The Vintage and Handmade Marketplace returns to the Downtown Market!

​Sunday, April 28 — 10am-4pm
Sunday, June 23 — 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 29 — 10am-4pm

Shop 60+ of the best regional vintage and handmade vendors displaying their treasures under the Market Shed and throughout the parking lot. Enjoy a curated selection of clothing, accessories, decor, and more. Shop, stroll, listen to a live DJ, then head inside for a bite to eat from our Market Hall merchants. This FREE event is presented by Vintage in the Zoo.

Click here to learn more.

Thursday, June 20 | 11am-5pm
THIS EVENT IS NOW INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR PUBLIC DINING AREA

The Downtown Market is launching a brand new public event that revolves around outdoor interactive science activities!

The Michigan Science Center brings their traveling science exhibit to Grand Rapids with 10 hands-on stations that introduce K-7 students to cutting edge science concepts and technology. Explore energy conduction, vacuum chambers, sea level studies, memory games, robots, flying machines, and more. Each activity station relates to real-world STEM career professionals. Have a blast with exciting scientific action, then grab a bite to eat from our Market Hall merchants!

Apply to become a volunteer at the event.

Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids returns to the Downtown Market with with three exciting 2024 dates!

Saturday, May 25— 10am-1pm
Saturday, September 7 — 10am-1pm
Saturday, October 12 — 10am-1pm

Join us at the Downtown Market as we host Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids and their 150 exotic, European, classic, tuner, muscle, custom, and show cars. Enjoy the vehicular view at this free event, then head inside to fuel up with a bite to eat from the Market Hall, serving lunch, snacks, beverages, dessert, and more.

Join us in the Downtown Market Banquet Room on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 pm for an evening of networking and knowledge sharing at Culinary Conversations: Demos with a Side of Dialogue Part II!

We'll be teaming up with the American Culinary Federation to feature three local chefs. Each chef will demo their signature dishes while sharing the stories behind their food and culinary journeys.

Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey in the food industry, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, expand your network, and gain valuable insights to help your business thrive. Don't miss out on this chance to learn, share, and mingle with fellow food and beverage entrepreneurs while building valuable connections in the West Michigan culinary scene.

Joining us for the evening will be:

Arica Muthmann, Chef/Owner of Yin & Yum
Yin & Yum is a pop up eatery specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine. Arica, the founder, established this venture to highlight her mother’s genuine homemade recipes.

Brian Bower, Chef/Owner of Zkede
Chef Brian Bower is an Anishinabee Chef, a descendent of the Ottawa and Pottawotmi of Michigan. Chef Brian graduated from Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City, MI. He has nearly a decade of experience in the culinary industry, many of those years working for high-end establishments before starting his own business.

Maria Santana, Creative Dining Services
Chef Maria Santana-Polanco immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2004. She was raised in a family that loved cooking traditional food. Having graduated with a degree in Culinary Management from Grand Rapids Community College, this has allowed her to build on her Caribbean/ Latino style of cooking.

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

***

The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Spend the day with Mom (or any nurturing member of your family) finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift at the Springtime Gift Fair at the Downtown Market!

Join us as we host a (day-before Mother’s day) gift fair under the Market Shed and throughout the Downtown Market parking lot from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, May 11. Shop for unique, hand-made gifts and artisan items including jewelry, candles, decor, kitchen items, books, knick knacks, knitted textiles, and more! Don’t forget to head inside and pick up a special treat or meal from the Market Hall merchants. Apply to become a vendor here.

