ArtPrize

Experience ArtPrize Like a Local

ArtPrize transforms downtown Grand Rapids into one of the world's largest outdoor art galleries, but with hundreds of installations spread across more than 150 venues, deciding where to start can quickly become overwhelming.

That's where Taste of GR comes in.

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1000+ Happy Guests

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Tour Details

  • Price: $45 - $55 per person

  • Start Times: 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday September 22 - October 1

  • Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

  • Food Tastings: 1 - 2

  • Activity Level: Light walking — almost 1 mile with frequent stops

  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

  • Group Size: 16 Guests Total

Please Note: Spots are limited to 16 people - book now to secure a spot before it’s gone!

Morning Tours Book Now

Why Tour With Taste of GR?

  • Skip the stress of planning your own ArtPrize route.

  • Visit a curated selection of must-see venues and installations.

  • Learn insider stories and fascinating facts from a knowledgeable local guide.

  • Enjoy delicious local food while experiencing Grand Rapids' vibrant arts scene.

  • Small group sizes create a relaxed, personal experience.

  • Spend more time enjoying the art—and less time figuring out where to go next.

Whether you have just a few hours or you're spending the weekend in Grand Rapids, our ArtPrize Walking Tours offer an unforgettable way to experience the creativity, community, and culture that make this event unlike anything else.

Afternoon & Evening Available to Book Soon!

Tour Overview

Our guided ArtPrize Walking Tours are designed for visitors and locals who want to experience the very best of ArtPrize without spending hours studying maps, navigating crowds, or worrying about missing the most talked-about pieces.

Led by friendly local guides, each tour follows a thoughtfully curated route through downtown, showcasing some of the city's most popular ArtPrize venues while sharing the stories, history, and fun facts that bring this year's competition to life. Along the way, you'll discover why ArtPrize has become one of Michigan's most anticipated annual events, welcoming more than 900,000 visitors each year and featuring works from artists around the globe.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for a unique way to experience downtown Grand Rapids, our tours make it easy to relax and enjoy the festival while we handle the planning.

Morning ArtPrize Tour
Your morning begins at one of Grand Rapids' favorite local cafés, where you'll enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or tea paired with a delicious locally made pastry. It's the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow art lovers before setting off to explore downtown. From there, your knowledgeable local guide will lead you through some of ArtPrize's most popular venues and installations, sharing the stories behind select artists, fascinating facts about this year's competition, and local insight that brings both the artwork and the city to life.

Afternoon & Evening ArtPrize Tour
Fuel your afternoon or evening with award-winning Detroit-style pizza before venturing into the heart of ArtPrize. Explore some of downtown's most sought-after venues, learn about featured artists and installations, and finish with your own edible masterpiece by decorating a slice of white cake using a painter's palette of colorful frosting. It's a delicious, hands-on finale that's perfect for all artistic skill levels and a fun souvenir you'll actually get to eat.

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1000+ Happy Guests

Great for ALL Personalities Bold Bites at Every Stop Explore Stress-Free

Voted “Best in West Michigan for Group Activities”

Voted “Best in Grand Rapids for Tourist Attraction”

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Hear It From Fellow Foodies!

  • “This tour was great. The food was delicious! Kate was so great at hosting a group of strangers and making everyone feel at ease. I also enjoyed learning little bits about the history of Grand Rapids as we walked and stopped at just a few points along the way."

    -Laura N

  • “Tour was wonderful. We really enjoyed trying the food and learning more about Grand Rapids. We brought our son and he really enjoyed it too."

    -Next Level Training and Fitness

  • “Amazing tour, 10/10! Kate is just fantastic. I've been on many food tours this year and the order and placement of the stops were well-done. Plenty of historical context and opportunities to learn about the public art works. Highly recommend."

    -Romie R, @romingwithromie

  • “Thank you Taste of Grand Rapids for a great walking food tour! Highly recommended for anyone who likes food and a little history!"

    -Josh O

  • "Kate was great to work with! She was able to set up a Friday night food tour for 13 people on short notice. Everyone loved the food and the opportunity to walk through the city. It was a great way to see different parts of downtown and everyone was full by the end of the tour!"

    -Christine S

  • "We stopped at 3 locations and learned about Grand Rapids history. I did not know about the feud between two of our founders of the city. We stopped at Leo's, Roam, and Monsoon. What a great time! I would recommend this as a group date or just fun with friends because it's just fun to walk around the city and learn about things you never knew. It's worth checking out, 100%."

