September 2018 Events
Sep 01, 2018 10:00AM ● By WLMagazineMondays
Studio Night at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Artists, writers, musicians and creators are invited to the brewery’s back room to work on their own projects among accessible collaboration from fellow creatives. 25 percent discount for all who participate. Grand Rapids Brewing Company. 6-11 pm. Grbrewingcompany.com
Wednesdays
Grilled Cheese Wednesdays. Two new and different gourmet sandwiches to choose from every week. The Cheese Lady Farmington. $6. 11:30 am-1:30 pm. thecheeselady.net.
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Holland Farmers Market. Fill your fridge and pantry with fresh finds at the Holland farmers market featuring over 50 vendors selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, homemade goods and more. Eighth Street Market Place. 8 am-3 pm. Find weekly market features at hollandfarmersmarket.com.
Thursdays
Open Mic Night at 8th Street Grille. Join 8th Street Grille for Open Mic night every Thursday. It kicks off with soft acoustic music at 7:00 pm with Mark Swanson, and then open the mic to you! Come down for a drink, some apps, and some great music. Bring your instrument to sign up and play, or just bring yourself to listen. 8thstreetgrille.com.
Friday & Saturday
Live Music in the Pub on 8th Beer Garden. Join us for Live Music on our Back Patio! Every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm. Downtown Holland. newhollandbrew.com.
Saturdays through September 22
Ruff Runners GR running group. You and your energetic dog are invited to frolic and socialize with others at this special running group designed for humans and their canine companions. Meet outside Fido & Stitch. 9 am. Updates on the event’s Facebook page. fidoandstitch.com
Through September 16
Be the Astronaut exhibit. Visitors are put in the boots of an astronaut and take command of futuristic space vehicles to explore the universe through the interactive exhibit that merges tangible displays with video game technology. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 10 am. grpm.org
Through September
ArtPrize 10! ArtPrize began nearly ten years ago as an experiment - a totally new event, unlike anything the world had ever seen. For 19 days this fall, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public. artprize.org.
September 1 & 2
Zoo in You exhibit. Seize your final chance to explore the world of trillions of microbes that live within the human body through interactive and engaging exhibits. Grand Rapids Public Museum. Hours at grpm.org
September 1
The B.O.B invites you to enjoy the music of Jaded. Highly energetic and dynamic jam band takes on bar standards and more, with a soul-pop-blues fusion make up a can’t get enough sound! Come to feel Jaded. 9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.
Light Gallery GR invites you to Product Photography. Join Matthew Provost for a morning workshop that will provide you with tips and tricks to up your photo game whether you have a phone to work with or a pro-ish real-life cam. 10 am-12 pm. $40. lightgallerygr.com.
Drop-In Tour – Take A Seat: Furniture and Design Collection. Discover both historic and modern chairs, desks, and accessories in the Museum’s collection. The docent-guided tour will discuss both the design choices and craftsmanship involved with each piece of furniture. 1-2 pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.
Holland Farmers Market. The Holland Farmers Market is located at the Eighth Street Market Place in Downtown Holland and is home to over 75 vendors throughout the season. The Market is also home to great activities for the entire family, which include street performances, cooking demonstrations, kids activities, and a professional pumpkin carving event. 8 pm. hollandfarmersmarket.com.
The B.O.B presents Aj Finney. Stylistically manic, artistically brilliant, eclectic Midwesterner with a passion for the psychedelic scene of the Sixties. AJ’s organic approach is refreshing and his poetic stream of consciousness style makes for a colorful and unforgettable comedic experience. 8 pm and 10:30 pm. $10. thebob.com.
September 3
Summer Concerts at the Gardens presents +LIVE+. The Gardens’ Summer Concerts series wraps up with a performance by the multi-platinum band in the beautiful, outdoor amphitheater to thrill music-lovers of all genres with glorious performances. Food and drink concessions available at venue. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 7 pm. Tickets at meijergardens.org.
September 4
Beer Run. Get into the running game the Beer City way by joining runners of all levels on a 3-5-mile course in the hosting neighborhood followed by beer, snacks, door prizes and fun with the people of the GR Marathon. New Holland Brewing Company (Holland). 6:30 pm. Full schedule at grandrapidsmarathon.com.
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Ada Bible Church East Paris Campus. 10 am- 3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
September 6 & 20
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
September 6
Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents The Appleseed Collective (string swing). Pair music with your lunch hour by heading to the heart of Downtown GR and enjoying a live performance by a local band, and grab an afternoon bite at one of the several food trucks onsite during the concerts. Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org Fall Out Boy feat. Machine Gun Kelly concert. Van Andel Arena. 7 pm. Tickets at vanandelarena.com.
