The LowellArts Artist Market returns starting Friday, Nov. 4, and running through Dec. 24 at the gallery, 223 W. Main St., Lowell.
The event features giftable fine art and fine craft works by 40+ Michigan artists. The gallery space is transformed into a retail setting with unique, one-of-a-kind items available for sale at a range of price points. The annual market is a great place for people to purchase handmade items during the gift giving season. Gift items include: pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, handbags, woodwork, metalwork, ornaments, soaps, and more.
The Artist Market is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event will have extended houses during Christmas Through Lowell. Those hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 20.
Due to the stay-at home order, the LowellArts Gallery has been closed. Recently the staff created a virtual tour of its current exhibition featuring 56 West Michigan arts.
The Annual West Michigan Art Competition highlights outstanding artwork by West Michigan artists. With the being the 34th yer, the competition has become well-respected exhibition that many artists strive to be a part of. Of the 226 artists who submitted work to be juried at this year’s competition, 56 artists had their work selected to be on display a the LowellArts Gallery.
At a well-attended reception on March 5, this year’s juror, Jim Nawara, a professor emeritus of Painting and Drawing in the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art history at Wayne State University, shared with attendees comments about his process for selecting the works that were selected for the show. Also at the event, he presented five artists with honorable mention awards and another five artists with monetary awards totaling $2,500.
LowellArts announces the 34th Annual West Michigan Art Competition highlighting outstanding artwork by Lower West Michigan artists. About 226 artists submitted their work to be juried and a total of 56 artists had their work selected to be on display at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St, Lowell, through April 8.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
A meet-the-artists reception and presentation of awards is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Cash awards totaling $2,500 will be awarded. This year’s juror is Jim Nawara, a Professor Emeritus of Painting & Drawing in the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History at Wayne State University in Detroit.
The competition was open to all visual art media by artists 18 years and older. Artists could submit one piece to be juried. The artists also must reside in one of 25 eligible counties in West Michigan. Eligible West Michigan counties included: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Saint Joseph, Van Buren.
Award winners will be posted on the LowellArts website along with a full list of pieces included in the exhibition on March 6th.
The deadline for the 34th Annual LowellArts West Michigan Art Competition is set for Feb. 1.
The annual competition highlights outstanding artwork by Lower West Michigan artists who live within a 25-county region. Artwork in any visual art media can be submitted by artists 18-years-old or older. Five cash awards totaling $2,500 are awarded.
Only original works completed in the last threee years and not previously exhibited at LowellArts are eligible. Commercial reproductions, including giclée prints, will not be accepted. Traditional print media, photography, and digital art should be from a limited edition. Two-dimensional entries may be no larger than 62 inches in any one direction, including the width of the frame. Three-dimensional entries must fit through a standard door frame and be no larger than 62 inches in any one direction. Only artwork easily handled by two people will be accepted.
Artists may submit one piece in any medium for consideration by the juror. Submit one image for two-dimensional pieces. For three-dimensional pieces, two images with different views of the same piece may be submitted. All entries must be submitted digitally through the www.callforentry.org (CaFÉ) website. There is no cost to register on CaFE, but it is required. Video entries may not be submitted. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 1.
This year’s juror is Jim Nawara, who is a professor emeritus of painting and drawing in the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History at Wayne State University.
The exhibition will run from Feb. 29 – April 8 at the LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell.
The Grand Rapids Symphony performs Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10 and 11, at DeVos Performance Hall. (Supplied)
Let’s face it, it is the first full week of January that most people are not dealing with the holidays — unless you are still working on taking those decorations down. While the sounds of the season are officially passed, there are lots of music, and theater, to be seen and heard.
Pianist Jeffrey Kahane performs with the Grand Rapids Symphony. (Supplied)
Going Classical
The Grand Rapids Symphony kicks off 2020 with award winning pianist Jeffrey Kahane in a concert featuring the music of Mozart and Shostakovich, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10 and 11, at DeVos Performance Hall, 301 Monroe Ave. NW.
The evening’s program will feature Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 in G minor, Op. 103, “The Year 1905” lead by guest conductor Peter Qundjian and Kahane will be featured on Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22. Richard Stauss’ Serenade for Winds, Op. 7, will round out the concert.
The concerts start at 8 p.m each evening. Inside the Music, a free, pre-concert, multi-media presentation, will be held before each performance at 7 p.m. in the DeVos Place Recital Hall.
Tickets start at $18 and are available by calling GRS ticket office, 616-454-9451, ext. 4 or at the GRS ticket office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100. Office hours are 9 a.m – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may be purchased online at GRSymhony.org. Full-time students of any age can purchase tickets for $5 on day of the concert by enrolling in the GRS Student Tickets program.
