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Women's Lifestyle Magazine

August 2019 Events

Jul 31, 2019 11:28AM ● By WLMagazine

Sundays
Funky Buddha Yoga Free Outdoor Community Classes. All ages are welcomed and registration is not required. Wilcox Park. p.m. Free. 

Mondays
Monday Night Market. Every Monday night, over 25 vendors will set-up shop and bring you their freshest fruits, veggies, bouquets, baked goods and so much more. Holland Civic Center Place. 5:00 p.m. hollandfarmersmarket.com

Tuesdays
Family Storytime at the Ada Farmers Market. Bring your little ones to storytime every Tuesday during the month of August and learn rhymes, songs, and crafts. Ada Farmers Market. 10:00AM & 1:00 p.m. Kdl.org

Tuesday Evening Music Club. Every Tuesday night in August, local musicians will put on a show--and it’s free for Meijer Gardens members! Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Summer Nights at the Market. This free Tuesday night series put on by FSFM and 20 Monroe will feature local musicians, food vendors, and kids activities. Fulton Street Farmers Market. 5:00 p.m. fultonstreetfarmersmarket.org

Small Business Growth and Planning Series: Business Basics Part 1. This three-part series will take place every Tuesday in August until the 18th and provide participants with ways to develop or refine their business plan. 6:00 p.m. Register at grow.nonprofitsoapbox.com

Drop-In Soccer. These Tuesday night pickup games are open to anyone with a love for soccer. Creekside Park. 6:15 p.m. 

The Meanwhile Film Series. Thanks to the collaboration between Wealthy Theatre & The Meanwhile Bar, the Meanwhile Film Series shows films every Tuesday night. Peter Wege Auditorium. 8:00 p.m. grcmc.org/events

Thrift Store Trivia. Bring a team and compete to win thrifty prizes. Our Brewing Company. 7:00 p.m. ourbrewingcompany.com 

Wednesdays
Yoga @ FSFM. BYOM (Bring your own mat) to this donation-based yoga class hosted by local, independent instructors every Wednesday in August. fultonstreetmarket.org. Fulton Street Farmers Market. 10:00 a.m.  fultonstreetfarmersmarket.org

97LAV Summertime Blues Concert Series. Every Wednesday evening through August 14. Deltaplex. 6:00 p.m. deltaplex.com

One-on-One Technology Tutoring. This 45-minute one-on-one is available for adults who want to learn how to use Facebook, email, and other tech features; bring in your own device, or use community ones. KDL--Englehardt Branch. Call 616-784-2007 to schedule your session.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 8:00 p.m. grbrewingcompany.com/mugclub

Wednesday Deck Night. We'll be grilling on the deck every Wednesday during the summer. There will be burgers, brats, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, ice cream and more! Cannonsburg Ski Resort. 6:30 p.m. Free. cannonsburg.com/

Wednesdays & Fridays
Harvest of the Month. Every Wednesday and Friday through September, YMCA will share their harvest of the month, bringing fresh fruits and veggies, recipes, demos and tips. Fulton Street Farmers Market. 9:00 a.m. fultonstreetmarket.org

Thursdays
GRAM on the Green with WYCE 88.1FM. Every Thursday night in August will feature a free, outdoor live concert along with dancing, food trucks, and even a cash bar. GRAM. 6:00 p.m. artmuseumgr.org 

Street Performer Series. Watch musicians, magicians, face painters, jugglers and others as you shop and dine in Holland on Thursday evenings. Downtown Holland. 6:30 p.m. downtownholland.com.

Holland Tasting Tour. Sample tasty food, sight-see art and architecture, and learn about the history of holland Tuesdays-Saturdays. Downtown Holland. 1:00 p.m. downtownholland.com

Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts. This free outdoor concert takes place every Thursday through August 29. Riverwalk Plaza. 7:00 p.m. discoverlowell.org 

Free Groove on the Gillett Bridge. Drop in and groove out, every Thursday night until the 22nd. Gillett Bridge. 6:00 p.m. 

