Best events in
Grand Rapids

Events and things to do in Grand Rapids, MI offer a mix of big-city attractions and distinct neighborhood character. The city's social scene is heavily influenced by its reputation as "Beer City, USA," with many breweries doubling as event spaces. Much of the action is concentrated in the walkable downtown core and the adjacent Bridge Street Entertainment District.

Explore the Bridge Street Entertainment District, where many bars and breweries host live music and trivia, and drinks can be carried between participating spots.
Catch national touring acts and Broadway shows at major downtown venues like Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, and DeVos Performance Hall.
Discover local art and culture at annual street fairs in Eastown or during the city-wide World of Winter Festival.

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After 8pm

Grand Rapids Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026

Wed, Nov 25 • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

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Welcome to the Players Ball

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

649 6th St NW

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The 1985 - Totally 80’s Mixtape LIVE! @ The Big Room | Grand Rapids, MI

Sat, Dec 5 • 8:00 PM

The Big Room

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NYE Ballroom Bashes | Amway Grand Plaza & JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Thu, Dec 31 • 8:00 PM

Amway Grand and the JW Marriott Grand Rapids

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Grand Rapids Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026

Wed, Nov 25 • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

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Welcome to the Players Ball

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

649 6th St NW

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The 1985 - Totally 80’s Mixtape LIVE! @ The Big Room | Grand Rapids, MI

Sat, Dec 5 • 8:00 PM

The Big Room

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NYE Ballroom Bashes | Amway Grand Plaza & JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Thu, Dec 31 • 8:00 PM

Amway Grand and the JW Marriott Grand Rapids

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Popular in Grand Rapids

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PitchUp 2026

Today • 7:00 PM

Covenant Fine Arts Center

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The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Friday • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

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Schuyler Bailar: Trans Inclusion, Radical Body Acceptance, & Mental Health

Friday • 7:00 PM

Fountain Street Church

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Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Park Congregational Church

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Walleye Run Whiskey x onX Hunt: Opening Day Bash

Monday • 5:30 PM

New Holland Brewing - Grand Rapids Brewpub (The Knickerbocker)

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5th Annual Gold Gala

Thu, Nov 12 • 5:30 PM

The High Five GR Inc

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OSH GVSU Internship Presentations & Holiday Networking Event

Thu, Nov 19 • 5:30 PM

Devos Center at Grand Valley State University: Room 122E Loosemore Auditorium

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Hadithi Voices | A Documentary Film Premiere

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

303 Pearl St NW

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PitchUp 2026

Today • 7:00 PM

Covenant Fine Arts Center

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The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Friday • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

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Schuyler Bailar: Trans Inclusion, Radical Body Acceptance, & Mental Health

Friday • 7:00 PM

Fountain Street Church

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Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Park Congregational Church

Check ticket price on event

Walleye Run Whiskey x onX Hunt: Opening Day Bash

Monday • 5:30 PM

New Holland Brewing - Grand Rapids Brewpub (The Knickerbocker)

Check ticket price on event

5th Annual Gold Gala

Thu, Nov 12 • 5:30 PM

The High Five GR Inc

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OSH GVSU Internship Presentations & Holiday Networking Event

Thu, Nov 19 • 5:30 PM

Devos Center at Grand Valley State University: Room 122E Loosemore Auditorium

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Hadithi Voices | A Documentary Film Premiere

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

303 Pearl St NW

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Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM GMT

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Saturday • 10:00 AM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM GMT

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Saturday • 10:00 AM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Friday • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

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Last Call Comedy: The Dirty Show

Friday • 9:00 PM

Tellers Lounge

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Homebuyer Education - November 7, 2026 (In Person)

Saturday • 9:00 AM

ICCF Community Center

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Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Park Congregational Church

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SoulfulMOTION Fitness - FALL, FAITH, & FITNESS

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Madison Church: South Hill Campus (previously Franklin Campus)

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DIWALI Dance Celebration

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Armentality Movement Arts Center

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The Black Dress Event 2026

Sunday • 1:00 PM

The High Five GR Inc

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Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with The Lucky Nows

Sunday • 3:00 PM

ArtRat Gallery

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The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Friday • 8:00 PM

Küsterer Brauhaus

Check ticket price on event

Last Call Comedy: The Dirty Show

Friday • 9:00 PM

Tellers Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Homebuyer Education - November 7, 2026 (In Person)

Saturday • 9:00 AM

ICCF Community Center

Check ticket price on event

Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Park Congregational Church

Check ticket price on event

SoulfulMOTION Fitness - FALL, FAITH, & FITNESS

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Madison Church: South Hill Campus (previously Franklin Campus)

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DIWALI Dance Celebration

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Armentality Movement Arts Center

Check ticket price on event

The Black Dress Event 2026

Sunday • 1:00 PM

The High Five GR Inc

Check ticket price on event

Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with The Lucky Nows

Sunday • 3:00 PM

ArtRat Gallery

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Frequently asked questions about Grand Rapids

Where can I find live music events in downtown Grand Rapids?

