Overview

• The festival runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 4, showcasing 931 entries spread across 155 venues in Grand Rapids.
• News outlets report roughly 1,000 to more than 1,110 participating artists representing 39 states and 18 countries.
• Friday’s opening featured a Mardi Gras-themed street party, a parade from Rosa Parks Circle at dusk, and fireworks over the Grand River.
• The Oct. 3 ceremony at Studio Park will award $100,000 public-vote and juried grand prizes, six $10,000 category awards, five $10,000 juried visibility awards, and a $5,000 outstanding venue award.
• Independent studies highlight a sizable economic footprint, with 2024 estimates of about 795,000–800,000 visitors and roughly $50 million in direct spending or $71 million in total activity.