The Band of Locals is excited to announce the 57th Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival in downtown Big Rapids on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. The group will again partner with the River Valley Car Club for a car show open to all.

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to downtown Big Rapids for the Labor Day Festival, hosted by the Band of Locals,” said Lisa David, Band of Locals board president. “After receiving many positive comments about last year's festival, we’ve added new family-friendly elements, including a Kids’ Zone and a performance by Jake Slater, an Elvis tribute artist. Our mission is local businesses banding together to support each other and our communities. This event brings that vision to life.”

The festival features a full lineup of activities, with the Arts & Crafts Show running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Car Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Car show registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the day of the event.

“The River Valley Car Club is excited to participate again in the Labor Day Festival,” said Bruce Reges, River Valley Car Club president. “We’ll offer dash plaques to the first 100 registered vehicles and a chance to win one of 30 trophies. Our club is a dedicated group of volunteers and car enthusiasts committed to raising funds for local nonprofits, including veteran organizations. We hope everyone will visit downtown to enjoy great vehicles and support our local nonprofits.”

Additional festival highlights include an official kickoff at 10 a.m. with the Call to Colors by Big Rapids AMVETS Post 1941, followed by the national anthem performed by Allison LaVeque. Attendees can also enjoy music by Raised on Radio, food trucks, DJs, and downtown shopping and dining.

“The Band of Locals thanks our amazing sponsors, Ferris State University and Horizon Bank,” David said. “We can’t think of a better way to wrap up summer than with this fantastic Labor Day event in our downtown business district. It’s going to be a great day in Big Rapids.”

While booth spaces for 2025 are full, visit BandOfLocals.org/Events for more details or to participate in the 2026 Band of Locals Labor Day Festival.

_{Release courtesy of Band of Locals.}