SPRINGTIME GIFT FAIR VENDORS:

Lavender Links
Light Thee Way Candle Co.
Sister Bees
The Silver Lining
Luxe Creations by Anne
Top It Seed Mix
Heather Lane Pottery
Scented Embellishments
Soap Dude Cosmetics
Handmade with Love
Nana’s Crafts
Claytronica
Huron & Mill Candle Co.
BeDabbled Watercolors
Sable Jewelry
Pick 6 Custom Creations
Pinfeather Art Studio
Storybox Charms
The Mighty Mitten
Fran & Judy
Bright Lotus
Let's Stay Home Cocktail Kits
Pottery from the Left
98 Petty Lane Handmade
Fawn Haus
Sofra Textiles
Martens Printworks
Nashley Illustration
Studio Rea
JuneBerryPlace Home Fragrances
Whimsy Brims
Sabsies Beauty
Rue Dimanche

The Vintage and Handmade Marketplace returns to the Downtown Market!

​Sunday, April 28 — 10am-4pm
Sunday, June 23 — 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 29 — 10am-4pm

Shop through 60+ of the best regional vintage and handmade vendors displaying their treasures under the Market Shed and throughout the parking lot. Enjoy a curated selection of clothing, accessories, decor, and more. Shop, stroll, listen to a live DJ, then head inside for a bite to eat from our Market Hall merchants. This FREE event is presented by Vintage in the Zoo.

Click here to learn more about Vintage in the Zoo.

Click here to view the Vintage and Handmade Marketplace Facebook event page.

Conversaciones Culinarias presenta el siguiente evento para emprendedores en la industria de comida incluyendo banquetes, restaurantes, camiones de comida, entre otros. En este evento se compartirán las bases, procesos y requisitos para abrir un negocio de comida en el Oeste de Michigan.

Ubicación: Grow 1333 Alger St SE Suite #5, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Los temas incluyen:

• Pasos para lanzar tu negocio:

• Estructura legal

• Como obtener un número de impuestos para tu negocio

• Permisos del Departamento de Salud

• Acceso al Capital para pequeños negocios

• Recursos adicionales

• Tendremos la visita de Chef Gilma de El Caribe Food Truck

NOTA IMPORTANTE: Al registrarse en los eventos de Culinary Conversations, usted permite el uso de su imagen (incluidas, entre otras, fotografías, grabaciones de audio o videos), sin cargo y sin reservas, toda o una parte de su historia, imagen y voz en la futura promoción de Downtown Market.

El grupo “Culinary Conversations MeetUp” es una asociación entre Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, Grow, MSU Extension y Start Garden.

Join us every Friday in April for flights, bites, and Market delights!

Fridays only, taste your way through the Market Hall one flight at a time! What a delicious way to find a new favorite from the Market.

Wine + Cheese + Chocolate Flight
Aperitivo
Start with a wine flight ($16), add a three cheese flight ($12), and a three love's chocolate flight ($9)...And voila! Three flights in one! $37 total
*must purchase wine flight while seated at Aperitivo, then cheese and/or chocolate can be added. Not available to-go.

Ice cream flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from Love’s selection of 16 to create your own tasty adventure. $8

ChocolateBon Bon Flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from an assortment of 16. Thin chocolate shells with various fillings including ganache, caramel, praline, and jam. Dairy-free and nut-free options available. $12

Spring Drinks Flight
Squibb Coffee Bar
Enjoy a trio of caffeinated beverages in this spring-forward flight: rose cardamom cinnamon latte, peach lavender iced tea, iced mint matcha. $8

Mini Pastry Flight
Field & Fire
A unique flight of three mini pastries each week! Different combinations of croissant flavors for 4/5, 4/12, and 4/19, and mini scones on 4/26! Prices may vary between weeks. One of each flavor per purchase, no substitutions.