Downtown has several key music venues for different tastes and crowd sizes. The Intersection and The Pyramid Scheme host a variety of touring artists, while Van Andel Arena and GLC Live at 20 Monroe accommodate larger national concerts and shows.

What are some unique food and drink events in the city?

Grand Rapids' brewery scene is central to its food and drink events. New Holland Brewing's Knickerbocker hosts gatherings in its beer garden, while the Downtown Market features food-focused pop-ups. The annual Pulaski Days event celebrates Polish food and culture on the West Side.

Are there any major annual festivals in Grand Rapids?

The city hosts several popular festivals throughout the year. The annual World of Winter Festival fills downtown with free outdoor art. LaughFest is a multi-day comedy festival, and the Eastown Bizarre Bazaar celebrates local artisans and community each year.

How can I experience the local comedy scene?

LaughFest is the city's main annual comedy event, a 10-day festival with diverse performances. For a regular spot, The B.O.B. complex includes a dedicated comedy club that hosts shows in a more intimate setting.

Which neighborhoods are best for planning a date night?

The Bridge Street Entertainment District offers a dynamic setting for a date night. Patrons can stroll between breweries and restaurants with drinks from participating establishments, making for a walkable and varied evening out.

Can I find free outdoor things to do in Grand Rapids?

The annual World of Winter Festival offers free outdoor art and activities downtown. This multi-week event transforms public spaces with interactive installations. Exploring the public murals in the Heartside district is another great free activity.

What kinds of family-friendly events happen in Grand Rapids?

Van Andel Arena hosts large-scale family shows and sporting events. For a neighborhood feel, the annual Eastown Streetfair provides family-friendly fun with crafts and music, and the World of Winter Festival features free outdoor activities for all ages.

Is there a good spot for a full night out under one roof?

The B.O.B. in downtown is a multi-level entertainment complex perfect for a full night out. This single building, known as the Big Old Building, houses a brewery, a live music stage, a comedy club, and a nightclub, offering several event experiences in one location.

After 8pm

Grand Rapids Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026

Welcome to the Players Ball

The 1985 - Totally 80’s Mixtape LIVE! @ The Big Room | Grand Rapids, MI

NYE Ballroom Bashes | Amway Grand Plaza & JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl 2026

Welcome to the Players Ball

The 1985 - Totally 80’s Mixtape LIVE! @ The Big Room | Grand Rapids, MI

NYE Ballroom Bashes | Amway Grand Plaza & JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Popular in Grand Rapids

PitchUp 2026

The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Schuyler Bailar: Trans Inclusion, Radical Body Acceptance, & Mental Health

Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Walleye Run Whiskey x onX Hunt: Opening Day Bash

5th Annual Gold Gala

OSH GVSU Internship Presentations & Holiday Networking Event

Hadithi Voices | A Documentary Film Premiere

PitchUp 2026

The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Schuyler Bailar: Trans Inclusion, Radical Body Acceptance, & Mental Health

Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

Walleye Run Whiskey x onX Hunt: Opening Day Bash

5th Annual Gold Gala

OSH GVSU Internship Presentations & Holiday Networking Event

Hadithi Voices | A Documentary Film Premiere

Online Events

Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Last Call Comedy: The Dirty Show

Homebuyer Education - November 7, 2026 (In Person)

Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

SoulfulMOTION Fitness - FALL, FAITH, & FITNESS

DIWALI Dance Celebration

The Black Dress Event 2026

Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with The Lucky Nows

The Broads Return! Lilith Von Tal, Joanie Malone, Ouija Bordello

Last Call Comedy: The Dirty Show

Homebuyer Education - November 7, 2026 (In Person)

Vienna Boys Choir in Concert

SoulfulMOTION Fitness - FALL, FAITH, & FITNESS

DIWALI Dance Celebration

The Black Dress Event 2026

Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with The Lucky Nows

Points of Interest near Grand Rapids

Where can I find live music events in downtown Grand Rapids?

What are some unique food and drink events in the city?

Are there any major annual festivals in Grand Rapids?

How can I experience the local comedy scene?

Which neighborhoods are best for planning a date night?

Can I find free outdoor things to do in Grand Rapids?

What kinds of family-friendly events happen in Grand Rapids?

Is there a good spot for a full night out under one roof?