Paws With A Cause dogs-in-training visit the cast of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “A Street Car Named Desire.” (Supplied)
Stella!
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre kicks off 2020 by opening its production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which runs through Jan. 26.
The famous Tennessee Williams play follows the story of Blanche du Bois who goes to live with her sister and brother-in-law Stella and Stanley Kowalski in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Blanche arrives under the pretense that she needed a break from her teaching position. Blanche finds happiness with one of Stanley’s friends but her present is difficult for Stanley to handle. He discovers Blanche’s secret for leaving her hometown, which in the end could unravel Blanche’s imaginary happiness.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 -$29 for adults and $16 for students. Ticket are available from the Civic box office, 30 N. Division Ave. or online at grct.org. The show is recommended for adults due to sensitive material and strong language.
Making a Change
The LowellArt Gallery opened its “The Art of Change” exhibition this week. The exhibition is of art that raises awareness of current global issues of our time in an effort to provoke positive change. Artists from Michigan were eligible to submit artwork in any media that address themes such as human rights, social justice, gender equality, an environmental stewardship.
The exhibit will be up through Feb. 15 at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 Main St., Lowell. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
LowellArts recently announced twelve concerts for the 2020 Gallery Concert Series, where guests can listen to music while enjoying the exhibition that is on display.
Concerts include: The Ryne Experience on Jan. 10; Edye Evans Hyde and Mike Hyde on Jan. 19; Lowell High School Fusion Rock Orchestra on Jan. 24 & 25; Roger MacNaughton and Friends on Feb. 9; Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers on Feb. 15; Chain of Lakes on Feb. 29; Blue Water Ramblers on March 7; Delilah DeWylde on March 14; Hayes Griffin and Nate Roberts on March 21; Political Lizard on March 28; and The Willeys on April 4. The concerts are sponsored by Chimera Design with additional support from Local Spins and New Union Brewery.
The Ryne Experience is a solo/collaboration project from Lowell and West Michigan, led by front man and songwriter Ryne Clarke (formally of the Preservers). The Experience verses in styles of folk, rock, alternative, punk, funk, jam, and comedy. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door. A ticket to the show gets you a copy of their new album, “Funky Town”.
Edye Evans Hyde & Mike Hyde – Jan. 19 at 4pm
Edye and Mike are a Grand Rapids married musical couple that specialize in jazz standards and light pop covers. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door.
Lowell High School Fusion Rock Orchestra – Jan. 24 & 25 at 7pm
Lowell High School Fusion Rock Orchestra
Fusion Rock Orchestra is a student-led ensemble that has a style to entertain all audiences, from Motown to Metallica and Moondance to Mozart. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door.
Roger MacNaughton and Friends – Feb. 9 at 4pm
Roger MacNaughton and Friends
Join Roger and Friends for an afternoon of Songs & Memories from Mackinac Island, music composed by Roger during an Artist-in-Residence in the summer of 2019. Tickets are $14 in advance / $16 at the door.
Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers – Feb. 15 at 7pm
Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers
Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers offer music that resonates and melds with the listener long after the last note fades. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door.
Chain of Lakes – Feb. 29 at 7pm
Chain of Lakes
This Grand Rapids quintet features singer songwriter Kyle Rasche, great vocal harmonies, and performs a blend of Americana songwriting and energetic folk/rock. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door.
Blue Water Ramblers – March 7 at 7pm
Blue Water Ramblers
The Blue Water Ramblers write and perform contemporary folk songs of love and life. Their intricate arrangements for guitar, bass, banjo and pedal steel support close harmonies and dynamic deliveries with a distinct bluegrass and old country vibe. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 at the door.
Delilah DeWylde – March 14 at 7pm
Delilah DeWylde
Whether boppin’ to a rockabilly classic or performing one of her great originals, Delilah puts on a show that is not to be missed! Tickets are $12 in advance / $14 at the door.
Hayes Griffin and Nate Roberts – March 21 at 7pm
Hayes Griffin & Nate Roberts
Guitarist Hayes Griffin and mandolinist Nate Roberts are leading the charge in West Michigan’s progressive acoustic music scene. Tickets are $12 in advance / $14 at the door.
Political Lizard – March 28 at 7pm
Political Lizard
Political Lizard musical endeavor seeks to combine musically mature composition with quaint, but intense lyrical sketches that can pierce the vulnerable part of your soul. Tickets are $12 in advance / $14 at the door.
The Willeys – April 4 at 7pm
The Willeys is a folk rock band playing original songs and unusual eclectic covers with a Celtic/Americana edge. Tickets are $12 in advance / $14 at the door.