Go Green! GreenTea Flight
Spice Merchants
A delicious selection of loose leaf green tea for you to make at home! Caribbean breeze, jasmine, and moroccan mint. $20

Rakfresher Lemonade Boba
Rák Thai
Choose three 16oz Rakfreshers or lemonade boba with tapioca pearls. Add popping pearls or jellies for an extra charge. $15

Mochi Donut Flight
Rák Thai
Choose any three flavors of mochi donuts and build your own flight! $10

Appetizer Flight
Rák Thai
Two pieces each of spring rolls, crab cheese, and rakstickers. $10.50

Madeleine Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Three madeleines: classic, raspberry-chocolate dipped, and blueberry. $6

Cream Puff Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Four cream-filled choux pastries: chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and coffee. $14.75

Sushi Roll Combo
Sushi Market
Enjoy two sushi market favorites in one flight:
Vegas Roll - salmon, cream cheese, and avocado fried in tempura.
California Roll - crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. $15

Join us on Sunday, April 21 for an Earth Day celebration at the Downtown Market. Have some fun shopping through "slow fashion" inspired vintage items, see live animals up close, sign up for a free Grounding Yoga class, get hands-on with plant-related children's activities, and more. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat from the Market Hall while you're experiencing the Earth Day enjoyment!

10am-4pm: Shop for "slow fashion" inspired vintage items from OTONO and Second Dance under the Market Shed.

10am-4pm: Children's activities under the Market Shed including seed germination and terracotta pot painting.

10am-12:30pm: Live animals on display (SESSION 1) in the Banquet Room.

11am-12pm: Sign up HERE for a free Grounding Yoga class with Kula Yoga in the Greenhouse.

1:30pm-4pm: Live animals on display (SESSION 2) in the Banquet Room.

Live animals provided by Blandford Nature Center, N&N Exotic Reptile Rescue, and West Michigan Wildlife Center.

Join us every Friday in April for flights, bites, and Market delights!

Fridays only, taste your way through the Market Hall one flight at a time! What a delicious way to find a new favorite from the Market.

Wine + Cheese + Chocolate Flight
Aperitivo
Start with a wine flight ($16), add a three cheese flight ($12), and a three love's chocolate flight ($9)...And voila! Three flights in one! $37 total
*must purchase wine flight while seated at Aperitivo, then cheese and/or chocolate can be added. Not available to-go.

Ice cream flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from Love’s selection of 16 to create your own tasty adventure. $8

ChocolateBon Bon Flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from an assortment of 16. Thin chocolate shells with various fillings including ganache, caramel, praline, and jam. Dairy-free and nut-free options available. $12

Spring Drinks Flight
Squibb Coffee Bar
Enjoy a trio of caffeinated beverages in this spring-forward flight: rose cardamom cinnamon latte, peach lavender iced tea, iced mint matcha. $8

Mini Pastry Flight
Field & Fire
A unique flight of three mini pastries each week! Different combinations of croissant flavors for 4/5, 4/12, and 4/19, and mini scones on 4/26! Prices may vary between weeks. One of each flavor per purchase, no substitutions.

Go Green! GreenTea Flight
Spice Merchants
A delicious selection of loose leaf green tea for you to make at home! Caribbean breeze, jasmine, and moroccan mint. $20

Rakfresher Lemonade Boba
Rák Thai
Choose three 16oz Rakfreshers or lemonade boba with tapioca pearls. Add popping pearls or jellies for an extra charge. $15

Mochi Donut Flight
Rák Thai
Choose any three flavors of mochi donuts and build your own flight! $10

Appetizer Flight
Rák Thai
Two pieces each of spring rolls, crab cheese, and rakstickers. $10.50

Madeleine Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Three madeleines: classic, raspberry-chocolate dipped, and blueberry. $6

Cream Puff Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Four cream-filled choux pastries: chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and coffee. $14.75

Sushi Roll Combo
Sushi Market
Enjoy two sushi market favorites in one flight:
Vegas Roll - salmon, cream cheese, and avocado fried in tempura.
California Roll - crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. $15

Join us every Friday in April for flights, bites, and Market delights!

Fridays only, taste your way through the Market Hall one flight at a time! What a delicious way to find a new favorite from the Market.

Wine + Cheese + Chocolate Flight
Aperitivo
Start with a wine flight ($16), add a three cheese flight ($12), and a three love's chocolate flight ($9)...And voila! Three flights in one! $37 total
*must purchase wine flight while seated at Aperitivo, then cheese and/or chocolate can be added. Not available to-go.

