January 2018 Events
Jan 02, 2018 12:06PM ● By WLMagazineSundays
Sunday Classical Concert Series. Make enjoying a live concert by a local band part of your lazy Sunday afternoon and admire the sound throughout GRAM’s beautiful architecture and gallery space. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Concert line-up at artmuseumgr.org.
Gazelle Sports Dirty Herd. For those who love trail running and free weekly events, join a herd of runners as they navigate through dynamic terrain and the orchard’s woods. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery. 4 pm. gazellesports.com/thedirtyherd
Mondays
Studio Night at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Work on your art projects among accessible collaboration from fellow creators. 25% discount for all who participate. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 6-11 pm. grbrewingcompany.com
Tuesdays
Meijer Free Tuesdays means free admission and explorations to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. 10 am-5 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Science Tuesdays at the Museum. Kids explore the Science of Microbiology by participating in a variety of activities and interactive displays. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am-4 pm. grpm.org
Meanwhile Movie. Kick back for a viewing of a cult classic, with titles varying every week in the Wealthy movie theater. Bar privileges open to members. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
Tuesdays starting January 9
Cozy Tales for Chilly Days. Cozy up at the Gardens for wintertime stories that guide preschoolers from winter to spring with animal tales in between. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 10:30-11:30 am. Theme list at meijergardens.org.
Thursdays
Meijer Free Thursday Nights means free admission and an evening of art pieces. The Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5-9 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Saturdays
Mindstorm Saturdays. Bring your kids to the library for a morning of exploring robotics by playing with provided kits, learning coding skills and making friends along the way. 10 am. grpl.org
Drop-In Family Saturdays welcome families to join the fun and participate in exciting art activities in the museum’s Education Studio. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 11 am-5 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Ongoing
Andy Warhol’s American Icons. Visit the mind of Andy Warhol in GRAM’s newest exhibit composed of the avant-garde artist’s paintings, prints, photographs and film, creating a collection of 20th century cultural icons. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Exhibit runs until February 11. Hours at artmuseumgr.org.
Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids exhibit. Follow mythological creatures to their roots through models and replicas, fossils, interactive exhibits and more. Grand Rapids Public Museum. Exhibit runs until May 20. Hours at grpm.org
Through January 7
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World. The Gardens’ interior glows with hundreds of thousands of lights, illuminating their holiday exhibition that showcases the different and similar ways the world celebrates the season. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Exhibition hours at meijergardens.org.
Rodin and the Contemporary Figurative Tradition exhibit. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 9 am-5 pm. More info at meijergardens.org.
The Brain: The World Inside Your Head exhibit. Explore the human brain and see how the it works. The exhibit also includes Life of the Mind, looking into mental health treatment throughout history. Grand Rapids Public Museum. Museum hours at grpm.org.
Through January 28
Coming Home and Organize Your Own. This annual exhibit features works by Michigan artists who use the mitten state for inspiration and creative development. Exhibit runs until January 28. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Museum hours at uica.org.
January 2
Meanwhile Movie: The Thing. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
January 3
Blood Drive. SpendMend. 11 am-4:15 pm. Find drives in your area at redcrossblood.org.
STEAM Workshop Wednesdays. Curious kids have a blast making friends and practicing STEAM applications in hands-on activities, discussions and career exploration. Grand Rapids Public Library. 6:30 pm. grpl.org
January 4
Volunteer Education session. Those interested in becoming a volunteer tutor are invited to a free information session that teaches attendees more about the center’s programs. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 6-7 pm. literacycenterwm.org
7-Day Cleanse Info Session. Tune into Facebook live to join health coach Andrea Hop and nutrition expert Christine Schoenek as they explain how to execute the group cleanse interested community members will be taking Jan 15. Call (616) 264-6556 or email [email protected] for more information. grnaturalhealth.com
January 4 & 18
Intro to GROW. Get information on programs and services GROW offers for business starters. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. Noon-1 pm and 6-7 pm. growbusiness.org
January 5
Blood Drive. Hanley Christian Reformed Church. 11:30 am-5:15 pm. Find drives in your area at redcrossblood.org.
