Byron Center, MI events by season
From Byron Days in July to the holiday tree lighting in November, here are the annual events that bring Byron Center and Byron Township together. Dates change each year, so confirm with the organizer before you go.
Quick answer: Byron Center's biggest event is Byron Days, a free hometown festival held each July at Whistle Stop Park since 1936. Other favorites include the Saturday Byron Center Farmers Market (May to mid-October), Movies in the Park, the Tanger Outlets Holiday Tree Lighting and Friday night Bulldogs football.
Summer events in Byron Center
Byron Days
Late July · Whistle Stop Park, 2120 76th St SW
Byron Center's biggest weekend since 1936: carnival rides, fair food, family activities and the Saturday community parade. 2026 was the festival's 90th year.
SpartanNash YMCA Byron Days 5K
Byron Days Saturday, 8 a.m. · Byron Center Ave near Sherwood St
A run/walk through the Railside neighborhood and Kent Trails, part of the festival since 2005. Finishes in time for the 10 a.m. parade.
Movies in the Park
Summer evenings · Byron Township parks
Free family movies shown outdoors on a big screen. Byron Center Movies in the Park nights have been held at Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave SW.
Spring events in Byron Center
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Spring · Whistle Stop Park soccer fields
Byron Township's free egg hunt for kids, held on the soccer fields at Whistle Stop Park.
Farmers Market Opening Day
May · Tanger Outlets, 350 84th St SW
The nonprofit Byron Center Farmers Market returns for the season with local produce, baked goods, plants and makers.
Touch a Truck
Seasonal · Byron Township
Kids can climb into fire trucks, patrol cars and big equipment at this family favorite from Byron Township Recreation and local partners.
Fall events in Byron Center
Byron Center Bulldogs Football
Friday nights · Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave SW
Friday night football is a community tradition. Check the athletics schedule for home games and other Bulldogs sports.
Farmers Market Final Weeks
Saturdays through mid-October · Tanger Outlets
Apples, squash, pumpkins and the last of the summer harvest before the market closes for the season.
Winter events in Byron Center
Tanger Outlets Holiday Tree Lighting
Early November · Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids
A free evening with live reindeer, hot cocoa, crafts, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and music from the Byron Center Orchestra. In 2025 it was held Friday, Nov. 7, with the tree lit at 6 p.m.
Library Programs
Year-round · KDL Byron Township Branch
Story times, kids' programs and adult events at the Kent District Library's Byron Township branch. A great indoor option in winter.
Byron Center events FAQ
When is Byron Days?
Byron Days is Byron Center's hometown festival, held each summer at Whistle Stop Park, 2120 76th Street SW. It is traditionally held in late July. The 2026 festival ran July 23 to 25 and marked 90 years since the first celebration in 1936. 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
When is the Byron Center Farmers Market?
The Byron Center Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from about May through mid-October at Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids, 350 84th St SW. Hours can change by season, so check with the market before you go.
Are Byron Center events free?
Many community events are free, including Byron Days admission, the Tanger Outlets Holiday Tree Lighting and Movies in the Park. Some activities, such as carnival rides, races and sports tickets, have a cost.
Where can I find Byron Township recreation programs?
Byron Township Parks and Recreation runs seasonal programs and community events. Visit byrontownshiprec.org or call (616) 878-1998 for the current schedule.
How do I get my event listed on Discover Byron Center?
Local organizers can send event details through our free Get Listed form on the Local Businesses page. We list community events that are open to the public in Byron Center and Byron Township.
Hosting a community event? Send it to us through the free Get Listed form. Looking for more? See things to do in Byron Center and our parks guide.