Ice cream flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from Love’s selection of 16 to create your own tasty adventure. $8

ChocolateBon Bon Flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from an assortment of 16. Thin chocolate shells with various fillings including ganache, caramel, praline, and jam. Dairy-free and nut-free options available. $12

Spring Drinks Flight
Squibb Coffee Bar
Enjoy a trio of caffeinated beverages in this spring-forward flight: rose cardamom cinnamon latte, peach lavender iced tea, iced mint matcha. $8

Mini Pastry Flight
Field & Fire
A unique flight of three mini pastries each week! Different combinations of croissant flavors for 4/5, 4/12, and 4/19, and mini scones on 4/26! Prices may vary between weeks. One of each flavor per purchase, no substitutions.

Go Green! GreenTea Flight
Spice Merchants
A delicious selection of loose leaf green tea for you to make at home! Caribbean breeze, jasmine, and moroccan mint. $20

Rakfresher Lemonade Boba
Rák Thai
Choose three 16oz Rakfreshers or lemonade boba with tapioca pearls. Add popping pearls or jellies for an extra charge. $15

Mochi Donut Flight
Rák Thai
Choose any three flavors of mochi donuts and build your own flight! $10

Appetizer Flight
Rák Thai
Two pieces each of spring rolls, crab cheese, and rakstickers. $10.50

Madeleine Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Three madeleines: classic, raspberry-chocolate dipped, and blueberry. $6

Cream Puff Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Four cream-filled choux pastries: chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and coffee. $14.75

Sushi Roll Combo
Sushi Market
Enjoy two sushi market favorites in one flight:
Vegas Roll - salmon, cream cheese, and avocado fried in tempura.
California Roll - crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. $15

Join us every Friday in April for flights, bites, and Market delights!

Fridays only, taste your way through the Market Hall one flight at a time! What a delicious way to find a new favorite from the Market.

Wine + Cheese + Chocolate Flight
Aperitivo
Start with a wine flight ($16), add a three cheese flight ($12), and a three love's chocolate flight ($9)...And voila! Three flights in one! $37 total
*must purchase wine flight while seated at Aperitivo, then cheese and/or chocolate can be added. Not available to-go.

Ice cream flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from Love’s selection of 16 to create your own tasty adventure. $8

ChocolateBon Bon Flight
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Choose five flavors from an assortment of 16. Thin chocolate shells with various fillings including ganache, caramel, praline, and jam. Dairy-free and nut-free options available. $12

Spring Drinks Flight
Squibb Coffee Bar
Enjoy a trio of caffeinated beverages in this spring-forward flight: rose cardamom cinnamon latte, peach lavender iced tea, iced mint matcha. $8

Mini Pastry Flight
Field & Fire
A unique flight of three mini pastries each week! Different combinations of croissant flavors for 4/5, 4/12, and 4/19, and mini scones on 4/26! Prices may vary between weeks. One of each flavor per purchase, no substitutions.

Go Green! GreenTea Flight
Spice Merchants
A delicious selection of loose leaf green tea for you to make at home! Caribbean breeze, jasmine, and moroccan mint. $20

Rakfresher Lemonade Boba
Rák Thai
Choose three 16oz Rakfreshers or lemonade boba with tapioca pearls. Add popping pearls or jellies for an extra charge. $15

Mochi Donut Flight
Rák Thai
Choose any three flavors of mochi donuts and build your own flight! $10

Appetizer Flight
Rák Thai
Two pieces each of spring rolls, crab cheese, and rakstickers. $10.50

Madeleine Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Three madeleines: classic, raspberry-chocolate dipped, and blueberry. $6

Cream Puff Flight
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Four cream-filled choux pastries: chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and coffee. $14.75

Sushi Roll Combo
Sushi Market
Enjoy two sushi market favorites in one flight:
Vegas Roll - salmon, cream cheese, and avocado fried in tempura.
California Roll - crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. $15

Celebrate boho fashion, art, decor, and more from 10am-4pm on Sunday, March 24 at the Boho Bazaar!

