Dino Adventures
2024-07-15 09:00 - 2024-11-10 18:00 (America/Detroit)
New for 2024, something BIG is coming to John Ball Zoo! That roar you hear in the distance may sound a little different than the Lion or Tiger you normally hear during your visit. It’s a dinosaur! Starting in July, over 20 life-size dinosaurs will make their way to the Zoo’s Forest Realm during Dino Adventures. Hiding in the forest, guests may encounter a Velociraptor, a Triceratops, and even a T-Rex! These large and scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs will display real behaviors, such as mothering, feeding, preying, and more. Interactive elements like a fossil dig pit and T-Rex photo op will engage guests by providing a hands-on experience.
Join as we journey through the ages, uncovering how the traits of prehistoric dinosaurs have influenced the animals we see today. Through this interactive exhibit we’ll come together to celebrate our living world and the significance of conservation. During Dino Adventures, John Ball Zoo will aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, its history, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect both living species and those yet to come. The Zoo will be transformed with life sized dinosaur replica robots that make noise and move. Guests can embark on a dino safari through the Zoo’s Forest Realm and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth.

Apple Season on West Michigan's Fruit Ridge
2024-08-20 09:00 - 2024-10-31 20:00
It’s apple season! Many varieties of great Michigan apples are waiting for you on the Fruit Ridge, plus cider, donuts, and other fall attractions! Honeycrisp apples starting by mid-September. Learn more in our Market Guide!

Live Music Mondays at Flat River Grill
2024-09-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
Dine with us every Monday evening and enjoy live music in Tributary at Flat River Grill! Shake up your Mondays with a variety of acoustic talents while you dine in comfort with our Wood-fired delights. Check out our music schedule below!

January 22 – RustyPickel Duo
January 29 – Clem & Cole from the Flat River team
February 5 – TBD

Artist's Way Project Art Workshops
2024-09-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
Artist’s Way Art Workshops are weekly art workshops as part of the Artist’s Way Project. This is a 12-week project that is inspired by the book Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

What – Each week artists will share different interactive art workshops and experiences – dance, movement, visual art, mindfulness practices, and more. Every week is a different experience!
Who – These workshops are for all ages, and all experience levels!
Cost – Free!

We will share the full schedule below once it is finalized in mid-May.

To learn more about the project, please visit our website – https://www.cultivategrandrapids.org/artists-way-project
Associated Business: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc

Run or Walk with Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo
2024-09-10 17:30 - 18:45, 2024-09-17 17:30 - 18:45
As much as we love connecting with you via Facebook, there’s nothing like group runs/walks and track workouts to build deeper connections.

The Kalamazoo Herd is a free running & walking group that meets every Tuesday from the store @ 5:30 PM. Track workouts are offered on the first Tuesday of the month. Walkers & runners of all experiences are welcome to join.

Our routes are designed as a 6 mile out-n-back. You may turn around at any point based on your comfort and/or experience.

Afterwards, the group meets at a local restaurant to drink, eat, and socialize.
***All events are subject to change***

Live Music on the Patio
2024-09-10 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-09-17 17:30 - 20:30
Your evening plans just got better: scenic views, tasty food, and LIVE tunes at Cork Wine & Grille! Join us on the patio overlooking the beautiful golf course on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:30 pm! View our complete live music lineup at https://corkwineandgrille.com/happening/3984/2024-05-28/
Associated Business: Cork Wine & Grille

September Wine School: The Pacific Northwest
2024-09-10 18:00 - 20:00
Wine School is in session! This year we are selling all tickets online to make it more convenient to reserve your spot. Seating is limited, and our events sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets today! The cost to attend is $55 per person which includes wine, food, and the class.
Never been to a Wine School? Each month we choose a different theme and bring in a wine specialist to host the event. Guests enjoy 5 wine pours paired with 3 small plate courses and a fun class about the selection.

Buy tickets here: Wine School at Lake Bluff Grille | Lake Bluff Grille

Injury Wise with University of Michigan Health-West Sports Medicine
2024-09-11 17:45 - 18:45, 2024-09-18 17:45 - 18:45
Torn muscles, sprained ankles and shin splints. These are just some of the injuries that plague athletes. And when you’re injured, you have questions and you want answers. Come to Gazelle Sports and spend ten minutes one-on-one with a sports medicine professional from University of Michigan Health-West Sports Medicine to discuss your specific injury concerns. There is no appointment necessary for a free session. Appointments are taken on a first come, first serve basis and may be limited by time.

