Festival of the Arts Will Happen in 2021, But With Some Changes Festival of the Arts is on for this summer, but it will look a little different. Last year, the half-a-century old celebration of art and music was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Festival of the Arts has made some adjustments. Get our free mobile app Organizers announced today that two events will be held this summer, one at the usual time in early June, and another in September during Art Prize. "Plein Air", which means "outdoors" in French will take place in downtown Grand Rapids June 4-6, 2021. The event will include musicians and landscape artists in designated social zones and throughout downtown Grand Rapids. Attendees can purchase food and drinks from local restaurants and enjoy them in social zones where live art and musical performances will be taking place all weekend long.