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Family Friendly Events—August

Even while the summer months are dwindling, there is still so much happening. It’s time to soak up the last few days of sun before the kiddos head back to school. Take a look at these must-attend events for the month of August.

Art in the Park

August 2
9:00am–4:00pm
Centennial Park, Holland

This event draws in one of the most substantial influx of visitors to the city in a single day. The park is taken over by hundreds of white tents filled with local vendors for visual art booths, hands-on activities, and arts-n-crafts. Peruse the park with an open mind and purchase a unique piece to showcase in your home. Take a look at the event details here.

People walk through Art in the Park.

National Night Out

August 5
5:30–8:00pm
Kollen Park, Holland

This is a nationwide organization that aspires to gather the community around appreciation for various nonprofits and local forces: police and firefighter. This event aims to promote partnerships with these branches of enforcement and the surrounding community. More information here.

Kids getting refreshments and bracelets at National Night Out.

Music on Main Street

August 7 & 21
6:00–9:00pm
Church and Elm Street, Zeeland

Take to the Downtown Zeeland streets on Thursday evenings in August for live music, food trucks, and yard games. If you’re looking for a low-key night of fun to tucker out the kids before bed, this is it. Enjoy a game of corn hole or hit up the splash pad! Check out for more information on the City of Zeeland's website.

Singer at Music on Main Street.

Music on The Grand

Every Friday in August
6:00–8:30pm
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven

Schedule
August 8: The Schrock Bros Band
August 15: Freshwater
August 22: The Insiders: A Tom Petty Tribute

As you head into the weekend, spend an evening on the channel listening to the sounds of summer. Grand Haven Free Fridays hosts free concerts every Friday evening throughout the month of August. Each concert showcases local talent with the help of a different nonprofit. The motto: “Music everywhere, for everyone.” So throw down a cozy blanket or chair and take a seat… the music is about to start.

Movie in the Park—Mama Mia!

August 8
8:00–11:00 pm
Coghlin Park, Saugatuck

If you have a few teenagers at home with nothing to do, send them out for a movie in the park. This evening, sponsored by Mill Pond Realty, puts you right on the marina waters under the stars for a showing of Mama Mia! There will be singing and dancing to all the ABBA hits. Make sure to bring your lawn chair, cozy up in a blanket, and sit back for an experience that feels like you may just be in Greece on the sparkling beach! More details found on the Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Community watching a movie at Movie in the Park.

Chalk It Up

August 13
9:00am–1:00pm
Harvey Street, Hudsonville

Have doodlers at home? Sick of seeing marker art on the walls? Take your little artists to this free event where they can decorate the pavement any way they want. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend! Chalk will be provided and contestants can even enter their pavement creations for a chance to win a giveaway. There will also be craft stations, soft play equipment, and the Kona Ice Truck. As a parent, you may want to visit the Terra Square Farmers market across the street while your little ones “chalk it up.” Details on the Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce website.

Chalk mural created at Chalk It Up.

Aviation Day 

August 16
8:00am–12:00pm
West Michigan Regional Airport, Holland 

This is one event you will not want to miss! The West Michigan Regional Airport in Holland, partnered with Wings of Mercy, hosts the event for a day filled with “food, fun, and flights!” This event is open to the public, though some fees apply for certain events, linked below. Check out their event page

There is a plethora of activities at hand: 
• Wings of Mercy West Runway 5k and Pancake Breakfast: Register before August 16
• Free Flights for Kids 8-17 with EAA Young Eagles: Register before August 16
• Flight Simulations with Flight Path 
• Hooligans Flight Team Flyover 
• Face Painting 
• Classic Car Show with Vintage Car Club of Holland

Kids enjoying a flight at Aviation Day.

Historic Boardwalk Tour

August 19
10:00–11:30am
Grand Haven Pier, Grand Haven

If you have a kiddo interested in history, take a peek at booking a tour to see the lighthouse in Grand Haven. This is a free opportunity for a two-hour walk led by Jeanette Weiden. Learn about the unique connection with the Coast Guard, the chronological construction of the pier and its lighthouse, and the many tales of the harbor. This is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Make sure you register here.

Guide giving a tour at the Historic Boardwalk Tour.

Bark in the Park

August 23
9:30am–1:00 pm
Windmill Island Gardens, Holland

Got a furry friend at home? Or are your kiddos just mesmerized by four-legged friends? Either way, you can tend to your interests at Bark in the Park, an event that features groomers, trainers, endless treats, accessories, and local canine organizations. There will be agility and dog sport demonstrations. Be prepared to see many happy tails at this event! Details can be found on the Discover Holland website.

Dog enjoying Bark In The Park.

Christ is King 

August 23
12:00–7:30pm
Downtown Grand Haven 

Schedule
12:00pm: Festival Kickoff 
1:00–4:00pm: Cornhole Tournament (Located at Waterfront Stadium) 
12:00–6:00pm: Inflatable Games (Located at Splash Pad to Chinook Pier)  
12:00–7:00pm: Food Trucks (Holy Smokes and Papa’s Tacos) 
6:00–7:30pm: Night of Worship (Waterfront Stadium)  

Join the community for an afternoon of entertainment and worship. This is a free, all-age celebration of Jesus Christ, where His name will be “unapologetically proclaimed throughout the entire day.” It’s geared to be inclusive to families, church groups, and individuals alike. Bring your friends, your kiddos, or someone you know who is navigating their faith. The event will be hosted across Downtown Grand Haven, against the backdrop of the waterfront. For more details, take a look at their website.  
 
Volunteers
They are still searching for volunteers to help the event run smoothly, so if you’re interested, register at their website. They offer a free tshirt and $15 food truck voucher as a thank you for serving them!

Worship at Christ is King.

Battle on the Boardwalk

August 28 & 29
All day
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven

This recurring tradition features boys and girls teams competing in a volleyball tournament right on the water. This event is free to witness. So while you take a stroll along the boardwalk, make sure to stop by and see what the Battle on the Boardwalk is all about.

Players compete in the Battle on the Boardwalk.

The Found Cottage Mercantile Market

August 29 & 30
9:00am–4:00pm
Ottawa County Fairgrounds, Holland

You might want to plan on visiting the fairgrounds for this event. The Found Cottage is hosting more than 150 unique vendors featuring both vintage, antique, and handcrafted items. From clothing to homemade treasures to throwback items, you’ll be sure to find something of interest. The event will be accompanied by food trucks if you find yourself hungry. There is a cost of $20 to attend both days or $10 for a single day—kiddos are admitted at no cost. Check out the details on the website.

Booth at The Mercantile MarkeT.
About the author:

Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.

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