About LowellArts
LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. Located on Main Street in downtown Lowell, LowellArts is a vibrant arts organization that has served the greater Lowell community since 1977. Annual programming includes: rotating gallery exhibitions, art and theater classes, house concerts, community theater, the Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series (featuring free evening concerts every Thursday June through August by the Flat River), and the Fallasburg Arts Festival (a two-day juried art fair with 100+ artists, live music, and craft demonstrations held at Fallasburg Park).
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”
~Bob Marley
Tons of talent in one colorful exhibition
Dreaming, thinking ready for my happy day*
‘Livin’ Is Easy’ summertime exhibition opens June 1st at LowellArts. Feast your senses on depictions of beautifully weathered objects; local Michigan waterways; animal and aquatic life forms; and whimsical figurative work. More details here. *Lyrics from Uriah Heep’s Easy Livin’.
Ready for some summertime fun?
Don’t settle for the summertime blues
Soon the bell will ring on the end of the year and children will be home for the summer. Follow these handy-dandy tips to avoid the summertime blues. More here.
Look! It’s the International Space Station!
We are all made of stars
A gentle reminder that on Wednesday, May 29 (Hey! That’s tomorrow!), WKTV Government 26 will be featuring live coverage of the International Space Station Russian Spacewalk. Read all about it right here. Don’t miss it!
Fun fact:
3%
That’s how much more milk cows produce when they listen to relaxing music. Just ask the researchers at the University of Leicester. And then there is 2% milk, which is generally available at your local grocer’s. Has nothing to do with music, though.
(Do these look like Guernsey cows to you?)
The Ingenues, an all-girl band and vaudeville act, serenade the cows in the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s dairy barn in 1930. The show was apparently part of an experiment to see whether the soothing strains of music boosted the cows’ milk production. Go here to read the NPR story about it. Angus B. McVicar/Wisconsin Historical Society
The Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts are presented by LowellArts and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. This outdoor concert series runs June 13 to Aug. 22, 2019. Thursday evening concerts begin at 7pm along the Flat River, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, in downtown Lowell, MI.
Food and spirits are available for purchase. Admission to the concerts and parking are free. The concerts draw upwards of 1,000 visitors each week. The concert venue is wheelchair-accessible. Bleacher seating is available or attendees can bring their own folding chair.
The LowellArts Players Youth Theater presents Henry and Ramona, a full-length comedy by Cynthia McGean based on the books by Beverly Cleary. Performances are Jan. 17th at 7pm, Jan. 18th at 7pm, and Jan. 19th at 2pm & 7pm at Lowell Performing Arts Center/Lowell High School, 11700 Vergennes, Lowell, MI 49331. The production includes 19 youth, teen, and adult actors ages 8 and up from Lowell and surrounding communities. Directed by Teresa Goldner.
Synopsis: Newbery Award-winning author Beverly Cleary’s irrepressible hero saves the day in this adaptation of one of the best-loved children’s book series of all time. Ten-year-old Henry wants to do something important; he wants to deliver newspapers, just like that showoff Scooter McCarthy and the other boys. But first Henry has to prove to his parents he can handle the responsibility. That won’t be easy with Ramona Quimby around! Then when the boys form a clubhouse excluding girls, Henry’s friendship with Beezus is tested and the girls wreak their hilarious revenge. All of Henry’s most memorable adventures are here including riding to the dump in a bathtub and getting his first bike. Along the way, with the “help” of Ramona, he learns some valuable lessons about friendship and maturity. ‘Henry and Ramona’ captures the everyday trials and triumphs of being a kid.
Celebrating its 50th year, the annual Fallasburg Arts Festival is presented by LowellArts and will be held on Sept. 15 and 16. The two-day festival includes 100 fine art and fine crafts booths, timeless craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, and food booths.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Admission is free.
Location: Fallasburg Park, 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI, 49331.
Artist booths are juried and a broad range of different mediums are represented including jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber, mixed media, wood, painting, drawing, photography, floral, basketry, print-making, and more. Demonstrators of traditional crafts are located in the pavilion. Visitors of all ages are invited to watch the artisans at work. Demonstrations include iron forging, mosaic, fly tying, leather craft, origami, quilting, wood carving, weaving, and more.
Musical entertainment is held on an outdoor stage both days of the event, featuring a variety of music styles.
Saturday music line-up:
10:15am The Bruce Matthews Band
11:30am Paddy’s Cure
1pm Fauxgrass
2:30pm Hawks and Owls
4pm Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers
Photo courtesy LowellArts
Sunday music line-up:
10:15am Lighting Matches
11:30am Steam Powered Bluegrass
1pm The Cheater B’s
2:30pm The Adams Family
An enclosed Children’s Area provides children the opportunity to decorate and take home a pumpkin. Food booths offer an array of fall-inspired and festival foods, offered by local community organizations. Visitors are invited to purchase raffle tickets to win one of over 90 artist-made items donated by festival artists or the grand prize quilt created for the event. Annual attendance estimates are 25,000. This year’s event sponsors are Fifth Third Bank, Meijer, All-Weather Seal, and Local Spins.