Fridays
Solid Gold French Dip Fridays. Pair a French Dip sandwich with a Solid Gold for just $10 every Friday through December. Logan’s Alley. 12:00 p.m. foundersbrewing.com

Summer Concert Series. Grab a lawn-chair and your family and friends for this free concert series. Kollen Park. 6:30 p.m. downtownholland.com

Free Salsa Dance at Rosa Parks Circle. Bring a partner and learn how to salsa, every Friday in August until the 23rd. Rosa Parks Circle. 7:00 p.m. facebook.com/events/649033775548955/

Friday Movie Madness. Each Friday, KDL will put on a family-friendly movie, and they’ll post titles on Facebook. KDL:Grandville. 1:00 p.m. kdl.org 

Live Music at New Holland Brewing. Every Friday night. New Holland Brewing Company. 10:00 p.m. newhollandbrew.com. 

Bands at Blandford. This annual concert series starts on August 23 and will take place every Friday through September 13. Blandford Farm. 7:00 p.m. Register at blandfordnaturecenter.org

Saturdays
LEGO Block Party. This self-guided, drop-in event is perfect for kiddos ages 6+ who want to practice and explore art, engineering, math and more, every Saturday in August. Grand Rapids Public Library. 1:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Curiosity Labs. This weekly workshop will offer visitors the opportunity to create erupting volcanoes, learn how watersheds work and use an Augmented Reality sandbox. Free with general admission. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 11:00 a.m. grpm.org 

Chef Series. Join local chefs, caters and vendors to learn how to make new dishes sourced with fresh, local produce. Holland Farmers Market. 10:00 a.m. downtownholland.com

Fundamentals of Web Development One Day Course. Brought to you by Grand Circus, this class will be offered every Saturday in August and will serve as an intro to HTML and CSS. Grand Circus Grand Rapids. 10:00 a.m. Buy tickets at grandcircus.co. 

Drop-in Tour. These docent-led tours will feature anything from portraiture to Michigan-made items. Free with admission, no registration required. GRAM. 1:00 p.m. artmuseumgr.org 

August 9-September 9
Eye Opener: Alternative Views of Summer. This group exhibition will feature different perspectives of summertime. LaFONTSEE Galleries & Framing. 5:00 p.m. lafontsee.us 

July 31-August 3
Helga Flower Watercolor Workshop. Learn new watercolor techniques during this four day workshop. Franciscan Life Process Center. 9:00 a.m. helgaflower.com

June 1-August 17
Livin’ is Easy. This summertime exhibition features drawings and paintings created by Michigan artists. LowellArts Gallery. 10:00 a.m. lowellartsmi.org 

August 21-August 24
AQS QuiltWeek. Offering exhibits, vendors, instructors and contests, QuiltWeek is perfect for anyone interested in learning more, admiring and showing off quilting. DeVos Place Convention Center. 9:00 a.m. quiltweek.com 

August 23, 24 & 25
Polish Festival. Rosa Parks Circle. 11:00 a.m. Free. polishheritagesociety.com

August 1
How To Build a Cheese Tray. Learn the basics of building cheese and charcuterie trays; cheese, crackers and other goodies provided! The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids. 6:30 p.m. Register at thecheeselady.net

An Evening with The Beach Boys. Part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Planetarium Light Show Double Feature. Catch The Queen Light Show and Dark Side: The Light Show! featuring music from Queen and Pink Floyd that accompanies stunning light visuals. Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. 7:00 p.m. grpm.org 

GR Reads Pop Up Market: Support local businesses and visit this pop-up to shop for new clothes, beauty products, food, and more. 111 Library St NE Grand Rapids, MI. 3:00 p.m. grpl.org

The Art of Healthy Living: Move to the Beat. Perfect for children ages 4-8, this program will showcase the connections between art and healthy living, featuring a tour, an art project, and storytime. Free. GRAM. 6:30 p.m. artmuseum.gr.org 

August 1 & 6
Sunrise Yoga. Join yogi Sarah Ryder every Tuesday and Thursday in August. The Hammock. 7:30 a.m. thehammockllc.com

August 2
Grand Rapids Symphony: Nashville with the Music City Hit Makers. A mash-up of symphonic arrangements and Nashville style music, this night will be one you don’t want to miss. Cannonsburg Ski Area. 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster. Grsymphony.org

