Grand Rapids, your weekend plans are here!
Fall is in full swing across West Michigan, and this weekend is packed with concerts, Broadway musicals, comedy, Halloween attractions, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a night out downtown, a spooky adventure, or a relaxing afternoon enjoying the fall colors, there's something happening for everyone.
Here's your guide to the biggest events happening around Grand Rapids October 16–18.
All Weekend Events
The Notebook: The Musical
DeVos Performance Hall | Friday–Sunday
The beloved romance comes to life on stage as the Broadway touring production of The Notebook arrives in Grand Rapids. Featuring memorable music and an emotional love story, this is a great option for theater fans and anyone planning a special night out.
Grand Rapids Ballet: Broken Wings
Peter Martin Wege Theatre | Friday–Sunday
Grand Rapids Ballet presents Broken Wings, a production inspired by the life of artist Frida Kahlo. The performance combines powerful storytelling with expressive choreography, offering a unique cultural experience this weekend.
Autumn Weekends at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | Friday–Sunday
Celebrate the season with fall activities, live music, seasonal food and drinks, and family-friendly experiences throughout Meijer Gardens. Visitors can also explore Michigan's Farm Garden and enjoy hands-on harvest activities.
Zoo Goes Boo
John Ball Zoo | Friday–Sunday
Get into the Halloween spirit at John Ball Zoo with Zoo Goes Boo. This seasonal celebration brings festive fun to the zoo, making it a great outing for families with younger children.
Hometown Heroes Weekend
Dunneback & Girls Farm Market | Friday–Sunday
Enjoy a weekend of fall festivities featuring a corn maze, wagon rides, farm animals, pumpkins, games, and more. The farm is also honoring first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, military members, and other eligible community heroes with complimentary festival admission.
Friday, October 16
Anthony Hamilton, Leela James & Raheem DeVaughn
Van Andel Arena | 8:00 PM
Start your weekend with an incredible lineup of R&B and soul music. Anthony Hamilton joins Leela James and Raheem DeVaughn for an evening filled with powerful vocals, soulful performances, and fan favorites.
Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen
GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 7:00 PM
Singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham brings his Still Gettin' Away With It Tour to downtown Grand Rapids alongside The Texas Gentlemen. Fans of Americana, country, and roots rock won't want to miss this performance.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Elevation at The Intersection | 8:00 PM
Blues guitarist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram brings his electrifying guitar work and soulful sound to Elevation. It's a great opportunity to catch one of contemporary blues music's standout performers.
Crankdat
The Intersection | 9:00 PM
Electronic music fans can head to The Intersection for Crankdat, bringing high-energy dance music and a bass-heavy live experience to Grand Rapids.
Roosevelt Diggs Album Release Party
The Pyramid Scheme | 8:00 PM
Celebrate new local music as Roosevelt Diggs hosts an album release show alongside The Reverend Jesse Ray and Future Time String Band.
The Haunted Forest at Cannonsburg
Cannonsburg Ski Area | 6:30–9:00 PM
Looking for a Halloween scare? The Haunted Forest takes visitors through a wooded trail filled with live actors, spooky scenes, and unexpected surprises. For a less intense experience, the Spooky Forest offers a family-friendly alternative.
Saturday, October 17
Zach Top with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
Van Andel Arena | 8:00 PM
Country music fans have a major show to look forward to Saturday night. Zach Top takes the stage at Van Andel Arena with special guest Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives for an evening of classic country sounds.
Crankdat
The Intersection | 9:00 PM
Crankdat returns for another night at The Intersection, giving EDM fans a second opportunity to catch the performance.
SuperSonic: Oasis Tribute
Elevation at The Intersection | 8:00 PM
Relive the music of Oasis with SuperSonic, a tribute celebrating the band's iconic alternative rock hits.
Beth Stelling
The Pyramid Scheme
Stand-up comedian Beth Stelling brings her sharp observational humor to Grand Rapids. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a comedy show Saturday night.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat
Kentwood | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Families can enjoy a free Halloween celebration featuring decorated trunks, treats, and community activities. It's a fun daytime option for kids ready to show off their costumes.
Grand Rapids Art Museum: Creativity Lab & Marigolds
Grand Rapids Art Museum | 11:00 AM
Spend part of Saturday getting creative with a drop-in art experience at GRAM. This hands-on activity offers an alternative to the weekend's concerts and nightlife.
Sunday, October 18
Night of the Living Drag
GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 7:00 PM
Close out the weekend with a Halloween-inspired drag production featuring theatrical performances, elaborate costumes, and plenty of entertainment.
Failure
The Pyramid Scheme | 8:00 PM
Alternative rock band Failure performs at The Pyramid Scheme, bringing their distinctive sound to Grand Rapids for a Sunday night concert.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy with Laurel Premo
Wealthy Theatre
Enjoy an intimate evening of indie folk and alternative country as Bonnie "Prince" Billy performs alongside Laurel Premo at Wealthy Theatre.
Eric Johanson
Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill | 7:00 PM
Blues-rock guitarist Eric Johanson takes the stage for a Sunday evening performance, offering another option for live music fans.
Fall Harvest Celebration
Joe Taylor Park | 2:00–4:00 PM
Bring the family out for an afternoon of fall activities, food, local businesses, and community connections at Joe Taylor Park.
Open Teahouse Days
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
For a quieter Sunday outing, explore the Japanese Garden and its teahouse experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
Make the Most of Your Weekend in Grand Rapids
From major concerts at Van Andel Arena to Broadway productions, haunted trails, and fall festivals, October is a great time to explore Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
Whether you're catching Zach Top live, enjoying The Notebook, visiting John Ball Zoo, or spending an afternoon at Meijer Gardens, there are plenty of opportunities to make memories this weekend.
For more information on these and other great events happening around West Michigan, visit GrandRapidsNeighborhoods.com.
Get out, explore, and enjoy your weekend in Grand Rapids!
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