HOLLAND, Mich. -- Downtown Holland executives say the biggest bash of the summer will take place Thursday evening at the annual Street Performer Series Block Party.
It is being hosted by Gentex Corporation and will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot outside the Holland Civic Center.
Organizers say there will be free food, games, giveaways and street peformers.
Here are full details from the Downtown Holland news release:
On August 14, families are invited to enjoy the final Gentex Street Performer Series of the summer all along 8th Street, then stop by the Holland Civic Center Place parking lot from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm for an evening of fun games, giveaways, music, food, and more, all hosted for free by Gentex!
During the Gentex Block Party from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm on Thursday, attendees can enjoy the famous Gentex prize wheel and Plinko games, a dunk tank, yard games, and lots of amazing giveaways and freebies all night long. The Block Party will also feature balloon animals provided by Steve’s Twisted Balloons and face painting by Shel Bell Sullivan, all while DJ Wow Factor spins your favorite hits! Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided the Holland Civic Center, while food trucks, Holy Smokers BBQ, Outlaw Roasted Corn, and Tacon Madre will also be offering free food for attendees. Free ice cream will also be provided by the Holland Department of Public Safety’s Polar Patrol while supplies last. Be sure to check out the Gentex vehicles on display too! Don’t miss this night of summer fun before kids go back to school!
Street Performer Series attendees should note that 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic and parking from Columbia Avenue to River Avenue from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursday nights. Free public parking for Street Performer Series is available in the surface lots on 7th and 9th Streets, in the 7th and 9th Street Parking Decks, and at the Holland Civic Center Place. And don’t forget that while the Series is free to attend, tipping the performers is customary, as the Series is a traditional busking event.
The Downtown Holland Social District is also open during the Street Performer Series, meaning that patrons ages 21+ can purchase alcoholic beverages at one of nearly 20 different participating establishment to enjoy while strolling throughout Downtown Holland during the event. For a list of participating establishments, the social district regulations, and the district boundaries, please visit www.downtownsocialdistrict.com.
Street Performer Series Performer Line-Up for August 14
Balloon Twisters
Balloons by Dan Mutschler
Dan Mutschler is a self-taught and talented balloon artist who performs regularly at birthday parties, scouting events, art fairs, and fundraisers. He has nearly 20 years of experience twisting balloons and is constantly learning new designs to share with young and old alike, including popular characters, animals, and more!
Balloons by Sarah
Sarah Franklin discovered her love for balloon twisting while planning her son’s seventh birthday party, and it quickly became a fun family hobby. She began performing at church and community events to bring smiles to kids’ faces. Sarah is excited to share her talents and spread joy as part of the Street Performers Series for the first time this summer!
Dancers
Floor Fienz
Floor Fienz is a breakdancing group that has been performing together for over a decade at the Series and at fundraisers, car shows, and birthday parties. They keep the crowd entertained with their explosive dance moves and high-energy beats. Their passion for dance and commitment to inspiring the next generation continues to energize every performance.
Mystic
Maribel “Mystic” Garza is a belly dancer with over 20 years of performance experience as both a soloist and member of various dance troupes. She got her start right here in Holland and has been part of the Series since its second year. She loves inviting audiences of all ages to join in the fun, sharing the joy, energy, and artistry of belly dancing downtown each summer.
Graphic Artists
Henna by Anna
Anna Hoskins is a full-time artist who holds both a BFA and MFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art and Design. While she enjoys working in her studio, she loves to combine her passion for art and meeting people by drawing henna tattoos at reunions, birthday parties, weddings and more! She has participated in the Street Performer Series for the last 15 years.
Liv for Henna
Alivia Apol is a 16-year-old artist with a passion for creativity, recently focusing her talents on the intricate art of henna. She has already gained experience applying henna designs at birthday parties and community events and is excited to return to Downtown Holland for her second year as part of the Gentex Street Performer Series!
Oopsie Doodles by Mari Jo Koedyker
MJ is a local musician and artist who has been drawing Oopsie Doodles for friends and family for several years now. What started as a fun experiment has quickly turned into something enjoyable and memorable for everyone. MJ is excited to support the community of Holland by drawing personalized "blind drawing" portraits to connect the community and spread joy.
Musicians
Almost Everlys
Almost Everlys brings together three talented musicians to celebrate the timeless music of the Everly Brothers. David Clement-Horton recently moved here from London, where he performed in an Everly Brothers tribute band. He has teamed up with local guitarist and vocalist John Hubers and keyboardist Kevin Reeves to recreate the signature Everly Brothers harmonies.
Arlo Crandell
Arlo Crandell is a blues-rock guitarist who started playing guitar when he was eight and has been performing bluegrass music with his family at various venues since then. When he was 13, he started playing blues guitar, watching other artists like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Arlo was even invited onstage to play with the Texas Tenors during their Tulip Time concert in 2024.
Brethren
Musicians Ben Barnes, Adam Davidson, Aaron Cole, and Zac Davidson have been performing in church basements, outdoor events, corporate parties, and more for over 20 years. Their mix of classic rock, folk, and standards brings a little nostalgia and fun to any gathering, including the Gentex Street Performer Series.
David Dilsizian
David Dilsizian studied at Berklee College of Music. A talented singer and pianist, he has performed with a number of well-known artists, including Gloria Estefan, Casting Crowns, Laura Bell Bundy, and Rachael Lampa. David currently is the music director at Marne United Methodist Church and teaches private voice and piano lessons.
Detachable Emotions
Sean Halloway of Detachable Emotions is a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist with a long history in music. His music is deeply rooted in his own emotions and personal experiences and placed out into the world to touch people’s hearts. He performs both original music and covers of popular songs.
Doug Marlink
Doug Marlink is a talented banjo player who first began playing banjo in the mid-1970’s. He performs mostly bluegrass and some jazz music on the banjo. He is a street performer regular who can often be found performing both on the streets of Downtown Holland and at the Holland Farmers Market.
Dying Will Be Easy
Brothers James and Ben Woiwode, along with their friend Cameron Hurd, have been making music together for more than a decade in the West Michigan area as Dying Will Be Easy. This guitar, upright bass, and mandolin trio have a broad repertoire covering blues, Irish folk and modern rock. You can often find them playing on events and stages throughout West Michigan.
El Em En Oh Pea
Albert Gemmen, Jamison Worst, and Lindsey Burton have been playing together for several years, bringing a relaxed, nostalgic sound to summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. Their performances aim to create a chill atmosphere where audiences can sing along or simply enjoy the music in the background. They are also active participants in the street performer scene.
Grand Haven Harmonics
Grand Haven Harmonics is an all-female a cappella group featuring Sami DeVries, Tarah Schultz, Stephanie Salamasick, Reina Jacobson, Debbie Derienzo, and Jill Jacobson. Rooted in the art of collective singing, their diverse repertoire spans love songs and patriotic pieces with the goal of uplifting spirits and fostering unity through acapella music.
Hannah & Ali Music
Hannah Kok and Ali Podjan share a deep passion for creating and performing music together. Ali, who has been playing guitar for seven years, is currently studying cosmetology, while Hannah is pursuing a marketing degree at Calvin University. Both have been singing for as long as they can remember. They are excited to return for another year at the Series.
Sebastian Zylstra
Sebastian Zylstra is a talented sophomore at Black River Public School where he plays piano in the school’s jazz orchestra. He has played piano for over 9 years and has taken weekly lessons with Radu Corneanu for almost 4 years. Sebastian looks forward to continuing his musical journey at the Gentex Street Performer Series.
The Gorby Family
The Gorby Family includes musicians Deb and Bill, and their children Erin and Trevor Gorby. For the past seven years, this musical family has shared a blend of folk, gospel, and traditional tunes wherever there's a welcoming audience. Their versatile sets feature combinations of hammered dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, flute, and vocals.
The Growing Roots
The Growing Roots is Scott and Lisa Barry, a husband-and-wife duo from Grand Rapids that sings original Christian music influenced by many styles, including rock, folk, blues, Americana, and worship. Parents of nine, they've been singing together for most of their 24 years of marriage and have developed a style that is uniquely theirs.
Other Performers
Celtic Kilroy: The Irish Street Musician
Matt Kilroy, known as Celtic Kilroy, performs as a human statue called The Irish Street Musician. Since his debut in Grand Haven in 2012, he has become a popular act at events across Michigan and beyond, including the Michigan Irish Music Festival, Sparta Celtic Festival, and Milwaukee Irish Fest. Matt is a long-time favorite in the Gentex Street Performer Series.
Connor Scholten
Connor Scholten first began yo-yoing as a young child in 1997, and he first performed for the public as part of the first ever Street Performer Series in 2005. He has since worked full time as a yo-yo designer, coached the top players in the world, and taught yo-yo to thousands of people online. He is also the 2017 and 2018 National Yo-Yo Contest Winner.
Mat Emerick
Dressed as a clown, Mat Emerick evokes great mimes like Charlie Chaplin, Marcel Marceau, and Red Skelton in his act. With over 40 years of professional experience performing at festivals, schools, libraries, and theatres, he brings smiles to all ages with his comedy and juggling skills.
May & De Fuego
Nick May is a seasoned fire performer with over 13 years of experience, blending dance, theatrics, and music into captivating, high-energy shows. He creates unforgettable visual spectacles with precision and passion. Joining him is Gemma Michelini (Gem De Fuego), a rising talent who adds both captivating performances and logistical support.
About Gentex Corporation:
Gentex Corporation is a supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics to the automotive industry, dimmable aircraft windows for aviation markets, and fire protection products to the fire protection market. The company was founded in Zeeland in 1974 and is Ottawa County’s largest employer.
About Downtown Holland:
Located in the heart of the City of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and adjacent to the campus of Hope College, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining, and special events destination like none other! Downtown Holland offers over 100 locally owned boutiques, shops, and galleries, along with breweries, cafes, and restaurants for every taste. Downtown Holland is also home to unique cultural attractions, an award-winning farmers market and beautiful parks. We can’t wait to welcome you! For more information and the latest Downtown Holland news and updates, visit us at www.downtownholland.com, follow Downtown Holland on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or call 616.796.1210.
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