Free First Friday. Take a hike and visit the farm for free on the first Friday in August at Blandford Nature Center. Blandford Nature Center. 9:00 a.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

First Fridays: The Market. Sidewalk sales, live music and food trucks are just a few of the activities that will take place along the South Division commercial corridor. Avenue for the Arts. 6:00 p.m. avenueforthearts.com

August 2 & 3
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Adapted from Lewis Caroll’s 1865 book of the same name, this lively play follows Alice on a confounding journey through a world of talking animals and a corrupt queen. 7:00 p.m. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Grct.org 

Going Going Gone. Join the LowellArts Players in this West Michigan premiere to watch how the lives of four sports journalists change during the course of a baseball game. LowellArts Gallery. 7:00 p.m. Buy tickets at lowellartsmi.org

August 3
Art in the Park. Visit this annual arts and crafts fair and see the work of nearly 300 artists. Centennial Park. 9:00 a.m. downtownholland.com

Yoga at Blandford. Bring your own mat to this outdoor yoga class! Blandford Nature Center. 9:30 a.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

Billy Currington. Grab a friend and some cowboy boots to watch country music sensation Billy Currington perform. 20 Monroe Live. 8:00 p.m. Buy tickets at livenation.com.

August 4
Happy Cat Yoga. Spend an hour and a half doing yoga, playing with cats, and stopping at the coffee and snack bar during this session with Lotus Jo. Happy Cat Cafe. 10:00 a.m. Reserve your spot at happycatcompany.com

August 5
Greek Cooking with Greek To Go. Learn how to make tourlou, tzatziki, and baklava with Esther Koukios from Greek To Go. 111 Library St NE Grand Rapids, MI. 7:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Paul Keller and the Sundown Quintet. Check out the West Michigan Jazz Society’s summer concert series. Millennium Park Meadows. 6:30 p.m. wmichjazz.org

August 6
Beer Run! It’s a fun run, usually with a couple options for around 3 and 5 miles, followed by beer, friends, fun and raffle prizes. New Holland Brewing The Knickerbocker. 6:30 p.m. $20 at the event. grandrapidsmarathon.com/

An Evening at the Calvin Observatory. Join Professor Larry Molnar in observing the August night sky through Calvin’s 16-inch telescope. Calvin College Science Building Room 110. 9:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Book Club: Hidden Life of Trees. The August Book Club at Books & Mortar will be a picnic-style book club. Cherry Park. 6:30 p.m. RSVP at [email protected]. booksandmortar.com

Sit-N-Stitch. Bring your own supplies and make friends as you tackle your latest quilting, knitting, or crochet projects. KDL: Cascade. 1:00 p.m. kdl.org 

August 7
Extinct Embroidery: Thismia Americana. Both beginners and pros are welcome to join Solstice Handmade to learn how to make 4 basic embroidery stitches of the thismia Americana. Lions & Rabbits: 1264 Plainfield Ave Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505. 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite. lionsandrabbits.com 

Novel Characters Book Club: The Kite Runner. Join this informal discussion of Khaled Hosseini’s famous book. 1:00 p.m. KDL: Caledonia. kdl.org 

Beach House. Formed in 2004, this American dream pop duo is known for their albums Beach House, Devotion, Thank Your Lucky Stars, as well as their most recent one, 7. 20 Monroe Live. 8:00 p.m. Tickets at livenation.com.

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: An Evening with CAKE. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

August 8
Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: Sarah McLachlan with Orchestra. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Facing Racism. This two-day program hosted by the Institute for Healing Racism will give you the opportunity to talk honestly and openly about racism today. 8:30 a.m. Apply for a spot at grandrapids.org/events 

Business Exchange Luncheon. Connect with like-minded individuals over lunch and showcase your business’s products and services. Stonewater Country Club. 11:30 a.m. Register at grandrapids.org/events

Summertime Sip & Sit. Meet & greet neighbors as you snack, drink lemonade and enjoy the outdoors. KDL: Caledonia. 3:00 p.m. kdl.org 

Fundraiser for the Refugee Education Center. Featuring food, drinks, readings and more, this fundraiser will benefit refugee families in Kent County. Books & Mortar Bookstore. 6:30 p.m. booksandmortar.com

Jon Anderson, The Voice of Yes: 1,000 Hands Tour. Jon Anderson fans, rejoice! 20 Monroe Live. 7:30 p.m. Tickets at livenation.com.