Author Visit: Janet Sheeres. Sheeres discusses her recent book, For Better or Worse, about the wives and lives of early Dutch pastors. Grand Rapids Public Library. 1:30 pm. grpl.org
Blood Drive. Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. 1:45-7 pm. Find drives in your area at redcrossblood.org.
First Fridays Gallery Hop. Avenue for the Arts welcomes you to a night of gallery going as artwork and handmade goods by local artists take over gallery and building spaces along the corridor. Exclusive food and drink specials offered by local businesses make for an exciting evening of culture and libations. South Division. 6-9 pm. avenueforthearts.com
LowellArts House Concerts presents The Preservers. Enjoy LowellArts’ current exhibition while listening to rockin’ tunes, psychedelic jams and lengthy ballads performed by the local rock band. LowellArts Gallery. 7 pm. Concert line-up at lowellartsmi.org.
Grand Rapids Drive vs. Wisconsin Herd. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
January 5 & 6
Grand Rapids Bridal Show. Design your dream wedding at the longest running bridal show in West Michigan, simplifying wedding planning woes by bringing GR’s top wedding resources to one place along with special discounts, ideas and giveaways. DeVos Place. 5-9 pm (Fri.) and 11 am-5 pm (Sat). grbridalshow.com
January 6
5/3 River Bank Community Training Run. Get warmed up for West Michigan’s largest road race in May by joining runners for a jog along the 25K course, measured at various distances to accommodate all training levels. Water stations and refreshments provided. Meet at David D. Hunting YMCA. 8 am. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.
Indie Flea. Rummage through the best local vendors have to offer among handmade goods, art, vintage items, cards and other treasures at this monthly flea market. Wealthy Theatre. 10 am-4 pm. grcmc.org
Lowell House Concert presents the Bruce Matthews Band. LowellArts. 7-9 pm. lowellartsmi.org
Grand Rapids Drive vs. Canton Charge. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
January 6 & 20
Outdoor Winter Market. Find warmth this winter with fresh breads, root vegetables perfect for soups, eggs for a delicious breakfast scramble and more from local market vendors. 8th Street Holland Market Place. 9 am-noon. downtownholland.com
January 6-February 10
Grand Valley Artist exhibit. Discover the exceptional talent and professionalism within the Grand Valley Artists as you explore their works at this all-media juried exhibition. LowellArts. Gallery hours at lowellartsmi.org.
January 7
Sunday Classical Concerts presents Music by Women Composers. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.
Winter Jam 2018. Skillet headlines this year’s spectacular line-up of the best and brightest names in Christian music, delivering an unforgettable experience to all who attend. Van Andel Arena. 6 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
January 8
Blood Drive. MVP Work-Space. 1-6:45 pm. Find drives in your area at redcrossblood.org.
Free Information Session: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Learn about GR Center for Mindfulness’ classes designed to help you lead a happier, more mindful life. 6:30-8 pm. Classes begin Jan. 15. Sign-up and class registration bundles can be found at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
January 9
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org
Book Talk: Small Giants. Join Local First for a final discussion about the Mayor’s 2017 book of the year that discusses the success of companies that choose being great over big. Schuler Books. 10-11 am. localfirst.com
Perrin “No Problems” Training Run. Train for River Bank like a beer city local at this community training run featuring a 3-mile course throughout the brewing company’s neighborhood followed by a pint and conversation at Perrin. Perrin Brewing Company. 6 pm. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.
GROW Small Business Class: Strategic Planning. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org
Free Information Session: Mindful Self-Compassion. Energy Touch Center. 6:30-8 pm. Classes begin Jan. 16. More sessions and registration at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
Louder Than Words: Rock Radio, Power & Politics. Sit in with Rock WLAV DJs who share their experience serving as influences on West Michigan’s music scene by playing music of those featured in the museum’s current exhibit on their station. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. 7 pm. RSVP at fordlibrarymuseum.com.