This indoor pop-up market will host vendors in the second floor Greenhouse and Banquet Room as they display bright and colorful handmade macrame, beaded artwork, resin creations, clothing, stained glass, and other bohemian/alternative inspired items. Enjoy the boho shopping experience, then head downstairs for a bite from our Market Hall Merchants.

Boho Vendor list:

Abundance Art Studio
Apple & Thistle
Blue Bird Designs
Chippewa Creations, LLC
ECC Floral Jewelry & Design
Huron & Mill Candle Co
Northwoods Weavers Studio
OAK + IVY
olive + indio
Radically You
SOCCO
Wilde Lou Studio
Witch’s Cabinet Boutique
Lenni’s Links, LLC
Let's Stay Home Cocktail Kits
Paige Soy Candles
Pinfeather Art Studio
Studio Rea
Theresa Chiles
Wander & Gather LLC
A House of Books
Christie's Creations
Dragonfly
Handmade with Love
The Charm Chic
The Market Made
Twisted Craft Cocktails
Whimsy Brims
Wooden Envy
Creations by Ari J
Denudare Shop
Goat Meadow Soap
Halcyon Sagecrafts
Hann of the Wood
Luna + Lake
Metalwear Jewelry
Painters & Poppies
Nashley Illustration llc
Natural Habitat Candle Co
Spring Thaw Designs
and more!

There's so much to consider when starting a food business: marketing, branding, social media, labels, funding... becoming proficient in these areas can take just as much time as developing your recipe! We are proud to host an upcoming event that will cover these important topics, and more.

Join us on Saturday, March 23 from 9am to 3pm in the Downtown Market Banquet Room for the largest Culinary Conversations event to date! This full day of learning will put you in a room with experts from various fields, who will share their knowledge "speed dating" style: each speaker will run a small group discussion at a table for 15 minutes, then they rotate. Make sure to stick around afterwards for a Food Industry Networking happy hour!

Guest speakers for the day include:

• Ryan Bolhuis, Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen - “How to Go From Home to Pro”

• Laurie Supinski, Start Garden - “Pitching Your Business"

• Paola Mendivil, Grow - “Lending, Working Capital, Funding”

• Kendra Wills, MSU - “Specialty Food Safety and Licensing ”

• Steve Assarian and Sara Proano, GRPL - "Data and Your Business Plan"

• Dean Sinclair, CPG Farms - "Launch Strategies and Marketing"

• Shawn Kohlhaas, Culinary Cultivations - "Processes and Logistics of Food"

• Heather Campbell - S. Abraham Distributions - "Working with Brokers and Distributors"

• Kalene McElveen, Tastefull Vegan Desserts - "The Journey of Food Entrepreneurship"

• Isabel Lopez Slattery, Isabel Media Studios - "Photography, Marketing and Social Media"

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.
***
The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Join us on Sunday, March 10, from 10am to 1pm in the Greenhouse and Banquet Room for a reptilian riff on our popular Nature Day event: Slithering Sunday!

Come have some fun with turtles, snakes, gators, axolotls, and other non-furry (but still fabulous) friends! Bring the family and get up close and personal with live critters, meet the people who wrangle them, and learn about their habitats, food sources, and other fun facts. Make sure you ssssssstop by the Market Hall to grab a bite before you head home!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Alot'l Bit Crazy Axolotls
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
Kent District Library
N&N Exotic Reptile Rescue LLC
Pangea Reptiles
Red Moon Royals LLC
The Reptarium
Wiehe's Exotics Animals & Supplies
West Michigan Wildlife Center
VIPets
Zoology
and more!

Packaged foods are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. With shelf life, labeling, packaging and more to think about, getting your product from idea to retail can be daunting!