Mindfulness in the Meadow-Family Edition. Bring your kiddos for this family-centered mindfulness session--a brief hike, journaling and guided practice will be included. Blandford Nature Center. 7:00 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

August 9, 10, & 11
Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival 2019. Please join us in celebrating & supporting the various rich Hispanic cultures that are present in West Michigan. There will be live entertainment, kid activities, dancing, food, beverages, our famous Mercadito, and more. Calder Plaza. 5:00 p.m. Free. facebook.com/grhispanicfestival/

August 9
Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: An Evening with Styx. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Creativity Uncorked: Mixed Media Symbolism. Explore symbolism in art and create your own mixed media drawing. Reserve your spot at armuseumgr.org. GRAM. 6:45 p.m. c

Cars and Coffee at the Downtown Market. Grab a beverage and see the hottest rides in Michigan. Downtown Market Grand Rapids. 7:00 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com 

Movies on Monroe: Mean Girls & 10 Things I Hate About You. The premier outdoor film series in Grand Rapids, returns this summer with big screen entertainment and pre-show activities and food trucks for the whole family! 555 Monroe Ave NW. 6:00 p.m. Free. downtowngr.org

Willie Nelson & Family and Allison Krauss. Join these country music stars for a night of soulful, lively country. Van Andel Arena. 7: 30 p.m. ticketmaster.com 

August 10
A Glimpse of Africa. This one-day spectacular event will showcase the rich, diverse and beautiful African cultures through fashion, art, food, dance, music and more. Africa is the home and heart of diversity, and our festival will give you A Glimpse of that and more. Rosa Parks Circle. 10:30AM-10:00PM. Free. facebook.com/AGLIMPSEOFAFRICAGR/

Fuego Saturday. Dance to salsa, reggaeton, bachata and more with DJ Money Mike during the “biggest and hottest Latin dance party in West Michigan.” 20 Monroe Live. 9:30 p.m. Buy tickets at livenation.com

August 10 & 24
Public Night at the Veen Observatory. See Saturn, Jupiter, and other star clusters, so long as skies are clear! James C. Veen Observatory. 9:00 p.m. graaa.org/public-nights

August 11
AM Yoga & Donkey Taqueria. Bring a towel, mat, water bottle, and friends! After class, brunch service at Donkey starts early for all attendees and raffles will be available as well. Donkey- Taqueria. 8:30 a.m. Free. facebook.com/events/2269659600030648/

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: Foreigner. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Summer Sculpture Walks. Join the Curator of Arts Education in exploring the Sculpture Park as you learn about select pieces of Fred Meijer’s collection. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 11:30 a.m. meijergardens.org

August 12
Kombucha 101. The co-creator of Sacred Springs, Geoff Lamden, will teach participants the history of kombucha, the health benefits, as well as how to brew your very own fizzy drink. Sacred Springs Taproom. 7:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Free Admission Mondays at the Holland Museum. The museum will now be open the second Monday of every month--for free! Holland Museum. 4:00 p.m. hollandmuseum.org

Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. Check out the West Michigan Jazz Society’s summer concert series. Millennium Park Meadows. 6:30 p.m. wmichjazz.org

August 13
Summer Foraging in the Midwest. Lisa Rose, an herbalist, forager and author, will teach you the basics of urban foraging, including proper identification, harvesting ethics, recipes and more. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Monthly Mastermind Sessions - Creating a Predictable Income. Join hosts Leah G. and Rivka H. for coffee, testimonials and discussions during this networking session. Schuler Books & Music. 9:00 a.m. Register at meetup.com 

Grand Rapids Member Mixer. Network over refreshments, games, and even stadium tours during this mixer. Fifth Third Ballpark. 4:30 p.m. Free. Register at localfirst.com

August 14
Open Studio: Frida Kahlo Inspired. Open to people of all ages and abilities, studio night provides step-by-step instruction as well as access to a variety of supplies for everyone to enjoy. ACT Studio. 6:00 p.m. Register at artistscreatingtogether.org

