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!

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!

Psychological Personnel Assessments: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
2024-10-03 09:00 - 16:00
Psychological testing and personality assessments can offer valuable insights during a hiring or organizational development process. When valid and reliable, assessments can help to describe and predict employee fit and performance very effectively. However, unless these tools are understood and used correctly, they can also be costly or even counterproductive in an organization. The purpose of this seminar is to provide an overview of popular assessments that are used for both hiring and organizational development processes, offer guidelines for administering the assessments and recommendations for interpreting results. Some of the assessments that will be covered include the DiSC, Meyers-Briggs, Predictive Index, NEO, and the EQ-i. The advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each measure will be described. A summary of ethical and legal considerations will also be covered. Participants will gain insight into which assessment, if any, is the best fit for their organization and learn tools needed to gain insight into themselves and their organization. 1 hour of 1:1 consultation at no additional charge is included.
Associated Business: THE PSYCON COMPANY

Wine on Thursdays
2024-10-03 16:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-10 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
2024-10-03 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-10-05 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-10-06 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-10-10 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

Cheers, Queers!
2024-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
An Open Invitation to the Michigan Queer Community
Join Us in the Walloon Room for an Evening of Social Games and IcebreakersFirst Thursday of the MonthNext Date: 9/5Time: 6-9pm

Come join us for a welcoming and inclusive gathering sponsored by GR Pride Center & GR Trans Foundation. Leave your worries at the door and join us for an evening of socializing, games, and making new connections. Whether you’re new to the community or a long-time member, everyone is welcome!

•No purchase necessary•Safe and supportive environment•Bring a friend or come solo – all are welcome!
Associated Business: Brewery Vivant

Howls Moving Castle 20th Aniv.: 2024 (Fathom Event)
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00
Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world.

Playing on 9/26 – 10/3 at:
Celebration NorthCelebration SouthCelebration LansingCelebration CarouselCelebration Crossroads
Associated Business: Celebration Cinema

Mean Girls 20th Aniv. (Fathom Event)
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-06 19:00 - 21:00
After living in Africa with her zoologist parents, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) must brave the wilds of high school where she is taken under the wing of the popular girls, The Plastics, led by the cool and cruel Regina George (Rachel McAdams). What follows is a treasure trove of sharp, witty humor that defined a generation, inspired popularized countless catchphrases, a hit Broadway musical, and a new twist on the tale in 2024. Co-Starring and written by Tina Fey, and featuring Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Franzese, and Amy Poehler, MEAN GIRLS is nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon and an iconic classic. This special 20th anniversary event includes exclusive insight from Leonard Maltin.

Playing on 10/3 & 10/6 at:
Celebration NorthCelebration LansingCelebration CarouselCelebration BentonCelebration RivertownCelebration Mt Pleasant
Associated Business: Celebration Cinema

Acoustic Open Mic Night
2024-10-03 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.

First Fridays in East Hills
2024-10-04 18:00 - 20:00
Shop is open late with select books 30% off

Creative Gatherings
2024-10-04 18:00 - 20:00
Local creatives (artists, makers, writers, etc) are invited to drop by our casual, cozy space to ask questions or share tips and experiences to benefit and encourage other creatives!
6pm-8pm

First Friday of February, April, June, August, October, December
Light refreshments provided

Oktoberfest in the Outfield
2024-10-05 11:30 - 14:30
Join us and Lewandoski’s Market as we celebrate the tail-end of Oktoberfest. We will be pouring Mr. Oktoberfest in the parking lot along with other seasonal beers including our 2024 version of Imperial Peanuts & Crackerjack. Lewandoski’s will bring a unique German meat skewer containing Knockwurst, Bierwurst, Mettwurst, Bockwurst, and a Beer Brat made with Mr. Oktoberfest. All of this in our new outdoor setting. Many of you will also be celebrating Pulaski Days so come get some food in your belly!
Prost! #westside #bratfall #oktoberfest #pulaskidays #worldscollide
Associated Business: The Mitten Brewing Company

Coffee! A Theme Release Party
2024-10-05 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for a Theme Release Party!• Shop our new selection of themed goods and art• Artist and maker pop-ups!• Snacks and drinks available!• Fun included!• Limited supplies available!
Associated Business: Cocoon Art Space

Fall Bazaar
2024-10-06 12:00 - 19:00
Fall in love with local arts at our annual Bazaar Bash! Join us for a day of shopping, sipping, and savoring as we showcase a popup market filled with talented artists. Round up your crew, grab a drink, and indulge in delicious bites from our scratch kitchen. Whether you’re on the hunt for gifts or a one-of-a-kind treasure for yourself, our Fall Bazaar on October 6 is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of creativity
Associated Business: Broad Leaf Local Beer

2024 Halloween Bash at the Market
2024-10-06 15:00 - 17:00
IT’S BAAAAAACK…

Returning for its fourth year, Betka-Pope Production’s Halloween Bash at the Market will feature over 100 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.
Join us for this free, all-ages event on the first Sunday of October from 3-7pm!
Vendor and Goblin Lane applications are now open.

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.betkapopeproductions.com/halloween-bash-at…
Associated Business: Fulton Street Farmers Market

Live Music Mondays at Flat River Grill
2024-10-07 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
2024-10-07 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

Glow Garden at Meijer Gardens
2024-10-08 17:00 - 20:30
Explore our popular Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden, an illuminated forest of majestic trees and mystical meadow grasses and logs every Tuesday throughout October.

Featured are incredible glowing hand-etched pumpkins by local artist Alynn Guerra, of Red Hydrant Press. Joining the pumpkin-carving fun this year are artists Rebecca Rodriguez, of Foiled Again Press, and Lisa Lin Olsen.

– Glow Garden begins at 5 pm and ends at 8:30 pm.– Food trucks will be available at Michigan’s Farm Garden from 5–8 pm.– Experience pumpkin carving demonstrations at the Barn within Michigan’s Farm Garden from 6–7 pm.
Associated Business: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Run or Walk with Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo
2024-10-08 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
2024-10-08 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

October Wine School: Holiday Pairing Ideas
2024-10-08 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

Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit
2024-10-09 09:00 - 2025-01-05 16:00
Step into the pages of your favorite books by Eric Carle and experience them as artist, reader and character. This play-and-learn exhibit features activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle and The Very Busy Spider. In this exhibit, visitors can:

Become the Very Hungry Caterpillar as you follow his path
Weave a web with the Very Busy Spider
Find your light with the Very Lonely Firefly
Make the Very Clumsy Click Beetle flip and jump
Compose a night symphony with the Very Quiet Cricket
Create artwork using many of Eric Carle’s materials and techniques
Enjoy a gallery of prints from Eric Carle’s Very Series as well as works in progress

Injury Wise with University of Michigan Health-West Sports Medicine
2024-10-09 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.

Understanding Business Statistics
2024-10-10 09:00 - 16:00
The purpose of this 6-hour introductory seminar is to provide an overview of the statistical techniques that are commonly used in business for both data analysis and decision making. A basic discussion of descriptive statistics will be presented as a means of summarizing data to help make informed decisions. The presentation also includes topics such as probability theory, measures of summary statistics, and statistical estimation. Emphasis will be placed on both understanding and communicating of statistical results through common analysis displays such as tables, charts, graphs, and scatterplots. Prior coursework or knowledge of statistics is not required.
Associated Business: THE PSYCON COMPANY
