CityFest, a Christian event sponsored by over 450 area churches is expecting to draw big crowds to a Ah-Nab Awen Park Saturday evening.

The event, which will feature national known evangelist Luis Palau as well as several top notch Christian music acts, is slated for 4pm Saturday evening. it is open to the public and is free of charge.

"We like to call this 'Good News in the City' because anytime you turn on the television, it seems like it's bad news. We want to come together and really proclaim good news, being able to live a life that's full like Christ compelled us to," event director Levi Park told WOOD-TV 8.

Among the performers will be former American Idol finalists Danny Gokey and Mandisa, who have become big names in the world of Gospel and Christian music. Also performing will be Lecrae and Toby Mac.

Police expect a big influx of people into the downtown area in the hours leading to the event, so give yourself time if you're attending, or be forewarned if you're planning on attending other activities in the downtown area that evening.

Don't expect a raucous crowd, as event co-chair Doug DeVos told the Grand Rapids Business Journal, “Between the festival activities and the music performances, we hope to create a welcoming space for our neighbors to come and hear the Good News.”

More From 97.9 WGRD