Meanwhile Movie: The Shining. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
January 10
Free Information Session: Mindful Self-Compassion. Mindful Counseling GR. 9:30-11 am. More sessions and registration at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
GROW Start Smart Business Readiness Course. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. growbusiness.org
Blood Road screening. This fundraiser supports those competing in Iditarod and screens the unbelievable documentary about Rebecca Rusch’s and Huyen Nguen’s 1,200-mile bike journey to recover the area where her father’s plane was shot down in Vietnam. Wealthy Theatre. 7 pm. Tickets at grcmc.org.
January 11
Free Information Session: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Holistic Care Approach. 9:30-11 am. Register at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
Art and the Mind Panel Discussion. Have a thought-provoking and educational conversation on the impacts of creative expression on the brain with examples of work by Rick Beerhorst, whose mental illness fueled his paintings. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. 6-7 pm. uica.org
Free Information Session: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Women’s Health Center. 6:30-8 pm. Register at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
Free Information Session: Mindfulness Based Intuitive Eating. Energy Touch Center. 6:30-8 pm. More sessions and registration at grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com.
New Urbanism Film Festival. Wealthy Theatre. 7-9 pm. Tickets at grcmc.org.
January 12
GR Symphony presents All-Tchaikovsky. Experience the music of the beloved classical music composer and the talent emitted by our local symphony as they perform his best works. DeVos Performance Hall. 8-10:30 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
80s vs. 90s w/ FeelGood. Indulge in everything you love about 80s and 90s jams with tribute band FeelGood as they spark the can’t-miss dance party of the weekend. The B.O.B. 9 pm-2 am. thebob.com
January 12-14
Grand Rapids Remodeling & New Homes Show. Find everything you need to build your new home, finish your basement or bring your family room out of the 90s at this annual expo, filled with expert advice and endless inspiration. DeVos Place. Showtimes at devosplace.org.
January 12-28
All the Way. This historical play takes audience members back to Kennedy’s assassination and Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s immediate efforts to fill the role as President of the United States. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.Tickets and showtimes at grct.org.
January 13
WinterWest at the Park. Before you think the winter has you bound indoors, join Friends of the Park for a fun day of winter events like sled races, ice skating, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, a snowman contest and other activities that will make you hope for snow the next time you play outdoors. Richmond Park. 10 am-3 pm. Next event on January 27 at Mulick Park. friendsofgrparks.org
Frivolous Follies: Frozen Frolics. This show features juggling, singing, dancing, burlesque, animal acts and much more that you must see to truly experience the style of Vaudeville. Wealthy Theatre. 8-10:30 pm. Tickets at grcmc.org.
January 14
Sunday Classical Concerts presents Schubert, Fauré and Gershwin. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.
Avenged Sevenfold feat. Breaking Benjamin and Bullet For My Valentine concert. Van Andel Arena. 6:15 pm Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
January 15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Corporate Breakfast. Gather with the community for the 18th annual breakfast celebrating the work of Dr. King and seizing the opportunity to network with local businesses. DeVos Place. 7-9 am. Registration at grurbanleague.org.
Monday Night Jazz presents Walt Gutowski and The Bridge Street Band. Enjoy menu specials while listening to a musical reflection of the Bridge Street neighborhood by these local musicians. The Knickerbocker. 6:30-8:30 pm. wmichjazz.org
Opera GR presents I Dream. Be inspired by an address from keynote speaker April Reign before allowing this new rhythm and blues opera to embrace your listening ears as you watch an account of Martin Luther King’s most intimate moments with his wife and friends during his fight for civil rights. Fountain Street Church. 7:30 pm. Tickets at operagr.com.
January 16
GROW Small Business Class: Choosing Your Business Structure. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org.
KDaLe Book Club: Osgood Brewing. Talk books over brews with fellow book-lovers, discussing the books you’re currently reading and getting ideas on what to read next. Osgood Brewing Company. 7-8 pm. kdl.org
Meanwhile Movie: Fargo. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
January 17
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org
Grand Rapids Drive vs. Windy City Bulls. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
Tower of Power 50th Anniversary concert. This soul band has decades of delivering performances that mesmerize audiences and keep them coming back for more. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 7:30 pm. fhfineartscenter.com
January 18
Green Drinks with WMEAC. Network with a lively mix of people from NGO’s to sustainability experts over craft liquor. Gray Skies Distillery. 5-7 pm. wmeac.org
GVSU vs. Lake Superior State. DeltaPlex. 6 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
Charles Garfield: A Fascinating Citizen. Chris Reader visits the library to share stories on just what made the namesake of Garfield Park a fascinating person and influence on GR. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7 pm. grpl.org
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents Brahms and Dvorak. Piano, violin and viola resurrect the musical and personal friendship between Brahms and Dvorak. St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets at scmc-online.org.
Opening of Concerts Under the Stars: hi-ker. Visual cosmo-inspired effects by Nate Eizenga pairs with experimental synth and bizarro pop music by the local band, hi-ker to mesmerize audience members with a unique planetarium show. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 7:30 pm. Tickets and line-up at grpm.org.
January 18-20
STOMP. The eight-member percussionist troupe delivers an incredibly unique concert using things like matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans and hubcaps as instruments. DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets and showtimes at broadwaygrandrapids.com.
James and the Giant Peach. LowellArts Players Youth Theater invites audience members to join James on his classic, fantasy adventure with the creatures inhabiting an enormous peach. Lowell Performing Arts Center. 7 pm (Thu & Fri). 2 and 7 pm (Sun). lowellartsmi.org
January 18-21
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show. Get inspired for your next adventure at this incredible RV camper show featuring motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and folding trailers. DeVos Place. Showtimes at devosplace.org.
January 19
Opening Reception for Enmeshed exhibit. Get a first look at the works in UICA’s newest exhibit while enjoying refreshments by The Cheese Lady, mingling with the artists and exploring the galleries. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. 5:30-9 pm. uica.org
Chris Young: Losing Sleep concert. Van Andel Arena. 7:30 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
January 20
Nature Day. Thaw off in The Market’s greenhouse and to meet animals up close and partake in fun activities with teams from Blandford Nature Center, Outdoor Discovery Center, KDL and Casa La Parrot. The Downtown Market. 10 am-1 pm. downtownmarketgr.com
Grand Raggidy Roller Derby Double Header. Grab snacks, a beer and take your seat in the arena to witness the first home game of 2018 with our favorite roller girls representing GR. Rivertown Sports. 5-9 pm. grandraggidy.com
Grand River Folk Arts Society presents Mustard’s Retreat. Wealthy Theatre. 7 pm. grcmc.org
Lowell House Concert presents Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers. LowellArts. 7-9 pm. lowellartsmi.org
January 21
Sunday Classical Concerts presents The Oblivion Project: Nuevo Tango. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.
Harlem Globetrotters. They’re back with their famous ball handling wizardry and artistry that brings more fun to basketball than ever imagined. Van Andel Arena. 2 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
January 23
GROW Small Business Class: Successful Relationship Building. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org.
Ask the Experts: Anti-Aging. Learn how to appreciate natural beauty while discussing how to maintain and optimize your health as you grow older. Grand Rapids Natural Health. 6:30-7:30 pm. RSVP at grnaturalhealth.com.
Fred’s Wine Dinner. Treat your palate with a four-course dinner that pairs delicious Italian food with different wines so you can experience how wines compliment meals and drop some sommelier lingo on your friends during your next outing. Fred’s Italian Restaurant. 6:30-9 pm. Reservations at fredsitalian.net.
Nostalgia Craft Night. Flashback to summer camp this winter with a night of the arts and crafts you loved in your youth including friendship bracelets, shrinky dinks and more. Pyramid Scheme. 7 pm.pyramidschemebar.com
Meanwhile Movie: Inside Llewyn Davis. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
January 24
GROW Business Class: Using QuickBooks to Manage Your Business. Learn the advantages of QuickBooks Online compared to QuickBooks Desktop along with how to transfer your data and utilize the program to benefit your business. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org.