If you have a product you want to see on store shelves, then join us on Wednesday, February 28 at 5pm in the Downtown Market Banquet Room as Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development representatives guide you through everything you need to know about getting that packaged food on the market!

Guest Presenters:
Emily Fricko, MDARD
Emily Fricko is the retail food inspector for the Downtown Grand Rapids area, Walker, and mid Newaygo County. She has been with that state for just over a year and is currently the inspector for the Downtown Market. Outside of work Inspector Fricko enjoys staying active in agriculture and spoiling her cat Jellybean.

Violet Currier, MDARD
Violet Currier is the food inspector for Muskegon, Oceana, and the western part of Newaygo County. She has been with MDARD for a little over 8 years and has inspected all over Northern and West Michigan. In her spare time, Inspector Currier runs a family farm with sheep, pigs, cattle, poultry, and a pet goat

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

***

The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Join us on February 24 for the return of Spicy Saturday! This one-day-only food promotion is filled with fiery features, blazin’ bites, sizzling specials, and strong sips. DON’T MISS OUT!

SPICY SATURDAY FEATURES:

Hot Honey Mocha
Squibb Coffee Bar
Squibb’s spiced hot honey mocha is a sweet and spicy combination of chocolate, hot honey, espresso, and a milk of your choice—$5.50.

Chocolate Chili Spice Milkshake
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Contrasting hot and cold, this sweet and spicy treat will awaken your senses with hand-crafted deliciousness—$8.

Hot Hot Sipping Chocolate
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
Luxurious sipping chocolate with cinnamon and warming chili spices, available in dark, milk, or white, in both dairy and dairy-free—$5.95.

Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf
Field & Fire
A freshly-baked sourdough loaf filled with fire-roasted jalapeños and melty white cheddar cheese—$13.

Spicy Chocolate Mousse
Gaby’s Gourmandise
Creamy dark chocolate mousse, spiced with West Michigan cayenne peppers—$6.

Volcano Roll
Sushi Market
Shrimp tempura and cucumber topped with BBQ eel and avocado served with eel sauce and sriracha—$13.

Calabrian Roast Beef Sandwich
Aperitivo
Louie's roast beef, Holey Cow cheese, arugula, feta dip, dijonnaise, and hot calabrian pepper spread, grilled and served with potato chips—$16.

Talas Kebabi(beef stuffed pastry)
Cafe de Miro
Spicy seasoned beef and vegetable stuffed in a flaky pastry dough—$10.

Firecracker Shrimp
Rák Thai
Shrimp rolled in dried Thai Bird’s Eye chili and wrapped in a crispy shell, served with spicy plum sauce—4 piece for $8.

Spicy Green Curry
Rák Thai
Red bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and basil, all wok-tossed in a special green curry sauce—$13.

Dragon’s Kiss Sandwich, Wings, and Strips
Juju Bird
Try Juju’s new sauce “Dragon’s Kiss” on a chicken sandwich, on bone-in/boneless wings, or as a dipping sauce for your chicken strips—prices vary.

Hot Deals
Old World Olive Co.
Spice it up with a harissa-infused coco bomb, an exclusive spicy bread dipping seasoning, or a spicy flavor of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic—10% off select varieties and spicy products.

Devil’s dust spice blend
Spice Merchants
This blend is designed for lovers of chili peppers and spicy food. It has an intense heat balanced by sweet cherry as the base—$6.29 per ounce.

Super Spicy Ahi Poke
Pinktail Poke
Ahi tuna, togarashi hot sauce, avocado & chili mayo, jalapeño, habanero, chili mushrooms, sesame seed, and green onion served with coconut rice to cool things down a bit—small $15, large $18.

Leche Shave Ice
Pinktail Poke
Hawaiian shave ice with leche (cinnamon and milk) flavored syrup and sweet condensed milk, sprinkled with cinnamon—small $9, large $11.

Spicy Ginger Beer
High Tide Soda
Filbert's Ginger Beer is an old-fashioned soda with a delicious ginger-filled bite—$3.50 each.

