Beyond the border: 4 fun West Michigan events worth the drive

Looking for fun excursions outside of Ottawa County? Here are some fun events coming up:

Little Black Dress

• Where: JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids
• When: 8 p.m.-midnight Aug. 20
• Info: eventbrite.com/e/little-black-dress-tickets-1993474106716

Little Black Dress features a fashion show, live DJ and more. At $11.91, the event will be a girls' night out like no other that supports Michigan Women Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and minorities.  

Return to the River Festival

• Where: 555 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
• When: 1-11 p.m. Aug. 22; 1-8 p.m. Aug. 23
• Info: experiencegr.com/event/return-to-the-river-festival-2026/96785/

It's a two-day celebration of music, art and community, with live music, traveling installations, an artisan market, food trucks and more. Don’t miss out on this yearly event.

Drag at Los Amigos

• Where: Los Amigos, 1848 E. Sherman Blvd.
• When: 7-11 p.m. Aug. 22
• Info: eventbrite.com/e/drag-los-amigos-tickets-1996231569361

Want a fun night out with fierce drag and good vibes? Look no further than Drag Night at Los Amigos in Muskegon. Tickets are $12.51 online and $15 at the door; jumbo margaritas will be sold for $5. 

Heritage Harvest Pickins’ Vintage Market

• Where: Muskegon County Fairgrounds, 6621 Heights Ravenna Road, Fruitport
• When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 30
• Info: heritagehomeaccent.com/muskegon-aug-30th-2026

With 150 vendors, this market is a day of artsy shopping featuring jewelry, handmade rustic decor for your home, and custom gifts. Food trucks will be available at this event, along with a kids zone featuring a bounce house, face painting and more.

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.