Downtown offers family activities and entertainment throughout the summer

ArtEducation

Jun 8

Written By Staff

Families, residents, and visitors are invited to enjoy the summer season in Downtown Holland with the return of two popular community programs: the Holland Farmers Market Kids Activities and the Gentex Street Performer Series.

Beginning Wednesday, June 10, the Holland Farmers Market will host free weekly Kids Activities every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through August 12. Activities begin with Market Story Time hosted by Herrick District Library, followed by educational, hands-on experiences led by local nonprofit organizations and businesses. The program is designed for children ages 3-10 and is sponsored by Corewell Health.

“Corewell Health is excited to partner with the City of Holland and sponsor its weekly Kids Activities held at the Holland Farmers Market this summer,” said Amber TerHaar, manager of regional community health at Corewell Health. “It is great to have so many nonprofit organizations and local businesses involved, providing children of our community the opportunity to engage in active play and learn about healthy fruits and vegetables.”

The season kicks off June 10 with Holland Christian Preschool, which will host activities inspired by the children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, including games and crafts focused on vegetables, counting and butterflies.

Throughout the summer, participating organizations will include the Outdoor Discovery Center Network, Corewell Health, Children’s Advocacy Center, Holland Parks and Recreation, Latin Americans United for Progress, Little Red Pediatric Dentistry, Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore and Critter Barn.

“At Holland Christian, we believe some of the best learning happens through hands-on discovery, imagination and community connection,” said Laura Rotman, Director of Holland Christian Preschool. “We’re thrilled to join the Market Kids Activities and bring The Very Hungry Caterpillar theme to life through fun, interactive activities for children and families.”

The following evening, Thursday, June 11, Downtown Holland will launch the 2026 Gentex Street Performer Series. The free weekly event will take place every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through August 13, transforming downtown into a vibrant outdoor stage featuring musicians, dancers, jugglers, balloon artists, henna artists, caricature artists, and other performers.

More than 70 performers will rotate throughout the season, providing a diverse lineup of entertainment for visitors of all ages. The series is sponsored by Gentex Corporation with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

“The Street Performer Series brings people together and builds community connection,” said Seth Bushouse, Vice President of Human Resources at Gentex. “We’re proud to continue investing in an experience that makes Downtown Holland such a special place each summer.”

Gentex representatives will be on site during the June 11 kickoff event with giveaways and information about employment opportunities.

Attendees should note that 8th Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Columbia Avenue and River Avenue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Free public parking is available throughout downtown. The Downtown Holland Social District will also be open during the event, allowing patrons age 21 and older to enjoy beverages purchased from participating establishments while exploring downtown.

For complete schedules, activity details, and event information, visit hollandfarmersmarket.com and downtownholland.com.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners