Thursday Thrills

Street Performers Take Center Stage

On Thursday evenings throughout the summer, Downtown Holland bursts to life with fire breathers, henna artists, and the pulse of live music. The swoosh of a brush glides across skin, breakdancers spin to the rhythm, and children mirror their moves. The Gentex Street Performer Series turns street corners into spontaneous stages for all to enjoy.

From June 12 to Aug. 14, 8th Street will showcase 25 groups and artists across a three-block radius on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Kara de Alvare, the Marketing Coordinator for Downtown Holland, said, “This event, launched in 2005, aimed to promote the city’s Street Performers Ordinance. The ordinance allows approved locations and rules and regulations to make busking more appealing to performers. The event began with about 10 performers in five locations and grew to over 100 participants at 25 spots.”

About 50 percent of the weekly performers are musicians; the other half are balloon twisters, caricature artists, magicians, henna artists and face painters. De Alvare said that what sets this weekly event above others is its longevity and scale.

Holland opened the Social District to the Street Performers series about two years ago, adding a lot of fun to the series. “The event brings together locals and tourists starting their weekend on Thursday evening,” said de Alvare. “It’s a fun and economical way to kick off their weekend.”

Meet the Performers
According to several artists, a common theme that makes this event special is the performers’ proximity to and interaction with the audience.

Brothers Ben and James Woiwode, and friend Cameron Hurd, of the trio Dying Will Be Easy have been playing at the event since 2011. “We love playing for our community with people stopping and listening. It’s the most democratic way for people to show their support,” said Ben. “Someone is choosing to stop and stand there. They are feet away from you, asking questions, engaging and interacting with you, and showing you financial support by throwing money in the bucket. Having that immediate feedback is a different experience as a musician.”

Steve Tamayo of Steve’s Twisted Balloons has been a balloon twister since 2022. “I love entertaining; it’s a therapy for me,” Tamayo said. His favorite part is the smiles. “Everyone is so nice.” Tamayo continues to hone his craft and will add more complex balloon sculptures, like rubber duckies and hot dogs, this year.
He recalled a brief exchange with a woman: “Hey, did you find anything amazing here? They had fire jugglers.”

She smiled and replied, “Yeah, you!”
Tamayo says the moment—and the stranger’s unexpected compliment—only added to the event’s magical atmosphere.

Lia Weiss-Gelmi, now in her 20s, has been playing the keyboard at the event since she was nine years old. One of the highlights of her early years, she recalls, was when a man placed a $20 bill on her keyboard while she was playing.

Tips for Enjoying the Series
Downtown Holland’s 8th Street is closed to create a safe, walkable space. Arrive early to enjoy the restaurants and shops before the performances begin. Relax on a patio and listen while dining. Adults aged 21 and over can purchase an alcoholic beverage while strolling through the Social District. At the end of the night, stopping by for an ice cream treat is a popular way to wrap up the evening.
Free public parking is available on 7th and 9th Streets’ Parking Decks, surface lots and the Holland Civic Center Place. Bring tips to show appreciation for your favorite artists.
For more information, visit downtownholland.com/summer-events.