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: JJ Grey & Mofro + Jonny Lang. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

August 15
Taste of East Grand Rapids. A fun, family-friendly event featuring food from all our local restaurants. An inflatable bounce house and obstacle course will be on-hand for the kiddos along with many other activities! Downtown East Grand Rapids. 5:30 p.m. $1 admission, 50% of all proceeds go towards Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. facebook.com/events/east-grand-rapids-michigan-49506/the-taste-of-east-grand-rapids/497694973665154/

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Tour. Take a tour led by curator Don Hollaway and learn about First Lady Betty Ford. Tickets are first come, first serve. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. 11:00 a.m. grpl.org 

Chamber After Hours: Bissell Tree House. Network over drinks and apps with other Chamber members. John Ball Zoo--Bissell Tree House. 5:30 p.m. grandrapids.org/events

Yoga at GRAM. Led by instructors Ashley Yost and Mali Jane, this Vinyasa-style yoga class will be offered on select Thursday evenings. 5:45 p.m. GRAM’s Cook Auditorium. artmuseumgr.org 

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: SiriusXM Presents the Stray Cats 40th Anniversary Tour. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

August 16
Chris Stapleton: All-American Road Show. This country star has co-written number one songs for the likes of Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Luke Bryan, but is now climbing the charts as a solo artist. Van Andel Arena. 7:00 p.m. Ticketmaster.com

August 17
Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford. A 5K Run/Walk and Kids for Kids Fun Run will take place in downtown Rockford. 100% of the race fees and pledges from this event are donated to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). Downtown Rockford. 8:30 a.m. Runsignup.com 

Market Masterclass with Field & Fire: Rye Bread. Walk away with two loaves of your own hand-crafted bread after spending a baking session with owner of Field & Fire, Shelby Kibler. Register at Eventbrite.com. Downtown Market Teaching Kitchen. 12:00 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com 

Mega 80’s. Natives of Detroit, the Mega 80’s offer their own take on 80’s era sounds. The Intersection. 8:00 p.m. sectionlive.com 

Princess Day at the Zoo. Come meet your favorite princesses at John Ball Zoo! All princesses, princes, and knights are welcome. John Ball Zoo.
9-4:00 p.m. jbzoo.org 

August 17 & 18
GRandJazzFest. The 8th GRandJazzFest will bring to the stage notable jazz performers as well as up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences. Rosa Parks Circle. Begins Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Free. grandjazzfest.org

August 18
Adult Workshop: Plein Air Urban Landscapes. Join the GRAM Studio as they venture outdoors with plein air pastel drawings. Register at artmuseumgr.org. GRAM. 12:30 p.m. artmuseumgr.org

Brushes with Benefit @FSFM: Cat Day. Brushes, canvases and inspo will be provided at this pain-along event. Buy tickets at fultonstreetmarket.org. Fulton Street Farmers Market. 1:00 p.m. fultonstreetmarket.org

Happy Cat Yoga. Spend an hour and a half doing yoga, playing with cats, and stopping at the coffee and snack bar during this session with Lotus Jo. Happy Cat Cafe. 10:00 a.m. Reserve your spot at happycatcompany.com

August 19
Books and Butchers. Spend an evening with the butchers from E.A. Brady’s and learn the ins and outs of butchering, as well as the details of running a small business in GR. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7:00 p.m. grpl.org  

August 21
Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi. Learn how to plate, prep, and garnish three sushi rolls in this beginner class. Register at Eventbrite.com Downtown Market Teaching Kitchen. 6:00 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com 

August 22
Rock, Roar, & Pour Ft. The WhatNots. There will be beer, wine, and cider for purchase, savory foods from the grill as well as delicious concession options, live music from local bands, animal encounters, and much more! John Ball Zoo. 6:00 p.m. jbzoo.org 

A Community Conversation on Facing the Opioid Epidemic. Learn about the opioid epidemic and engage in discussions with Dirt City Sanctuary, the Kent County Opioid Task Force and The Red Project to see how you can help counter this public health crisis.  Grand Rapids Public Library. 7:00 p.m. grpl.org 

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: Michael Franti & Spearhead. Frederik Meijer Gardens. 7:00 p.m. meijergardens.org

Riverside Raconteurs Storytelling Bonfires. Cozy up around a fire with family as you tell or listen to stories. Blandford Nature Center. 9:00 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

Movies on Monroe: Space Jam & Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The premier outdoor film series in Grand Rapids, returns this summer with big screen entertainment and pre-show activities and food trucks for the whole family! 555 Monroe Ave NW. 6:00 p.m. Free. 

