Downtown hotels offering Fourth of July food and fireworks festivities

Jul 1

From rooftop views and curated cocktails to family-friendly fun and riverside picnics, the Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott Grand Rapids are hosting a variety of Fourth of July weekend events designed to appeal to every type of guest and every kind of budget.

On Saturday, July 5, the hotels will transform their restaurants, patios, rooftops, and lounges into vibrant celebration spaces. The offerings range from elevated culinary experiences and live music to casual, come-as-you-are gatherings with views of the city’s fireworks display.

MDRD, located on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, will host Chispa y Sabor (Spark and Flavor), an upscale event featuring modern Spanish cuisine from strolling food stations, panoramic views, and live music by the Charles Johnson Band. General admission tickets are $125, while a private balcony experience for up to eight guests is available for $1,000.

At JW Marriott Grand Rapids, guests can choose from two distinct experiences. Red, White, and Exclusive offers a limited-capacity lounge event on the 23rd floor with chef-curated food stations, craft cocktails, and sweeping views of the downtown skyline and fireworks. Tickets are $160 per person and include a welcome drink.

For families or those seeking a free community experience, the JW Marriott will also host the Sips & Sparks Fireworks Pre-Party on the Campau Avenue entrance and lower lobby level. Open to all ages, the event features house-made gelato, a Starbucks cold brew station, pizza, cocktails, lawn games, and live music. Admission is free.

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck will present Toast to Independence: Patio at Puck, featuring a lively, picnic-style buffet, DJ Todd Ernst, and family-friendly entertainment, including face painting and balloon art. General admission is $85 and includes access to the event and a buffet, with patio seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional premium packages include indoor window tables for $250 and VIP patio sections for $1,500, which include sparkling wine, swag bags, and reserved soft seating.

On the Jdek at Margaux, guests can enjoy Fireworks on the Jdek, a reserved-seating experience along the Grand River with an elevated American picnic buffet and full cash bar. Tickets are $80 per person and include access to the buffet and riverfront seating.

Finally, IDC, the Amway Grand Plaza’s hidden speakeasy lounge, will host Red, White and Boozy, an all-white afterglow party featuring a DJ set from Sanjay and the signature cocktail of the night, the “Patio Pounder,” made with basil-infused Goodboy vodka, raspberry tea, and lemon. The event begins at 4 p.m., with the DJ starting at 8 p.m. A $10 cover charge is applied at the door, and entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners