April 2018 Events
Mar 31, 2018 10:00AM ● By WLMagazine
Sundays
Gazelle Sports Dirty Herd. For those who love trail running a, join a herd of runners as they navigate through dynamic terrain of the orchard. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery. 4 pm. gazellesports.com/thedirtyherd
Mondays
Studio Night at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Work on your art among collaboration from fellow creators. 25% discount for all who participate. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 6-11 pm. grbrewingcompany.com
Comedy Outlet Mondays. Laugh Monday off as you watch a variety of improv, sketch, puppet and musical performances. Dog Story Theater. 7 pm. dogstorytheater.com
Tuesdays
Science Tuesdays at the Museum. Little scientists explore the Science of Technology by partaking in a variety of activities and interactive displays. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am-4 pm. grpm.org
Meijer Free Tuesdays means free admission and explorations to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. 10 am-5 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Meanwhile Movie. Kick back for a viewing of a cult classic in the Wealthy movie theater, with titles changing each week. Bar privileges open to members. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Adult Intermediate Ballet Classes. Recommended to those with 2-3 years of experience, this class is led by trained company dancers and teaches you how to get your ballet technique on pointe. Grand Rapids Ballet. 6:30-7:45 pm. grballet.com
Thursdays
Meijer Free Thursday Nights means free admission and an evening of art pieces. The Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5-9 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Adult Beginner Ballet Classes. Enjoy a new kind of workout learning ballet technique while strengthening your core and conditioning your muscles in the most elegant ways you can imagine. Grand Rapids Ballet. 6:30-7:45 pm. grballet.org
Saturdays
Drop-In Family Saturdays welcome families to participate in exciting art activities in the museum’s Education Studio. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 11 am-5 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Ongoing
The Kent District Library blooms with free workshops and activities for kids, families, teens and adults including a Money Smart Week catered to each age group. Kids and teens learn the fundamentals of saving while adults learn budgeting skills in a relaxed atmosphere featuring a full-service coffee bar. For April’s full list of activities, visit kdl.org.
Grand Rapids Art Museum and John Ball Zoo Membership Exchange. Shift between animals and art as April gives GRAM and JB Zoo members reciprocal benefits at both establishments, including free admission. artmuseumgr.com and jbzoo.org.
Look Behind Design exhibit. This exhibit puts the spotlight on local design and reveals how it happens within a group of companies. Exhibit runs until May 13. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Gallery hours at uica.org.
Gerri Treves: One Step Closer exhibit. Marvel at a collection of Treves’ favorite pieces that express her style and emotion through colors, powerful brushstrokes and experiments with line and texture. Flat River Gallery & Framing. Artist’s reception April 19, 6-8 pm. Gallery hours at dayflatrivergalleryandframing.com.
CAMPUS exhibit. Faculty and staff of Ferris State University and KCAD display works covering a variety of disciplines and spanning all genres and media. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Exhibit runs until May 2. Hours at uica.org.
Butterflies are Blooming. Butterflies saturate this annual exhibition enjoyed by all ages. Partake in special programming and activities that let you explore the life of these majestic insects as they evolve from cocoon to beautiful butterfly. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Exhibit runs until April 30. meijergardens.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 April 14
West Michigan Regional Arts Exhibition. This free exhibition invites the public to marvel at artwork from 121 lower West Michigan artists, submitted for the 32nd West Michigan Art Competition. LowellArts. Gallery hours at lowellartsmi.org.
Through April 29
Water’s Extreme Journey exhibit. This exhibit invites visitors to travel through lakes, rivers, wetlands and watersheds as a water droplet making its way to the ocean. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am. Exhibit runs until April 29. Hours at grpm.org
Drawn Into Form: Beverly Pepper exhibit. Get an exclusive look at drawings and prints by the contemporary sculptor in this never before seen by the public exhibit. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Hours at meijergardens.org.
The Great Lakes Cycle exhibit. Explore the Great Lakes through Alexis Rockman’s vast collection of artwork that illustrates what the Great Lakes were in the past and what the future holds for them based on our actions. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Hours at artmuseumgr.org.
April 1
Easter Bunny Brunch & Dinner. Celebrate Easter with the family with special brunch and dinner menu items along with a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails. 10 am-6 pm. Reserve by calling (616) 226-3319 or visit wheelhousegrandrapids.com.
CityFlats Easter Brunch. Fill mid-morning with made-to-order waffles, omelets and tons of entree and side dish options for the whole family. CityFlats Hotel (Grand Rapids). Reservations available at 11 am, noon, 1 and 2 pm. Call (616) 451-1892 for reservations. cityflatshotel.com
April 2
Ferris Nitro Cold Brew Launch. Ferris Coffee introduces a new sip to their repertoire by releasing their new nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee, available in cans and even kegs. Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. 6:30 am-8 pm. ferriscoffee.com
Sing & Dance with The Porters. Bring your kids to unleash their Spring Break energy by dancing their hearts out. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 11 am-1 pm. grcm.org
April 2-5
Spring Break Day Ballet Camp. Ages 3-6 can enjoy spring break by making new friends and learning new moves as they develop their ballet skills, shown to be physically and mentally beneficial for their growth. Classes include a snack, craft and Mother Goose’s Friends performance. Grand Rapids Ballet. 10 am-noon. Register at grballet.com.
April 2-6
Spring Break for Kids. Kids are invited to partake in fun activities and enjoy a kid-friendly ballet performance of Mother Goose’s Friends in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Grand Rapids Ballet. 10:30-11:30 am. Tickets at grballet.com.
April 3
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. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.org
Songs of Positivity with Susan Picking. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 11 am. Follow the fun with Afternoon Art at the museum, 2-4 pm. grcm.org
April 3-7
Spring Break at GRAM. The art museum welcomes ages 17 and under to explore GRAM’s floors, free of charge. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Hours at artmuseumgr.org.
April 4
Workshop Wednesdays. The library introduces curious kids to STEAM applications with hands-on activities, open discussion and explores career opportunities. Grand Rapids Public Library. 6:30 pm. grpl.org
April 5
Audacious Hoops.Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 11 am-1 pm. grcm.org
The Illusionists. Five of the world’s most mind-blowing illusionists spend the evening dazzling audiences outrageous and astonishing acts. DeVos Performance Hall. 8 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
April 5 & 19
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
April 6
Opening Reception: PANTONE Color of the Year. Enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar while mingling with the artists responsible for the pieces in this exhibition, saturated by Ultra Violet. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. 6-9 pm (member preview 5:30-6 pm). uica.org
First Fridays Gallery Hop. Enjoy 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
Jake’s Music Festival benefit concert. Tons of local bands take the stage to perform original songs that ignite the crowd with energy while benefiting local and national efforts to treat diabetes. The Intersection. 7-11 pm. sectionlive.com
April 6-8
Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival. Celebrate Latin America through the art of film that launches constructive dialogue, applauds differences and reveals commonalities among cultures. Films screen throughout the weekend and are followed by Q&As with directors and panel discussions with special guests. Wealthy Theatre. Films and schedule at grlaff.org.
April 6-8 & 13-15
Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company presents the playwright’s most famous tragedy, following a bereft Hamlet who is urged by his murdered father’s spirit to seek revenge on whoever killed him. Dog Story Theater. 8 pm (Fri & Sat) and 3 pm (Sun). dogstorytheater.com
April 6-26
PANTONE Color of the Year exhibit. Ultra Violet is this year’s Color of the Year and this temporary exhibit displays a dynamic collection of artworks that utilize the color as a point of departure and major component in the execution. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Hours at uica.org.
April 7
5/3 River Bank Community Training Run. Get ready for West Michigan’s largest road race next month by joining runners for a jog along a 25K course preview. Water stations and refreshments on the course. Meet at David D. Hunting YMCA. 8 am. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.
West Michigan Mom’s Sale. Shop over 200 booths filled with gently-used items for babies, toddlers and soon-to-be moms at the largest mom-to-mom sale in West Michigan where visitors can also sell their own gently used children’s and maternity clothes, children’s furniture, toys, books and more. DeVos Place. 9 am-1 pm. Selling details at westmichiganmomssale.com.
Starkbierfest. Join the crowd of ages 21+ for the Germany’s second biggest cele-beer-tion at the neighborhood brewery. This strong celebration of bock beers is loaded with special beer releases, live music, food and a good time. Cedar Springs Brewing Company. 3-9 pm. csbrew.com
Brad Paisley feat. Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell concert. Van Andel Arena. 7 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
Festival of Laughs. Comedians Sommore, DeRay Davis, Arnez J and George Wallace take the GR stage to deliver a full night of non-stop laughs. DeVos Performance Hall. 8-10 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
April 7 & 8
Star 105.7 West Michigan Pet Expo. Meet your next family member at this year’s pet expo, full of critters searching for their forever home. DeltaPlex. 10 am-7 pm (Sat) and 11 am-5 pm (Sun). Tickets at deltaplex.com.
April 7 & 21
Outdoor Winter Market. Stock the kitchen for spring with fresh breads, root vegetables, eggs and more from local market vendors. 8th Street Holland Market Place. 9 am-noon. downtownholland.com
April 8
Silly Songs with Randy Kaplan. Squeeze in a final jam session with your little one during this smile-inducing sing-along. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 12:30 and 2:30 pm. grcm.org
MercyMe and Tenth Avenue North LIVE concert. Van Andel Arena. 6 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
April 9
Healthy U Lecture: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body. Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. 9-11 am. RSVP by calling (877) 812-8745. covenantvillagegreatlakes.org
April 10
Lunch & Learn Mental Health Session: Challenging the Stigma. These free sessions focus on understanding and raising awareness for mental health issues, covering different topics each month. Ronald McDonald House. 11:45 am-1 pm. Line-up at rmhwesternmichigan.org.
Hometown Heroes Encore Concert feat. The Accidentals. Join the community for an event honoring our local heroes with a full program that includes dinner, a silent auction, a live concert and more. 20 Monroe Live. 5-11 pm. Details at redcross.org.
Perrin “No Problems” Training Run. Train for River Bank like a Beer City local at this community training run on 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: Business Basics: Strategic Planning. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org
All About That Blue. Taste blue cheeses from all over the world, experiencing the magical change in flavors when certain pairings are made. The Cheese Lady GR. 6:30-7:30 pm. thecheeselady.net
April 10, 17 & 24
Springtime Walks. Preschoolers and their families explore Michigan’s Farm Garden on the gorgeous Gardens property, learning about the animals and taking part in fun hands-on activities. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 10-11 am. meijergardens.orgApril 11
CoolSculpting: Cool Event. Learn about the latest CoolSculpting practices and what treatment plan is right for you. Bengtson Center. 9 am-4 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.Climate Fest: Our Children’s Future. Join the call to create a sustainable future while noshing on delicious local pizza, dancing to live music, perusing through an art showcase and sitting in on a live teleconference discussing local sustainability. Wealthy Theatre. 5:30-9:45 pm. Tickets at event’s Facebook page. grcmc.org
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 6-7 pm. literacycenterwm.org
GROW Start Smart Business Readiness Course. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. growbusiness.org
April 12
Raising the Bar for Business. This free community event is part of Local First’s Measure What Matters programs, inviting you to learn how you and other lakeshore businesses can incorporate social and environmental justice into business plans. Herrick District Library. 9-11 am. localfirst.comPhysician Lecture Series: Back Pain. Join a pain management expert as they share information on the cause of back pain while offering tips on how to treat it. Holland Hospital. 6-7 pm. hollandhospital.org
Well House Gala of Light. Celebrate the good in our community and the team that strives to decrease homelessness by repurposing old houses during Well House’s first gala featuring cocktails, dinner, awards and live entertainment by SuperDre. New Vintage Place. 6-11 pm. Tickets at wellhousegalagr.org.
Good Start: Nutrition, Exercise & Your Pregnancy. Experts invite moms-to-be and their support partner to a class that shares tips on what foods and types of exercise positively affect your baby’s growth from womb to world. Spectrum Health Healthier Communities. 6-7:30 pm. spectrumhealth.org
Paths to Healing. In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, On the Path Yoga hosts a discussion panel that shares community resources that aid in healing from trauma. On the Path Yoga. 7:30-8:30 pm. grnaturalhealth.com
Concerts Under the Stars: Major Murphy. Visual cosmo-inspired effects get groovy to the local band’s alternative rock and neo-psychedelia music. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 7:30 pm. Tickets and line-up at grpm.org.
Asleep at the Wheel concert. St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets at scmc-online.org.
April 13
Blood Drive. Courtyard Marriott Grand Rapids Airport. 1:45-7 pm. Sign up at redcross.org.Grand Rapids Heart Ball. Join the American Heart Association to celebrate their life-saving work, honor survivors and raise awareness of heart disease with a delicious dinner, live entertainment and recognition of the Richard M. DeVos award winners for 2018. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6-10 pm. Tickets at heart.org.
Grand Rapids Film Festival: F&M Fashion Show. The Waldron. 7-10 pm. Tickets at grfilmfestival.com.
Pop Scholars: Improv Comedy. Laugh with a night of smart, risk-taking improv comedy performed by Grand Rapids’ 4-man improvisational experts. Wealthy Theatre. 8 pm. grcmc.org
April 13 & 14
GR Symphony presents Carnegie Hall Preview: Bolero Encore. DeVos Performance Hall. 8 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.April 13-15
Grand Rapids Film Festival. Celebrate local, national and international films and their makers during this weekend of film events starting with an unconventional fashion show at the Waldron (Fri), culminating into a massive film marathon at Wealthy Theatre (Sat) and ending with an intriguing network event at The Knickerbocker (Sun). Schedule and details at grfilmfestival.com.April 14
Spring into Health Expo. Learn more about Partners in Dental Care’s services and team while seizing the chance to get a gift certificate to one of the event’s sponsors. Partners in Dental Care. 9 am-2 pm. RSVP at the Eventbrite page. pidcgr.comWoven Wall Art Workshop. GRAM staff starts you off on your weaving project and provide you with all the materials needed to finish and foster your new hobby at home. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 10 am-noon. Register at artmuseumgr.org.
Dig Into Spring Park Clean-up. Wilcox Park. 10 am-2 pm. uptowngr.com
Spectrum Health Jump Jam. Get hoppin’ at this no-fee jump rope competition that encourages kids and teens to get active and foster wellness. DeVos Place. 10 am. devosplace.org
Yoga on Tap. You may not think yoga and craft beer often pair together, but you can experience both at this active event at one of GR’s newest breweries. Brass Ring Brewing. 10:15 am. Search Yoga on Tap on Eventbrite for tickets. brassringbrewing.com
Grand Rapids Film Festival: 38 Film Screenings. Wealthy Theatre. Noon-11 pm. Tickets at grfilmfestival.com.
The Peaceable Kingdom concert. Fountain Street Church. 4-5 pm. fountainstreet.org
Grand Raggidy Roller Derby Double Header. Rivertown Sports. 5-9:30 pm. Tickets at grandraggidy.com.
Eat. Drink. Be Merry. Choose your sips from over 100 international wines while enjoying exquisite hors d’oeuvres, moving music and bidding on items in the accompanying luxury action. St. Cecilia Music Center. 6-10 pm. Tickets at scmc-online.com.
LowellArts House Concerts presents Mackinaw Harvest Studios Songwriters Showcase. Enjoy an intimate evening of acoustic music in the LowellArts gallery, featuring several of the studio’s recording artists. LowellArts. 7 pm. Tickets at lowellartsmi.org.
West Michigan Golden Gloves boxing: Prelims. Semi-Finals occur April 20. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
April 15
Motorcycle Swap Meet. A can’t-miss expo for all riders, featuring gear and motorcycles under one roof. DeltaPlex. 10 am-4 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.org.LowellArts House Concerts presents Drew Nelson and Mark Schrock Free Family Concert. LowellArts. 2 pm. Tickets at lowellartsmi.org.
Holland 8K on 8th. Work an 8K (5 miles) into your afternoon and enjoy a beer at the New Holland Pub after, reminiscing about the beautiful course you just jogged that took you downtown and along the river. New Holland Brewing Company. 4-6 pm. Register at triviumracing.com/holland-8k-8th.
Spring Oratorio Concert. Open your ears to a free concert by the Aquinas College Chorus. Fountain Street Church. 4-6 pm. fountainstreet.org
Grand Rapids Film Festival: Filmmaker Impact Stories. The Knickerbocker. 5-8 pm. Tickets at grfilmfestival.com.
Collegiate Vocal Competition. Hear West Michigan’s finest collegiate student vocalists at this Final Round Concert where they compete for cash prizes. Opera Grand Rapids. 7 pm. Tickets at operagr.org.
April 16
Monday Night Jazz presents JMM Jazz. New Holland Brewing Company. 6:30-8:30 pm. wmichjazz.orgCooking with Garlic Workshop. Get expert tips on using garlic in your cooking by Chef Jen as she teaches you techniques to peel and use garlic creatively. Old World Olive Co. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org
April 17
A Maker’s Perspective: Artist-led Gallery Walk with visual artist Adam Wopla. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 6-7 pm. meijergardens.orgGROW Small Business Class: Business Basics: Choosing Your Business Structure. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org
FHPS Student Exhibit Artists’ Reception. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. 7:30 pm. fhfineartscenter.com
April 17-19
Used Book Sale. Find your next adventure at this annual book sale featuring plenty of pre-loved reads for a great bargain. Women’s City Club. 9 am-7 pm (Tue), 9 am-4 pm (Wed) and 9 am-2 pm (Thu). wccgr.orgApril 18
Hydrafacial ZO Brightalive Day. Learn more about this new treatment with the Bengtson team and experts from ZO Skin Health, who are on-hand to guide you through your skin concerns and goals. Bengtson Center. 9 am-4 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.April 19
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 2-3 pm. literacycenterwm.orgMeet the Fleet. Meet the team behind surgical and non-surgical treatments at Bengtson center, enjoying live demonstrations and deals on services. Bengtson Center. 5-7 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.
Green Drinks with WMEAC. Network with a lively mix of people from NGO’s to sustainability experts over drinks. Rezervoir Lounge. 5-7 pm. wmeac.org
Yoga at GRAM. Stretch into Triangle pose and admire GRAM’s beautiful architecture surrounding this Vinyasa-style yoga class. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 5:45-6:45 pm. artmuseumgr.org
Opening Artist’s Reception for Gerri Treves. Flat River Gallery & Framing. 6-8 pm. flatrivergalleryandframing.com
Music in the Stacks: How to Live Together. Enjoy a live performance by the synth pop duo while browsing the library’s collection for your next great read. Grand Rapids Public Library. 7-8:30 pm. grpl.org
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents the music of Mozart, Weber and Brahms. St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets at scmc-online.org.
1964 The Tribute. If you weren’t lucky enough to see The Beatles in action or you want to re-experience one of their concerts, don’t miss this performance by the number one Beatles Tribute Band who recreate everything you love about The Beatles from the music to the hair to the vintage instruments. DeVos Performance Hall. 7:30 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
April 19-22 & 26-28
The Whale. Witness a morbidly obese man’s last chance at redemption as he tries to reach out to his estranged daughter in this big-hearted and fiercely funny play. Spectrum Theater. 8 pm. Tickets at actorstheatregrandrapids.org.April 20
Reflective Film Series: Nobody Knows. Dominican Center at Marywood. 7 pm. dominicancenter.comWest Michigan Golden Gloves boxing: Semi-Finals. Championship occurs April 27. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
April 20-29
Akeelah and the Bee. This play, based of the multi-award winning film, inspires audience members of all ages with the grit and tenacity of little Akeelah as she makes her way to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at grct.org.April 20-May 5
LowellArts Players presents Rumors. Grab a seat at this dinner theater production enveloped in deception, cover-ups and comedy as the play’s characters attempt to solve the mystery of a missing person. Show-only tickets available. Larkin’s Other Place. Tickets and showtimes at lowellartsmi.org.
April 21
Food Addicts Recovery Session. Those who struggle with food or know someone who does are invited to this anonymous support group where they can find comfort, solidarity and encouragement to heal. Alano Club. 10 am. foodaddicts.orgCommunity Craft Show. Browse a number of homemade and handcrafted items available for sale by artists and vendors during this family-friendly craft show. Indian Trails Camp (Kate Pew Wolters Center). 10 am-noon. ikuslife.org
Opening of Mayfield & Mosaics exhibit. Duel exhibitions feature two art groups showcasing mosaic and fiber/textile masterpieces. Exhibit runs until May 26. LowellArts. 10 am-5 pm. lowellartsmi.org
DIY Painted Wood Coasters. Make unique coasters for yourself or as a gift by bringing something you’d like to transform into a coaster or using materials provided by the library. Grand Rapids Public Library. 1-2:30 pm. grpl.org
Blandford Earth Day Celebration. Blandford is waiving its admission fee and inviting the whole family to celebrate Earth with a day of exploring the property’s trails and buildings, and participating in Earth Day activities. Blandford Nature Center. Noon-3 pm. blandfordnaturecenter.org
Earth Day Lakeshore Celebration. Cruise over to Grand Haven’s Earth Day Fair and visit booths showcasing sustainable products, enjoy live demonstrations and food, and take part in Earth Day games and activities at this community event. Grand Haven Community Center. 1-4 pm. visitgrandhaven.com
Grand River Folk Arts Society presents Ruth and Max Bloomquist. Wealthy Theatre. 7 pm. grcmc.org
Lady Ace Boogie Album Release Party feat. Mama Sol, Molly Bouwsma Schultz and SuperDre. Pyramid Scheme. 8 pm-midnight. Tickets at pyramidschemebar.com.
Live at Night with Free Beer & Hot Wings. The crew responsible for early-morning giggles through their radio show is doing it live in GR, taking aim at this year’s relevant stories and involving audience members in their jokes. DeVos Performance Hall. 8-11 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
April 22
Gazelle Girl 5K, 10K & Half Marathon. Join thousands of women for Michigan’s premier women’s-only running event that weaves runners through GR’s beautiful urban and park areas followed by a finish line celebration that everyone is invited to. Calder Plaza. 8 am. Register at gazellegirlhalfmarathon.com.Whose Live Anyway? Witness a hilarious live show by the cast of the award-winning TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? as they perform improv skits and scenarios based on audience suggestions. DeVos Performance Hall. 7-10 pm. Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
April 23
Downtown Holland Job Fair. Find full- and part-time job opportunities in the charming town as a number of downtown businesses open their doors to prospective employees. Downtown Holland. 3-6 pm. List of participating businesses at downtownholland.com.April 24
Lunch & Learn: Field Drawings. Use “field” materials like mud, sand and coal to create a masterpiece. Grand Rapids Art Museum. Noon-1 pm. Pre-register at artmuseumgr.org.GROW Small Business Class: Business Basics: Successful Relationship Building. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 6-9 pm. Register at growbusiness.org.
The Layered Garden. Get an intimate look into Distinguished Garden Award winner and Secchia Garden Master Lecturer David Culp as he shares how to create your own layered garden that thrives all year long. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7-8 pm. meijergardens.org
April 25
Hills & Hops Training Run. Get some final hill training in with your fellow runners and Greg Meyer before race day, following with eats and drinks at a nearby location. John Ball Park (northwest lot). 6-8 pm. More training opportunities at fifththirdriverbankrun.com.Grow Your First Garden. Learn the cheap and easy way to grow your own garden, regardless of space limitations, during this free class. Urban Roots. 6:30-8 pm. urbanrootsgr.org
Common Ground: KCAD Capstone Fashion Show. Get a sneak peek of the future’s fashion as imagined by KCAD undergraduate and graduating students during this cutting-edge fashion event. DeVos Place. 7:30 pm. Tickets at kcad.edu/events.
April 26
GROW Connects: Protecting Your Brand. Learn how to protect your brand during this informative class for small business owners. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 3-5 pm. Register at growbusiness.orgLUNAFEST Grand Rapids. Reap empowering benefits as you join Girls on the Run and the community for a film festival featuring a line-up of short films by, for and about women. Arrive early to enjoy a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres provided by San Chez. San Chez Bistro. 5:30 pm (happy hour). 6 pm (screening begins). Tickets and details at gotrkmc.org.
WMEAC Blue Tie Ball. This year’s annual fundraiser gala celebrates WMEAC’s 50th anniversary and is filling the night with craft cocktails, local cuisine, drawings that lead to exciting adventures and live entertainment. Goei Center. 6-10 pm. Tickets at wmeac.org.
Creativity Uncorked: Future Fauna Lab. Use creatures from GRAM’s beanie baby collection to create animals you imagine will inhabit Earth in the future, using a provided sewing kit to dissect and reconfigure your own hybrid animal. Ages 21+. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 6:45-9 pm. Register at artmuseumgr.org.
April 26-29
Les Misérables. Performed by Sacred Heart Academy Theater Arts Program, this award-winning story captures the dance between human pain, strength, morality and resilience through characters facing the wrath of life during The French Revolution. Wealthy Theatre. 7 pm (Thu-Sat) and 2 pm (Sun). Tickets at grcmc.org.April 27
Volunteer Education session. Learn more about the center’s programs at this free information session. Literacy Center of West Michigan. 10-11 am. literacycenterwm.orgWest Michigan Golden Gloves boxing Championship. DeltaPlex. 7 pm. Tickets at deltaplex.com.
Hot Night & Cool Jazz with Alphonse Horne. International jazz musician Alphonse Horne joins the Byron Center Jazz Ensembles to bring audience members a night of toe-tapping jazzy ballads. Van Singel Fine Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets at vsfac.com.
Grand Rapids Symphony presents Chopin & Dvorak. Allow melody to feed your soul as the GR Symphony serenades you with work by two of history’s brilliant composers. DeVos Performance Hall. 8 pm (Fri & Sat). Tickets at devosperformancehall.com.
K Town Shakedown 2018. Over a dozen roller derby teams from as far as California go head-to-head for a vicious, fast-paced weekend around the rink. Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. First game 5 pm. Schedule at grandraggidy.com.
April 28
Purple Community 5K. Whether you run or walk during this active event, you’re serving as a strong soldier in the fight against cancer by contributing funds toward disease research at Van Andel Institute. Mary Free Bed. YMCA. 8-11 am. Register at purplecommunity.vai.org.Calvin 5K Spring Classic. Run a beautiful course through Calvin’s campus knowing your participation is supporting scholarships that financially aid worthy students. Calvin College. 8:30-10:30 am. Register at gazellesports.com.
Mayor’s Greening Initiative Community Tree Planting. Give Earth the perfect gift for Earth Day by planting trees with Mayor Bliss and Friends of GR Parks during this fun community event. Sullivan Field. 9 am-2:30 pm. Register at friendsofgrparks.org.
Composting 101. Learn realistic ways to use your food scraps and paper junk mail to enhance your garden during this free class. Urban Roots. 1:30-3 pm. urbanrootsgr.org
LowellArts House Concerts presents B-Side Growlers. LowellArts. 7 pm. Tickets at lowellartsmi.org.
April 30
Blood Drive. SpendMend. 11 am-3:45 pm. Sign up at redcross.org.For more events and updates, visit our calendar at Womenslifestyle.com.