Kent County, Michigan Events

• Improve your swing at one of the seminars at the Western Michigan Golf Show in Grand Rapids. Golf Ball and Club image by ShreejiPix from Fotolia.com

  Kent County is located in the western part of the state -- approximately 150 miles west of Detroit -- and is home to more than 600,000 people. Western Michigan boasts a wide array of outdoor activities including boating, biking, hiking, golfing and swimming. The region also features a vibrant cultural and artistic community along with several notable annual events held in the county seat, Grand Rapids.

Heritage Hill Tours

• Step into Kent County's historical homes and gardens at the Annual Heritage Hill Weekend. The event traditionally took place in early October; however, in 2011 the event will be moved to late May. Heritage Hill weekend features three walking tours: The North Tour, Central Tour and South Tour. Each home takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to tour; each visitor will be required to wear complimentary booties when entering each home to protect the floors. Food booths and refreshments are located along the tour routes. Purchase your tickets in advance online to save a few dollars on admission prices. Admission is free for children younger than 12.

  Heritage Hill Tours

  126 College Ave. NE

  Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  616-459-8950

  heritagehillweb.org

Festival of the Arts

• Downtown Grand Rapids has been home to the annual Festival of the Arts since 1970. Festival of the Arts takes place on the first-full weekend in June and lasts for three days. Stroll though the streets of downtown to buy art from local artists, check out the Regional Arts Competition and get a closer look at the work of young artists from Kent County Skills at the youth art area. Bring your appetite with you. The festival features more than 25 different booths serving up mouthwatering cuisine from a variety of cultures including Bosnian, Polish, Dutch, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian. Take a Latin dance class, watch a martial arts demonstration or learn Chi Kung exercises with the festivals various activities. Bring your children with you -- the festival includes activities such as face painting, story telling, sidewalk art and silk-screening t-shirts. Admission to the festival is free of charge; donations to support the all-volunteer event are welcomed.

  Festival of the Arts

  P.O. Box 68440

  Grand Rapids, MI 49516

  616-459-1300

  festivalgr.org

West Michigan Golf Show

• The West Michigan Golf Show is a three-day event that takes place every year in early to mid February. The indoor golf show is held in Devos Place, downtown Grand Rapids' riverfront convention center. The convention center features multiple restroom facilities and is located near area restaurants. Attend a free seminar led by expert PGA Professionals --- seminars run continually throughout the weekend and include special seminars for junior golfers, tips and lessons to improve your swing and a fashion show from the Executive Women's Golf Association. Participate in challenges such as the Treetops Resort Par 3 Challenge or the $10,000 Putt and Long Drive Contest. As of 2011, admission prices range from $4 for children to $9 for adults; admission for children five and younger is free. Print a coupon off of the show's website and get $2 off admission prices.

  West Michigan Golf Show

  Devos Place

  303 Monroe Ave. NW

  Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  616-742-6500

  showspan.com