In 1984, members from both the Muskegon Rotary Club and the Greater Muskegon Jaycees got together to brainstorm ways to raise funds for their respective organizations. At that time, they heard about a community event in Toledo called “Rally by the River”, so they decided to learn more and thus was born Muskegon’s first annual “Parties in the Park”.

Over the years, Parties in the Park has been a mainstay in Muskegon’s Downtown, providing free entertainment and an opportunity for local residents and tourists alike to gather and relax while enjoying good food, great beer and our beautiful Michigan summer weather in an outdoor setting.