Building High Performance Teams
2024-09-12 09:00 - 12:00
Effective teamwork is critical for any organization. In this half-day workshop, participants will learn different models of team development and effectiveness. Team leadership and cohesiveness will be discussed. The course-pack will include team assessment and planning tools that are helpful in building high performance teams. The workshop will also include resources from both attachment theory and research on team aspects of emotional intelligence.
Associated Business: THE PSYCON COMPANY

Relax at Rosa Concert Series | Fake Baseball
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:30
DATE & TIME:Thursday, September 12 from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

RECURRING EVENT:This event happens every Thursday from May 2 – September 12(Except for 7/4/24). See the line up https://bit.ly/relaxatrosa24

LOCATION:Rosa Parks Circle

ABOUT THE EVENT:Join us every Thursday from May 2nd to September 12th for an outdoor lunchtime concert series at Relax at Rosa. This free event features 20 talented Michigan-based bands and performers, so you can discover your new favorite artist while enjoying delicious food from rotating food trucks.

ABOUT THE BAND:Fake Baseball is an eclectic art-pop band based in Kalamazoo, MI. Fake Baseball bends pop music on its ear, and builds engaging soundscapes, with consideration toward making those booties drop.

WHAT TO EXPECT:– Rotating Live Music + Entertainment– Rotating Local Food Trucks– Yard Games

FOOD TRUCK LINE-UP FOR THIS EVENT– Around Baking Company– Dune Buggy– Boujee Bowls– Tamales Mary– Kitchen 55– Slingin’ Weenies– Los Pinches Tacos

DOG FRIENDLY:This event is dog friendly as long as they’re well behaved, leashed and cleaned up after.

PARKING:– Limited Metered Street Parking (Download the MOTU app)– Monroe Center Ramp at 37 Ionia Ave NW — 0.2 miles away– Louis-Campau Ramp at — 0.3 miles away– View additional options at https://bit.ly/parkgr.

ACCESSIBILITY:Learn more at https://bit.ly/3usZCCb
FREE DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE (DASH BUS)Free shuttle service every 15 mins from DASH lots with low parking rates. Plan your route at https://bit.ly/dashbus.

PHOTO/VIDEO DISCLAIMER:This event may be photographed and recorded for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be in any photo/video, please inform the photographer/videographer with the DGRI badge.
Associated Business: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc

Wine on Thursdays
2024-09-12 16:00 - 20:00
EVERY THURSDAY EVENING FROM 4 – 8PM…
Stop in for wine tasting! We always have 2-3 options open and encourage you to grab a taste and shop around or talk with our staff while you sip!

Live Music on the Patio
2024-09-12 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-09-14 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-09-15 17:30 - 20:30
Your evening plans just got better: scenic views, tasty food, and LIVE tunes at Boatwerks! Join us on the patio overlooking the beautiful Lake Macatawa from 5:30-8:30 pm on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays! View our complete live music lineup at https://boatwerksrestaurant.com/…/live-music/2024-05-30/1/
Associated Business: Boatwerks Restaurant

Brims & Beauty
2024-09-12 18:00 - 20:00
Join CityFlatsHotel and Hammer & Stain West Michigan for a DIY hat bar!Your registration includes making a one-of-a-kind hat, makeup touch ups from The Parlour GR, and a mini photoshoot with our photographer!⁣⁣⁣⁣• September 12 from 6-8 PM⁣⁣• Hats, makeup, photos ⁣⁣• Cash bar for food and drinks⁣⁣

Acoustic Open Mic Night
2024-09-12 19:00 - 22:00
Open Mic Night at Switchback. Every Thursday evening 7-10pm. Come play, listen, grab a drink, and have a good time.

September Coffee Hour
2024-09-13 09:00 - 10:00
The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union.
Host highlight: THE PSYCON COMPANY exists to help both individuals and organizations achieve more satisfaction and success in the business environment. PSYCON was designed to help accomplish these goals by applying the science of business and cutting-edge research to real-world problems. We offer unique advantages through an integrated model of coaching, consulting, training, and organizational development. By working together to identify goals and applying a systematic approach to accomplish them, much can be achieved.
Safety expectations: We’d like to continue meeting monthly, in-person for our Coffee Hour events. To safely do so, event attendees are expected to adhere to current CDC recommendations. Masks are optional and we have developed a sticker system to identify attendees’ comfort levels. Changes to this protocol will be made when/if necessary.
We hope you’ll join us for good coffee and even better conversation.

FALL in Love with West Michigan's Fruit Ridge
2024-09-13 09:00 - 2024-10-31 20:00
Autumn is here on West Michigan’s Fruit Ridge! Find Fall Family Farm Fun Corm Mazes, Hayrides, pumpkin patches, cider & donuts and more in our market guide!

Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
2024-09-13 10:00 - 11:00
Great leaders are highly emotionally intelligent. In this one-hour seminar, you will learn essential research findings regarding the intersection between leadership and emotional intelligence. This event is intended for anyone who is interested in leadership excellence or development. Presented by organizational psychologist and licensed professional counselor, Dr. Jonathan Mulder.
Associated Business: THE PSYCON COMPANY

Monarch Day
2024-09-14 09:00 - 18:00
We’re turning this into a pollinator party! Partake in the mesmerizing experience of releasing monarch butterflies into the wild to begin their migration journey. Learn all about the role pollinators play in our natural environment and what conservation efforts you can do to help them flourish for years to come. Tinker Bell, Tiana, Peter Pan, and Giselle will be joining the festivities!
Associated Business: John Ball Zoo

Sunset Cinema | Clueless
2024-09-14 20:00 - 22:00
DATE & TIME:Saturday, September 14 at 8:00 PM

LOCATION:Studio Park Piazza

ABOUT THE EVENT:No tickets are needed! Your top movie picks are in! Enjoy FREE Outdoor Movies at Studio Park this summer. Bring your family and friends, and get ready to see some of your favorite movies under the stars!

SUNSET CINEMA LINE UP:– June 8 – Jurassic Park– June 15 – 10 Things I Hate About You– June 22 – Toy Story– June 29 – Barbie– July 6 – Top Gun: Maverick– August 31 – Back To The Future– September 7 – Crazy Rich Asians– September 14 – Clueless

WHAT TO KNOW:– BYOC (Bring Your Own Chairs)– No dogs are allowed on the turf.– This event is happening rain or shine.– Drinks will be available for purchase.– Outside Snacks are allowed.

PARKING:– Guests who park in the Studio Park(ing) ramp can have their parking validated with a purchase from One Twenty Three Tavern.– Nearby Lot: Studio Park(ing) Ramp at 120 Ottawa Ave SW– Nearby Lot: Area 3 Lot at 45 Ionia Ave SW– View additional options at https://bit.ly/parkgr.

ACCESSIBILITY:All sections of the piazza are accessible.
FREE DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE (DASH BUS)Free shuttle service every 15 mins from DASH lots with low parking rates. Plan your route at https://bit.ly/dashbus.

PHOTO/VIDEO DISCLAIMER:This event may be photographed and recorded for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be in any photo/video, please inform the photographer/videographer with the DGRI badge.
Associated Business: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc

September Wine School: Pinot Noir Camp
2024-09-17 18:00 - 20:00
Wine School is in session! This year we are selling all tickets online to make it more convenient to reserve your spot. Seating is limited, and our events sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets today! The cost to attend is $55 per person which includes wine, food, and the class.

Never been to a Wine School? Each month we choose a different theme and bring in a wine specialist to host the event. Guests enjoy 5 wine pours paired with 3 small plate courses and a fun class about the selection.

Wine School at RedRock | RedRock Grille

Burger Night | Carvers + Aperitivo
2024-09-18 16:00 - 19:00
Join Aperitivo + Carvers for Burger Night
Every Wednesday in September from 4pm-7pm
Enjoy $2 off a burger from Carvers + $2 off any draft beer or glass of wine at Aperitivo
Stop into Aperitivo to order your drink and you will receive your coupon for a Carvers burger. Once you place your order at the Carvers counter and give them your coupon, they will bring your burger over to your seat at Aperitivo. Then, ENJOY!
You must order both to receive the discounts.

INT'L Cafe at Brewery Vivant
2024-09-18 18:00 - 21:00
Welcome to the brand new Grand Rapids Chapter of INT’L CAFE. Join in on our fun loving flavor of language cafe/intercambio style social language immersion events.

Vivant will be hosting a language cafe every first and third Wednesday of the month so you can speak/sign your languages of choice. Spend your social hours with us to boost your language acquisition and retention in a casual environment with friendly, international people.

Join us for INT’L CAFE at Brewery Vivant to make new friends and practice languages.
There will be tables for various languages, so feel free to move between tables if you speak multiple languages. Stick to the language of each table, but clarifications in English are okay. If you only speak English, you can help others improve their skills at the English table, which often has a large turnout. This casual, social event in a lively brewery is perfect for practicing languages and meeting people from different cultures. Cheers!

NOTE: Our events require tickets, but they’re totally FREE! So grab your tickets now to reserve your spot and help our organizers plan for a multilingual affair. Click the link for your FREE tickets and all the deets on how this event unfolds.