Embrace the chill of winter as the legendary Downtown Market Ice Bar returns for 2024!

We’re back with 12 feet of ice carved into an outdoor bar serving craft beer and seltzers, canned cocktails and bubbles, and hot cocoa with the option to spice things up with your choice of liqueur. Bundle up and have some frosty fun with our outdoor yard games, try your luck at DRINK-O (yes, it’s back too), then head inside to the Market Hall for a bite from our Market Hall Merchants.

Ice Bar Schedule:
4pm-8pm, Friday, February 9
11am-8pm, Saturday, February 10

Embrace the chill of winter as the legendary Downtown Market Ice Bar returns for 2024!

We’re back with 12 feet of ice carved into an outdoor bar serving craft beer and seltzers, canned cocktails and bubbles, and hot cocoa with the option to spice things up with your choice of liqueur. Bundle up and have some frosty fun with our outdoor yard games, try your luck at DRINK-O (yes, it’s back too), then head inside to the Market Hall for a bite from our Market Hall Merchants.

Ice Bar Schedule:
4pm-8pm, Friday, February 9
11am-8pm, Saturday, February 10

Food licensing can be the most intimidating part of starting a food business. What do you need to even apply? How much does it cost? How long does it take?

If you're interested in opening a restaurant, food truck, catering company or another 'Ready-to-Eat' food business, then join us on Tuesday, February 6 at 5pm in the Downtown Market Banquet Room as Kent County Health Department inspectors guide you through all the steps to open your own

Guest Presenters:
Katherine Martinez, Kent County Health Department
Katherine Martinez, REHS is a Sanitarian Specialist for the Kent County Health Department. She has been with the health department for over 8 years and has specialized in plan review and training for the past 3 years. Katherine has experience working in most areas of the county. This has allowed to her gain experience with the variety of facility types found in Kent County.

Steven Osmond, Kent County Health Department
Steve Osmond, sanitarian at the Kent County Health Department, has been part of the Environmental Health team since 2018. His focus includes food safety regulatory inspection and compliance work. Specializing in partial plan reviews and change of ownership licensing.

Caitlin Kammeraad, Kent County Health Department
Caitlin Kammeraad, MPH, REHS has worked in the food safety and public health field since 2018 and has experience in both the public and private sectors. She received her Master’s of Public Health degree from Grand Valley State University in 2017 and completed her Registered Environmental Health Specialist credential in 2021. Her main duties at Kent County Health Department include conducting Plan Review for new food service establishments and licensing new food service establishments.

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

***

The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Join us from 10am-2pm on Saturday, February 3 at the Market as we highlight the event capabilities of the hottest wedding venue in town!

Tour our beautiful event spaces, get a taste of our preferred caterers, meet wedding photographers, florists, planners, food vendors, and more. Learn about entertainment options, get inspired by floral, linen, and tablescape designs on display. And best of all, have some fun with our events team!

This year, we are offering free gift bags to the first 150 attendees and an opportunity to win a Greenhouse photoshoot session (rental space only). See registration table for details. Attendees must RSVP to be admitted into event, receive gift bag, or enter giveaway.

Gather your family (yes, the whole pack!) and enjoy Nature Day in the Downtown Market Greenhouse and Banquet Room. Join us from 10am-1pm on Saturday, January 20 as we have some fun with furry (and scaly) friends provided by Blandford Nature Center, Casa La Parrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Humane Society of West Michigan, N&N Exotic Reptile Rescue, Outdoor Discovery Center, ReptileLS, and Say Yes to Nature.

See the critters up close, learn about animal artifacts, and enjoy Greenhouse activities—then enjoy some lunch from the Market Hall!

This is a FREE event. All ages are welcome.

HAVE AN IDEA FOR A FOOD BUSINESS? NOT SURE HOW TO GET STARTED OR WHERE TO LOOK TO FOR HELP?