August 23 & 24
Breakaway Music Festival. Kaskade & Louis the Child headlining on Friday, Wiz Khalifa & Big Gigantic headlining on Saturday. Belknap Park. 4:00 p.m. Frontgatetickets.com

August 24
Grand Rapids Margarita Madness 5K Run. A unique night 5K fun run focused less on speed and more on Margarita fun with friends and family. Riverside Park. 3:00 p.m. Eventbrite.com 

Made in Michigan Pop-Up Market. Shop for artisan gifts, local treats, & Michigan-made (& grown!) Goodies at the original made-in-Michigan artisan market. Downtown Market. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Free. downtownmarketgr.com/

Cyanotype. Join the maker of Adventure Textiles, Megan Williams, as she uses chemicals and light exposure to create beautiful blue and white images on paper and fabric. Blandford Nature Center. 10:00 a.m. Register at blandfordnaturecenter.org

Margarita Crawl Grand Rapids. Five venues with discounted drinks at each one, along with free entry to the after-party and take-home swag. 2:00 p.m. eventbrite.com

American Cancer Society West MI Farm to Table Dinner. The evening will include gourmet dishes with a five drink pairing, as well as a live auction. Ed Dunneback & Girls Fruit Farm. 5:00 p.m. acsglnwm.ejoinme.org

Telescope Clinic. Bring your own telescope to get advice and tune-ups from GRAAA members. James C. Veen Observatory. 8:00 p.m. graaa.org

August 24 & 25
Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire. More than a traditional science fair, this event will highlight innovation and engineering. Showcase your work or purchase tickets at Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10:00 a.m. grandrapids.makerfaire.com. grpm.org 

August 25
Exhibition Closing Lecture--A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy. Join former chief curator Joseph Becherer to learn about the legacy Fred Meijer left through his personal art collection. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 2:00 p.m. RSVP at meijergardens.org

August 26
Dynamic Drawing. This monthly drawing class will feature a live model and still life; easels are first come, first serve. Little Space Studio. 6:30 p.m. littlespacestudio.com 

Advocacy Engagement Series: How to Run for Office. The third of four sessions, this session will show participants the ins and outs of effective lobbying as well as how to run for office. Grand Rapids Chamber. 7:30 a.m. Register at grandrapids.org/events

Why Don’t We - 8 Letters Tour. This massively popular “man band” has amassed millions of audio streams, subscribers and followers in just a few short years--and you won’t want to miss them when they stop in GR. DeVos Performance Hall. 7:00 p.m. Ticketmaster.com

August 27
Tool Shop Takeover. Join Kevin from Armstrong Tool & Supply as he brings jewelry making tools like flux, pliers and saw frames to you! The Hot Spot. 6:00 p.m. thehotspotgr.com

Artist Reception: Catherine Tonning-Popowich. View and purchase nature-inspired artwork. A portion of the proceeds will go to Blandford Nature Center. Blandford Nature Center. 5:30 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

August 28
Coffee with Cops. Meet with local cops and get the chance to share your concerns, questions, and ideas over coffee and donuts. The Harris Building. 9:30 a.m. littlespacestudio.com 

Roots of Creation. Spend a night groovin’ along with this international reggae-rock sensation. The Stache @ the Intersection. 9:00 p.m. Buy tickets at etix.com. sectionlive.com 

August 29
Small Business Expo. Connect with other small business owners, vendors, and customers during this event. Devos Place. 3:00 p.m. Register at grandrapidsmi.gov

Politics & Pints. An opportunity to talk politics with elected officials. AC Lounge. 4:30 p.m. Register at grandrapids.org/events

Tapas de Barcelona. Learn the staples of Spanish cuisine. Register at Eventbrite.com. Downtown Market Teaching Kitchen. 6:00 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com