Downtown series celebrate 20 years with party and discounts

Jul 22

Downtown Holland will celebrate 20 years of its Street Performer Series on Thursday, July 25, by hosting a special anniversary party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition to enjoying the sights and sounds of 25 different performing artists and groups, attendees can enjoy discounts, prizes, and giveaways. The 2024 Street Performer Series is proudly sponsored by Gentex, with additional support provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

“I’ve been involved with the planning of the Street Performer Series for the past 15 years and every summer I continue to be amazed at the event’s growing popularity,” said Kara de Alvare, Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Holland. “Performing artists from across West Michigan continue to embrace the event each year, along with our shops and restaurants, the local community, and summer visitors. And we have been truly fortunate to have the generous support of our title sponsor Gentex Corporation and amazing partnerships along the way with the Holland Area Arts Council, Latin Americans United for Progress, and so many others. We are truly grateful to be celebrating 20 years of fun this summer.”

To celebrate 20 years of the Street Performer Series, participating Downtown Holland businesses will be offering select 20 percent off discounts all day long. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees can play Plinko or spin the prize wheel to win free giveaways from Downtown Holland, while supplies last. Attendees can also enter to win one of twenty $20 gift cards to some of Downtown Holland’s most popular shops and restaurants, and pose for photographs in front of the custom balloon wall.

Participating businesses include, Apothecary Gift Shop, Big Lake Brewing, Blu Veranda, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, Bowerman's on 8th, Bubs’ and Betty’s, Canterbury Cottage Interiors, Cherry Republic, Engedi Salon, Fris Supply Shop, Gazelle Sports, Glik’s Boutique, Glik’s Men’s Shop, Harbor Wear of Holland, Jean Marie's, Kilwins Holland, Le Bon Macaron, New Holland Brewing, Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, Spring Sweet, The Bridge, and The Poppy Peach, LLC.

The Street Performer Series first launched in 2005 as a way of highlighting the city’s newly passed street performer ordinance, which allows performing artists to purchase a permit from the City’s Downtown Development Authority to busk for tips on the sidewalks of Downtown Holland.

The first year of the Thursday night Street Performer Series featured around 10 participating artists performing in just five locations along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. The popularity of the series continued to grow, making it Downtown Holland’s signature event and a highlight of the summer for locals and tourists alike. The series now features nearly 100 different artists who perform on a rotating basis in 25 different locations throughout Downtown Holland. The opening of Downtown Holland’s Social District in 2021 has further contributed to the event’s attraction.