Festival of the Arts in Big Rapids the heart of West Michigan
Experience winter creativity, music, culture, and community connection during the Festival of the Arts, a multi-week celebration of performances, workshops, exhibits, films, and educational events in the heart of Big Rapids.
Each February, the Festival of the Arts brings together artists, musicians, educators, and guest presenters from across West Michigan and beyond, offering a vibrant mix of programming for all ages. From live jazz and classical concerts to hands-on art workshops, cultural discussions, film screenings, and family-friendly experiences, the festival showcases the power of the arts to inspire, entertain, and bring people together.
Reasons to Explore
- Live Music and Performances Festival audiences can enjoy an exciting lineup of concerts featuring jazz ensembles, folk groups, indie artists, tribute performances, and world-class classical musicians. Events range from intimate acoustic shows to energetic big band performances, celebrating both regional talent and internationally recognized performers.
- Art Exhibits and Gallery Experiences Throughout the month, visitors can explore rotating art exhibits at Artworks and local venues, highlighting painting, illustration, public art, and community storytelling. Special receptions and artist meet-and-greets offer opportunities to connect directly with creators and learn more about their work.
- Workshops and Creative Classes The Festival of the Arts features a wide variety of interactive workshops for adults, families, and children. Participants can try new artistic skills such as pottery, fiber arts, printmaking, flower arranging, henna design, birdhouse building, and more, with many sessions offered free or at low cost.
- Film Screenings and Cultural Programs Film lovers can attend special screenings, classic movie events, and documentary presentations paired with discussions and guest speakers. Cultural programs also explore regional and global history, community identity, and storytelling through engaging panels and lectures.
- Film Screenings and Cultural Programs Film lovers can attend special screenings, classic movie events, and documentary presentations paired with discussions and guest speakers. Cultural programs also explore regional and global history, community identity, and storytelling through engaging panels and lectures.
- Family-Friendly and Inclusive Events The festival welcomes families with children’s programs, sensory-friendly experiences, hands-on crafts, and community-building opportunities designed for participants of all ages and abilities.

Plan Your FOTA Experience
- Explore the Calendar: Dive into the full schedule of events below and plan your perfect Art Adventure!
- Pick up your Festival of the Arts Booklet: Located at the Welcome Center and other locations around Big Rapids
- Support the Arts: Become a patron of the arts and help keep FOTA free for everyone by making a donation HERE.
Exhibits
The Big Rapids Festival of the Arts 2026 features a diverse array of art exhibits showcasing the work of both local and regional artists. Expect to encounter thought-provoking installations, vibrant paintings, awe inspiring photos, and much more. These exhibits offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the community and discover new and inspiring perspectives.
Find An Event
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
GR Stories: A Panel Discussion
Bean Around the World, presented by Dylan Perkins
FSU Marching Band—The Making of a Documentary
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
An Alfred Hitchcock Sampler, with Barbara Pillsbury
Artwork Artist Reception featuring "Tyrannosaur" creators Ted Halm and Mikey Mumah
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
You Can Uke, with George Arndt
Youngman and Oldmen
Lines, Loops, and Lost Words: A Community Art Project
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
An Evening of Scenes & Songs presented by FSU Theatre Department
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Cliff Monear and Miguel Guttierez
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Cellphone Video Editing, with Levi Arrington
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Knitting Workshops, with Knitters Anonymous
Creativebug Art & Craft Workshops
Label to Table: Nutrition Facts and Cooking Skill for Health Presented by Corewell Health Big Rapids
Alaskan Ten-week Trip, presented by Amy Buse
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
“Immediate Family” Film Screening with Denny Tedesco presented by FSU Arts and Lectures
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
An Alfred Hitchcock Sampler, with Barbara Pillsbury
Creativebug Art & Craft Workshops
Shore Thing: You’ll Find Something (Probably) presented by Mark Gifford
FSU MEBA Student Musical Showcase
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
You Can Uke, with George Arndt
Exit Music (for the End of Time): Sergei Kvitko, piano
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
Cross Stitching with Jana Farrier
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Ferris State University International Festival of Cultures
Korean Traditional Music: Honoring the Past and Adapting for the Present
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Birding 101, presented by Joe Lipar
Energy Medicine: Meridians, Chakras, and Auras, Oh my! presented by Deb Rozek
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Knitting Workshops, with Knitters Anonymous
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
An African Safari, presented by Luke Wyckoff
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Caring for Creation: Native Gardening for Pollinators presented by Jessica Gregory
Work at the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory presented by Max Henschell
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Immersive Audio Demonstration presented by Michael Kreple
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
An Alfred Hitchcock Sampler, with Barbara Pillsbury
Amity by Nathan Harris presented by Novel Tea
Creating a Birdseed Wreath, with Karen Manoski
Art in the Dark
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Creating a Tropical Bouquet
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
You Can Uke, with George Arndt
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
What the #@&% Happened? with the Ed Mallett Quartet
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Artworks Exhibit: Tyrannosaur: The Making of an Indie Comic
Creating a Birdhouse, with Dr. Peter Zadvinskis
Hawks & Owls String Band
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Third Coast Swing, with special guests Dave Bennett and Grant Flick
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Henna Tattoo Workshop, with Erin Dumond
FSU Digital Media Student Showcase
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Knitting Workshops, with Knitters Anonymous
Creativebug Art & Craft Workshops
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
10 Countries, 25 Stops, 70 Days presented by Bruce Dilg
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
“Quo Vadis, Aida?” Screening and Discussion sponsored by FSU Shoah Committee
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Motown History, with Paul Kwant
Art Exhibit Immanuel Lutheran Church - Justin Kellner: Birds
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
An Alfred Hitchcock Sampler, with Barbara Pillsbury
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Women and Songs of Revolution with Venus Envy
FSU Jazz Band with special guests WSCC Jazz Ensemble I
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
You Can Uke, with George Arndt
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Northern Stringworks
GR Stories: The 14th Amendment Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids
Sense-sational Saturday
Strings & Things, with Budd Greenman and Zach Potter
Artist Reception - Justin Kellner: Birds
Daxson and Sarah Lewis
2026 Festival of the Arts Closing Concert with FSU Band and Orchestra