Explore the night sky inside and out! Start by learning end-of-summer constellations and current astronomy events in the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Participate in an extended version of the Under Scorching Skies live show to delve into the current astronomical events. grpm.org.
September 6-9
The B.O.B presents Alex Edelman. Alex was most recently a staff writer on “The Great Indoors,” for CBS and can be seen performing stand up on season 1 of Seeso’s “The Guest List.” 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets at thebob.com.
September 6-8, 12-16 & 19-22
On the Town. Hop in the car and follow these vacationing sailors on a road trip that unfolds with a musical adventure and search for love in the big city. Circle Theatre. Tickets and showtimes at circletheatre.org.
September 7
Women Veterans Expo. Connect with networking, career, wellness, budgeting and family care resources during this free expo for women. Grand Rapids Community Collage (M-TECH building). 11 am-3 pm. Updates on the event’s Facebook page.
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
September 7,15, 28
“Ghosts of Grand Rapids” Historic Walking Tours. Join the author(s) of “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” for an evening of Grand Rapids history mixed with the paranormal world. Each tour guide will portray a member of Grand Rapids’ past to heighten your historical experience. Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Branch. $10. Get tickets at experiencegr.com.
September 7-9, 12-16, and 19-23
Civic Theatre presents Steel Magnolias. Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm. grct.org.
September 8
45th Annual Eastown! Streetfair. This outdoor festival will take place along Wealthy Street between Giddings Avenue and Lake Drive and includes the first block of Ethel Avenue and the Wealthy St. Hub Lot. This annual event is a family-friendly celebration of arts, crafts, food, music, and the Eastown neighborhood; one of Grand Rapids’ most eclectic districts! 9 am- 9 pm. experiencegr.com.
The B.O.B invites you to enjoy Dj Composition. Dj Composition is one of Michigan’s most electrifying Dj’s and one of its best entertainers. Massive amounts of people vibe, rock, roll, dance, chill, groove, and party to this man’s undeniable skills on the one’s and two’s. 9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.
Urban Gardening Workshop: Garden Salsa & Hot Sauce Making (and Tastings). Learn how to prepare fresh salsa and hot sauce with ingredients harvested from your very own garden. Grand Rapids Public Museum. 11 am-12:30 pm. Register at grpm.org.
Drop-In Sketching Tour – Strike a Pose: Portraits Through the Years. Portraits are glimpses into a person’s life, and with the help of a docent guide your group will explore clues left behind to learn personal tales from near and far. Featured art includes painting, drawings, and sculptures both historic and modern. 12 pm-1pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.
Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup. We fish, play, and celebrate the Grand River throughout the year, but it only takes 15-30 minutes for trash on our streets and around storm drains to find its way to the Grand River. The Grand River empties into Lake Michigan, where we get our drinking water. Sixth Street Bridge Park. 9 am-1 pm. wmeac.org.
September 9
The Vintage Street Market. Enjoy shopping through vintage clothes, jewelry, and trinkets among the market vendors. The Downtown Market. 10 am-4 pm. vintagestreetmarket.com
Circle Theatre invites you to join the 2018 Annual Season Party. Enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Gilmore Catering, play games and win prizes valued between $10 and $300, and The announcement of Circle Theatre’s 2019 season with special preview performances! Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College. 1-4 pm. Tickets at circletheatre.org.
The Holland Haven Marathon. Runners will experience the beautiful lakeshore as they travel from Grand Haven to Holland. The Holland Haven 8 kilometer race is a flat route, out-and-back course. As a mid-distance road race, it is accessible enough for the novice runner yet incredibly challenging to experienced racers. 7:30 am. Grand Haven. hollandhavenmarathon.com.
September 10
Circle Summer Concert Series presents Bringing Sexy Back: Male Musician Pop/Rock Icons. Rock out to hits from the legendary fellas who shook the stage back in the day. Circle Theatre. 7 pm. Tickets at circletheatre.org.
September 11
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. 10 am-3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
Drop-In Tour – Passions: Understanding the Abstract in Art. Take the intimidation out of abstract art with the help of a GRAM docent leading the way. Groups will explore the emotions and techniques behind the passionate works of art, including the use of color, perspective, and style. 1-2 pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.
Baby and Me Tour – Fabulous Fashions. Moms, dads, caregivers, and grandparents are invited to join us for an interactive tour and discussion, this month inspired by what people are wearing in the artwork. Enjoy a fashion show throughout the galleries as you explore how the fashion fits into the theme and feeling of the artwork and how the fashion relates to what was happening in society at that time. 11 am-12 pm. artmuseumgr.org.
September 12
Discovery Club, “Fairy Tale Adventures” Children 3-5 years old and their families are invited to join the GRAM Discovery Club program. Each month features a new theme to engage young children in the exhibitions with games, stories, music, and an art project. 10:30-11:30 am. $3 per child 3-5 years old, $7 per adult, member adults are free. artmuseumgr.org.