January 25
8th Annual Local First Meeting. Celebrate 2017’s accomplishments and learn what Local First is excited about this year at their annual meeting that invites local business owners and community members to revel in the glory of our wonderful hometown. Goei Center. 5-9 pm. Tickets at localfirst.com.
Music in the Stacks: Lipstick Jodi. Enjoy a live performance of the local indi-alternative pop band as you browse the library’s collection. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7 pm. grpl.org
January 25-27
Michigan Music Conference. School ensemble concerts, Honors choirs, All-State bands and orchestras along with sessions for music lovers and teachers bring three days of award-winning performances to the public. DeVos Performance Hall. Schedule at michiganmusicconference.org.
January 26
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 2-3 pm. literacycenterwm.org
Jeff Dunham: Passively Aggressive comedy show. Van Andel Arena. 7 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
January 26-28
GRFF 36-Hour Challenge. Filmmakers take on the challenge of scripting, shooting, editing and submitting a short film in 36 hours in hopes of being chosen to be screened live at Celebration Cinema. Woodbridge N. Ferris Building. 8 pm (Fri)-9 am (Sun). Details and registration form at grfilmfestival.com.
GR Symphony presents Blockbuster Broadway. Hear Broadway’s biggest hit songs from Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Lion King and more performed by New York’s top vocalists complemented by the GR Symphony. DeVos Performance Hall. 8 pm (Fri & Sat) and 3 pm (Sun). Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
January 27
Opening of The Great Lakes Cycle exhibit. Painter and naturalist Alexis Rockman’s collection allows viewers to explore the Great Lakes through large oil and watercolor paintings and sketches, illustrating what the Great Lakes were in the past and what the future holds for them based on our actions. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Museum hours at artmuseumgr.org.
Adult Workshop: Painting with Natural Pigments. Learn how to make your own paint from plants, minerals and spices and leave with your own painting and recipe workbook so you can continue creating art au natural. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 10 am-noon. Register at artmuseumgr.org.
Downtown Market Wedding Showcase.Check out the capabilities The Market has to offer for your special day including venue space, caterer samples, décor and more wedding resources. The Downtown Market. 10 am-1 pm. downtownmarketgr.com
WinterWest at the Park. Join Friends of the Park for a fun day of winter events like sled races, ice skating, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, a snowman contest and other outdoor activities in the snow. Mulick Park. 10 am-3 pm. friendsofgrparks.org
Kids & Family Expo. Unleash the pent-up effects of Cabin Fever and bring the family to an expo that fills the hall with fun, energizing activities that challenge mind and stealth while bringing the family closer together. DeVos Place. 10 am-5 pm. kidsandfamilyexpo.com
West Michigan Bridal Show. Plan your day in the most convenient way at the annual bridal show that brings all the sought-out wedding resources including gowns, formalwear, catering, bar service, venue options and more under one roof. DeVos Place. 11 am-4 pm. Admission discount at kohlerexpo.com.
January 27 & 28
Orchid Show. Discover the variety of orchid blooms from tiny to tremendous, attend lectures that unfold with the majesty of orchid growing and shop among vendor booths featuring the supplies you need to grow your orchid oasis. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Noon-5 pm (Sat) and 11 am-5 pm (Sun). meijergardens.org
January 28
Sunday Classical Concerts presents Grand Rapids Symphony’s Suzanna Dennis Bratton (clarinet). Grand Rapids Art Museum. 2-3 pm. Full line-up at artmuseumgr.org.
January 30
Vietnam War Lecture Series feat. Richard Camp. Camp recounts his first-hand experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War during the 1968 TET Offensive. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. 7 pm. RSVP at fordlibrarymuseum.com.
Meanwhile Movie: TBA. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. Listing at grcmc.org.
January 31
Auto Show Charity Spectacular. Get a first look at the Michigan International Auto Show while enjoying cocktails, a strolling dinner and supporting Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. DeVos Place. 6-9 pm. Tickets at showspan.com.