Grand Rapids is quickly becoming known for being an entrepreneurial support hub and we're here to help make your idea into a business! But what are Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESO's) and what organizations are there to help guide you on your business journey?

Join us in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Greenhouse on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 for an entrepreneurial support networking happy hour!

You'll get the opportunity to meet some of the amazing Entrepreneurial Support Organizations that West Michigan has to offer!

Organizations such as Start Garden, GROW, MSU-Product Center, Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen, SpringGR, Michigan Good Food Fund, and many more. You'll also be able to network with some of West Michigan's up-and-coming food entrepreneurs, food industry veterans, lenders, business coaches, entrepreneurial mentors, and more!

Snacks and beverages will be provided.

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Small Plates Big Impact returns Thursday, October 20, from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

We hope you're hungry, because Grand Rapids' most unique dining, shopping, and entertainment experience is back and better than ever! For one night only, we’re opening the Market Hall to guests, supporters, and sponsors of the Downtown Market Education Foundation. Stroll the first floor while tasting the event-exclusive small plates offered by our 20 merchants and restaurants.

$100 PER PERSON

FOOD & LIBATIONS INCLUDED

BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE

AFTERPARTY

Your support of this event contributes to Downtown Market Education Foundation programs and initiatives:

Support Food Entrepreneurs
Our 24/7, 5,000 square foot Incubator Kitchen and technical assistance programs provide accessible kitchen space and one-on-one support to hundreds of food entrepreneurs each year (from product makers, to restaurants, to caterers). Budding entrepreneurs benefit from our on-site, sector-specific business guidance, as well as our community partnerships, and free Culinary Conversations. The goal is to help businesses navigate through all phases of operation, network with similar start-ups, and learn valuable skills and strategies. 

Expand Opportunities for the Underserved
By offering free services and subsidized rental rates for the Incubator Kitchen, the Market has been able to increase the chances of success for low-income and minority-owned businesses by saving each an average of $35,000 in annual operating expenses.

Impact the Local Food Economy
The work of the Downtown Market reaches well outside of our own walls. A recent economic impact study reported that our work has resulted in an overall annual local economic impact of $85M, supported almost 800 local jobs, and resulted in over $105,000,000 in food business retail sales since 2013. 

Empower the Workforce
By connecting with local partners who focus on workplace development initiatives, the Market instills valuable training and skills to individuals of all ages and abilities, empowering individuals in their transition into the workforce.

Create Meaningful Winter Gathering Spaces
We are committed to launching a flagship, outdoor Christmas Market that serves as a first ever, full-scale, themed holiday event that is designed to impact the community during the winter months. Additionally, this event will provide entrepreneurial opportunities for both local food and merchandise vendors, while having a significant local economic impact.

Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

PRESENTED BY VINTAGE IN THE ZOO

The Vintage and Handmade Marketplace returns to the Downtown Market for three, 2023 dates:

Sunday, April 30
Sunday, July 23
Sunday, October 1

Join us for an outdoor vintage and handmade marketplace under the Market Shed! Enjoy 60+ vendors and a live DJ!

"I would love to see my products in stores for everyone to enjoy."

"I've always thought about starting a business but where do I begin?"

"There's no way I could afford to open a commercial kitchen!"

If you want to start a food or beverage business in West Michigan but these roadblocks sound familiar, we invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 13 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm in the Downtown Market Greenhouse for our free Food Entrepreneur Open House!

Even getting to day one as a food entrepreneur can seem like an insurmountable task but Culinary Conversations is here to help you find the right resources to start your business and keep it thriving.

At this event you'll be able to learn about local food entrepreneur resources, network with food business mentors, hear first hand success stories from local food businesses and take a free tour of the largest shared commercial kitchen in Grand Rapids!

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

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The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Join us Saturday, September 9 from 10am-1pm as we host Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids as they display 150 Exotic, European, Classic, Tuner, Muscle, and Show cars. 

Learn more about Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids here.