September 13
Relax at Rosa lunchtime concerts presents Flexadecibel (funk/soul). The lunchtime concert series wraps up with a memorable performance by the funk/soul group. Take your lunch or grab grub from one of the onsite food trucks and relish in the outdoors to live music as summer hands the baton to fall. Rosa Parks Circle. Noon-1:30 pm. Full line-up at downtowngr.org
Join Light Gallery GR in Botanical Screen Printing. Michelle Facer will walk you through the basics of screen printing, how to pull a successful print, and the tips and tricks to screen printing in a pop-up studio. During this 3 hour make and take the workshop, everyone will screen print fun, contemporary plant illustrations onto different types of paper and fabrics. 6 pm to 9 pm. $35. lightgallerygr.com.
September 13-15
The B.O.B presents Julian McCullough. Julian McCullough has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan,” NPR’s “This American Life,” and “This is Not Happening.” 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets at thebob.com.
September 13-15, 20-22, & 27-29
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. 15-year old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. Now it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher finds himself being falsely accused of killing a neighbor’s dog. He decides to investigate the crime. 8 pm. Actors Theatre. Get your tickets at actorstheatregrandrapids.org.
September 14
Live Mannequin Night returns to Downtown Holland and this year’s theme is heroes! Grab your family and friends and head to Downtown Holland for a night of shopping, dining, and fun sponsored by Greenridge Realty! Dress up like your favorite hero and see if you can spot Superman, Spiderman and even everyday heroes like our local police officers and firefighters posting in the windows of your favorite Downtown Holland shops and restaurants! 7-8:30pm.
Member Exhibition Opening: ArtPrize Ten at GRAM. ArtPrize returns to GRAM this year with a diverse array of contemporary art in a broad spectrum of media. The works on view tackle the subjects of public and private discourse, community engagement, and urgent social issues including hate crimes and environmental awareness. 6-9 pm. artmuseumgr.org.
GRAM After Dark: Quiet Clubbing. Quiet Clubbing is back at GRAM! Celebrate the opening of ArtPrize at GRAM with drinks and a silent dance party with COMPLETE VII, DJ Monica Parker, and DJ Slim Tim. $10 members, $15 public in advance, $20 at the door. 9-11:45 pm. artmuseumgr.org.
September 14 & 15
The B.O.B invites you to enjoy Sprague Brotherz. Virtually a living jukebox! 9 pm-1 am. thebob.com.
September 15
Story Time – A Trip Around the World. Pack your bags for a journey across the globe! For your first passport stamps, the Grand Rapids Public Library will read several books about faraway places and sing songs in different languages. Then a GRAM Docent will take families into the exhibitions to sightsee as they travel to different countries and cultures. 1-2:30 pm. Free. artmuseumgr.org.
September 17
Circle Summer Concerts presents Silver Screen: Academy Award-Winning Songs. From historic ballads like The Way You Look Tonight to modern jams like La La Land’s City of Stars, to the gritty determination of 8 Mile to Disney hits, expect to experience hits from Oscar favorites throughout the ages in an up-close and intimate setting. Circle Theatre. 7 pm. Tickets at circletheatre.org.
Grand Rapids Public Library invites you to The Tough Skin Soft Heart Truth to Being a Rockstar Woman. Join us for an evening of inspiration and straight talk as Mayor Rosalynn Bliss moderates an intimate chat with the author about #ToughSkinSoftHeart truths to being a #RockstarWoman who leads, loves, and serves. 6 pm-8 pm. grpl.org
September 18
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Davenport University. 10 am-3:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
September 19
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Thornapple Community Church. 2-7:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
Anit-Gentrify: Moving Kindly into a Neighborhood. At this workshop, we will highlight ways to grow roots in our neighborhoods and contribute to their success. The team at One World Diversity will act out scenes that demonstrate the negative effects of gentrification and ways to combat them. These scenes are humorous but thought-provoking and are meant to inspire open dialogue, facilitated by the panel of resource partners. 64 Ionia Ave SW #100. 3-4:30pm. Price: $20 for Local First Members; $25 for non-members. localfirst.com.
September 20
Bengtson Center presents All That Glows. All That Glows is an evening filled with everything you ever wanted to know about Beauty, Body, Skin Care and all of your favorite Treatments and Services. 5-8 pm. RSVP at bengtsoncenter.com.
Eastern Floral invites you to Sips & Succulents. 30 percent of proceeds from the design class and 10 percent of in-store purchases will go to Mercy Health’s Comprehensive Breast Centers and their efforts to provide total breast health. 5:30-7:30 pm. Tickets at easternfloral.com.
