regional foods from across India, including samosas, pani puri mithai and more!

Schedule:

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: Slow Rock & Folk Music
2:00 PM – 2:50 PM: Bollywood & Zubeen Garg Songs
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM: English, Bollywood & Assamese Songs

Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition
2026-02-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for a Snow Snake Competition, a traditional northern Native American winter game. Competitors slide their homemade “snow snakes” down a long snow trough; the one that travels the farthest wins.
All competitors must make their own snow snake (prior to the event) to compete. Practice snakes will be available for anyone who wants to give it a try, but to compete, they must build their own.
How it works:

Registration: Happens on-site at the event. Arrive early to sign up and practice.
Build Your Snow Snake: Bring your own home-made snake to compete. Competitors must make their own at home.
Throw Your Snow Snake: Each competitor gets three throws. The farthest single throw wins.

Competition Structure

You must make your own snow snake to compete.
Competitors are placed into brackets based on age and gender.
Each bracket winner receives $50.
All bracket winners advance for a chance to win the $500 grand prize.

Winning
The competitor with the farthest distance in each category wins their bracket. The farthest throw overall wins the grand prize.
Brackets Compete in the category that fits your age group:

0–5 years
6–12 years
13–19 years
20–34 years
35–54 years
55+ years

Schedule

11:00 AM – Registration & practice rounds open
12:00 PM – Competition Begins. (End of event time determined based on how many participants there are and how long each bracket takes.)

Order of competition

Kids Compete
Teens Compete
Adult Females Compete
Adult Males Compete
Elders Compete
Scoring
Closing Ceremony & Awards

Noodle Fest
2026-03-01 11:00 - 18:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Welcome to the ultimate noodle throwdown. Sample, vote and help name West Michigan’s best bowl.

What to Expect:

$6 Noodle Bowls: Try a variety of flavorful noodle dishes—all just $6 each.
Vote for Your Favorite: Use your tokens to vote and help crown the $500 winner.
Spicy Noodle Challenge: Up for the heat? Compete for a chance to win!
Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances and cultural entertainment throughout the event.

Vendor Participation
Think your noodle dish deserves the crown? We’re looking for vendors ready to compete for the title of Best Noodle Dish in West Michigan.
Vendor Fee: $200Registration Deadline: January 1
Register here to join the competition.