    -Ian K

  • "Explore new restaurants and foods, meet the staff and hear the stories behind the restaurants. Plus bits of GR history along the way. Great for food lovers, but also art lovers! GR is loaded with art and historic buildings! I definitely recommend the Taste of GR tour! Our guide was a blast, very welcoming, and knowledgeable! The time flies by and you are wanting more!"

    -Angelina L

  • "My husband and I are pretty new to the area. The tour with Kate was great. Great restaurant choices, and just enough local history thrown in to make the walking part enjoyable. We had a great time and I would highly recommend. Dessert was amazing!! In fact we will probably do the tour again."

    -Cathy M

  • "Reflecting on the day's adventures, I found myself enchanted not only by Grand Rapids architectural splendor and storied past but also by its vibrant culinary landscape. The walking tour not only satisfied my curiosity about the city's history but also provided a sensory feast that celebrated Grand Rapids cultural diversity through its cuisine! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

    -Lauren W

  • "So much fun! Thanks Kate for the informative tour of GR and for introducing us to some different restaurants downtown. We loved it!"

    -Gretchen F

  • "My work booked a private tour earlier this week and we were blown away. We had a great time and even better food and drinks. We highly recommend Taste of GR for your next work outing or get together with friends. Thanks again Kate for a fun time!"

    -Meredith L

  • "I attended the walking tour this past Saturday and was not disappointed! Our host Kate was bubbly, informative and her passion and love for good food and history was apparent the whole time. I especially appreciated the variety and quality at each of the FOUR stops; which was in addition to a beautiful and delicious tasting at Old World Olive Oil Co. An amazing bang for your buck! I can’t recommend this tour enough!"

    -Maya D

  • "What a fun day! The food was great at each of the five places, and Kate shared such interesting stories about some of the history in our city! It was a wonderful experience that I would not hesitate to do again! I would recommend the tour to both people from out of town as well as locals!"

    -Julie C

  • "An amazing afternoon! Kate was a great guide. The food was eclectic and the stops along the way showcased impactful woman of GR. Highly recommend!"

    -Sarah H

  • "Such a fun experience and an amazing tour guide! Looking forward to doing it again!"

    -Amy D

  • "Great tour! The guide is very knowledgeable about the history of the city. We learned a lot and also ate great food! Highly recommend!"

    -Liz H

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! We design every stop with variety in mind—different flavors, stories, vibes—so there’s truly something for everyone. Even picky eaters and low-key friends end up loving it.

  • You’ll definitely be full. Each stop includes generous tastings, and most groups leave saying, “Okay wow… that was more food than I expected.”

  • Just let us know ahead of time—we accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common needs at most stops. There is a comments section to note this when booking. You can also reach out to kate@tasteofgr.net with specific questions

  • Nope! Think fun, relaxed, and social—not a lecture. We share cool stories, then step back so you can enjoy your people.

  • We have backup plans and indoor-heavy routes for rain, snow, or cold. Your celebration stays fun no matter what Michigan decides to do that day.

  • About a half mile to a mile, broken up into short, easy segments. It’s more “stroll with snacks” than “fitness challenge.”

  • We’ll help them catch up or guide them to the next stop if needed — we won’t leave anyone behind. Plus, our first stop has a little buffer for this exact reason.

  • The Downtown Market - Heartside Neighborhood Tour is 2.5 Hours

    The Downtown Winter Tour is 3 Hours

  • This group is prefect for solo guests. Our guides are skilled at making everyone feel comfortable and included

  • We get it. Every group has “that friend.”

    The good news? This experience has enough variety that even the skeptics end up having fun.

  • Yes! Most groups leave full and satisfied, and the whole experience feels more special than sitting at one restaurant for hours.

  • ASAP—tour dates fill up fast, especially weekends. Most people who wait until the last-minute find their date is already gone.

  • Definitely! Drinks aren’t included, but every stop has great options you can order if you want them.

  • It’s more fun, more unique, and way more memorable. Plus, you’re not stuck at one table or one bar—you’re exploring the best flavors and stories of GR together.

  • Food, tax and gratuities to restaurants are included in the price of your ticket.

    Gratuity to your guide is not. Standard Gratuity in the hospitality industry is 20%

  • We offer ticket transfers, credits and full refunds up until 72 hours prior to the tour

Surprise the Food Lover in Your Life With a Taste of GR Gift Card!

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A food tour is an unforgettable gift and the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. Give friends and family a chance to eat their way through Grand Rapids on their own schedule!

  • 74% of people prefer experiences over stuff

  • Recipients can redeem their adventure whenever they’re ready

  • Most travelers say food is their favorite way to explore a new city

  • The perfect fit for birthdays, anniversaries, thank yous, or “just because”

Gift a Delicious Memory Today!