Lakeshore Fork Fest. Enjoy the best that our food businesses have to offer. Lakeshore Fork Fest hosts several food vendors from the Lakeshore community. Attendees can go from booth to booth and try each mouth-watering dish. Entertainment includes live art, live music, and a chef demo. Warehouse 6 136 E 6th St, Holland. 6:30-9 pm. Localfirst.com.
September 20-22
The B.O.B presents Mike Stanley. Given his penchant toward brutal honesty, spiced up with a healthy dose of insatiable wit, it’s not difficult to see why Stanley ranked in the top 10 of the best comedians in Chicago by a poll on comedy.com. 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets thebob.com.
September 21 & 22
Fall Bridal Show of West Michigan. Brides, grooms, moms, dads, friends, and people who just love wedding/party planning are invited to the seasonal expo that brings the top wedding resources and vendors to one place to offer deals, showcase fashion and provide options to make your day the best day ever. DeVos Place. 5-9 pm (Fri) and 11 am-3 pm (Sat). Discount coupon at kohlerexpo.com.
September 21
Local agricultural women will present “The Role of Women in Agriculture Past and Present” as part of the Comstock Park Golden Panthers Fun Fall Fridays for Seniors. From the orchards to the picket lines, women have been instrumental in advancing and promoting Michigan agriculture. 11 am. Free Event. Greenridge School, Comstock Park.
September 22
Made in MI Pop-up Market. Stock up on Mitten pride with Michigan-made jewelry, clothing, housewares and homemade treats. The Downtown Market. 9 am-4 pm. mipopup.com.
Sweet J Band is coming to The B.O.B. Sweet J Band is a soulful roots rock cover band playing the best of the 60’s to today! Featuring four young, charismatic and ultra-talented guys on dueling lead guitars, bass, and drums -people will be on the dance floor in no time! 9 pm-1 am. Thebob.com.
Grant Me Hope’s Family FunFest. Have an afternoon of play during this festival featuring an automobile show, pony rides, food and line dancing while benefiting foster children and their quest to find a family. Holland’s Dutch Village. 3-7 pm. grantmehope.org
Park2Park. Half-marathon course starts and ends at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds and includes scenic views of Lake Macatawa, Holland State Park, and Lakeshore Drive. The 5k run through Waukazoo Woods also starts and ends at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. Sign up at park2parkrace.com.
September 23
Shake Your Teal Feathers. It’s time to get teal and fight ovarian cancer with a walk, run or bike throughout GR’s beautiful treasure of a park, making your way toward the finish line for fun activities, games, snacks and prizes. Millennium Park. 2 pm. Register at shakeyourtealfeathers.com.
September 24
American Red Cross Blood Drive at MVP Work-Space on Burton. Noon -5:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
September 25
American Red Cross Blood Drive at West Michigan Aviation Academy HS. 09:45 AM - 03:30 PM. redcrossblood.org.
September 26
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Cornerstone University. Noon-5:45 pm. redcrossblood.org.
How to Build a Cheese Tray. Explore your culinary creativity and learn the basics of assembling the perfect cheese/charcuterie tray. Fee includes one pound of cheese, crackers and many other accompaniments provided for your work of art, which you will take home to enjoy. The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids. $50. 6:30-7:30 pm. thecheeselady.net.
September 27-29
The B.O.B presents Chris Barnes. In 1980, he made his first appearance on stage at Sardino’s, a local nite club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ever since then, this native Milwaukeean has been making his mark on the comedy scene throughout the Midwest, the South, and the East Coast with his storming style of humor. 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Get your tickets at thebob.com.
September 29
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum invites you to Birthday Block Party. Join us as we celebrate turning 21 and being “all grown up”. Spend your day enjoying ArtPrize and your evening at a relaxing outdoor dinner party with adults (21+) on our block at 11 Sheldon Avenue NE. 7-10 pm grcm.org
Art Social: ArtPrize 10 at GRAM. Spend your Saturday morning at GRAM with art, culture, and a bloody mary and mimosa bar on the scenic Miller Veranda. Sip cocktails with friends and enjoy live music by Johnny Irion, downtown views and your first drink are included with registration. Bar & Live Music 10 am-12 pm. Docent Led Tour 11:30am. Tickets available at artmuseumgr.org.
The Silent Bark is coming to the B.O.B! Enjoy West Michigan’s favorite party alt-rock roots cover band. 9:00pm-1:00am. thebob.com.
September 30
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum presents Kids Artfest Spend an afternoon exploring the wonderful world of art! Paint, sculpt, draw, design jewelry, enjoy live performances at the stage, meet ArtPrize artist and so much more! Noon-5 pm. Free. grcm.org.