Fallasburg Park is located off Lincoln Lake Road north of downtown Lowell at 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI. Lowell is located 14 miles east of Grand Rapids and 1-hour from Lake Michigan and Lansing. For more information, contact LowellArts at (616) 897-8545, e-mail info@lowellartsmi.org or visit lowellartsmi.org.
There’s nothing better than being outside and hearing music in the distance. As you get closer, the music gets louder, and soon you find yourself at one of the many outdoor concerts right here in West Michigan. Performances in West Michigan range from local acts in the park to national headliners performing on some of the area’s biggest stages. No matter your taste, there’s an outdoor music event for you to check out this summer and into the fall.
Music Series Throughout the Summer
Music Series in Southern West Michigan
With a stacked music schedule throughout the summer, Vineyard 2121 in Benton Harbor has everything you need to enjoy your summer evenings. Couple this with their food and drink specials and you have the epitome of relaxation. For a full schedule of music, visit Vineyard 2121’s website.
The Dockside Bar at the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph is hosting live music on their Dockside Bar all summer long. Running through Labor Day, these three-hour concerts will be held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
As part of their First Thursdays Market, Virtue Cider in Fennville features live local music the first Thursday of each month from now through October. In addition to these monthly performances, they’ll also have music throughout the summer. Visit Virtue Cider’s website for a full schedule of events.
The City of Hastings has partnered with the local arts council to create the free, 12-week Hastings Live! Summer Concert Series, starting Wednesday, June 6th. These Wednesday and Friday evening concerts feature the very best local and regional musical talent
Dablon Vineyards in Baroda hosts music throughout the year. While you’re sipping their world-class wine, enjoy the music that fills the air during your visit. For a schedule of performances, visit Dablon Vineyard’s website.
The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is hosting their summer concert series.
Each month this summer, the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is hosting their summer concert series. These performances take place on the Michigan Maritime Museum Campus, with a beautiful Lake Michigan backdrop. For more information, including dates and who’s performing, visit the Michigan Maritime Museum’s website.
Make the most of summer at Round Barn Winery in Baroda and their concert series, Jammin’ in the Vineyard! Round Barn’s annual jamfest features 26 weekends of the best live regional music, paired with world-class wines, hand-crafted spirits, and fresh craft beers. For a full lineup, visit Round Barn’s website.
Summer music atBell’s Brewery’s Beer Garden starts in June and continues until September. Enjoy a Bell’s beer surrounded by sculptures, beautiful trees, flowers, and hops in a lush garden in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. To see who’s performing this summer, visit Bell’s website.
Arcadia Brewing Company is hosting their Summer Music Series each month, with local music, tasty food, and frothy beers aplenty!
St. Joseph has two weekly concert series, both of which are free. Their Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts run through August 22nd while the Friday Night Concerts go through August 31st. For a full schedule, including who’s performing, visit St. Joseph Today’s website.
Downtown Coldwater is once again hosting their Entertainment Under the Star series of free outdoor concerts every Tuesday from June 19th to July 31st. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of folk, bluegrass, classic country, and rock.
Music Series in Central West Michigan
Located in Montague, the Trailway Campground is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the free concerts held at the nearby Montague Bandshell each Tuesday this summer. Starting on June 19th, these live performances bring a wide range of music to the White Lake area.
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland hosts live music every evening this summer! Enjoy the performance while you eat some of the area’s finest food on their spacious deck overlooking Lake Macatawa. To see who will be performing, visit Boatwerks’ website.
LowellArts in Lowell has concerts that promote the best of the region’s talented musicians, featuring music groups exclusively from Michigan. The concerts range from blues and world music to rock, swing, big band, and jazz. Shows are every Thursday evening starting on June 14th and running through August 23rd.
The Fox Barn Market & Winery in Shelby has live outdoor music now through Labor Day Weekend. The series is called “Fridays @ Fox’s” and brings together regional talent in a farm setting. Pair the music with a wine or their specialty food to enhance your summer evenings.
Grand Rapids Symphony heads to Cannonsburg Ski Area for the Picnic Pops.
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized water and light show accompanied by music of all varieties. Each 25-minute show features a variety of well-known music and plays daily at dusk through Labor Day, as well as Fridays and Saturdays in September.
Enjoy relaxing summer evenings with the Grand Rapids Pops performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony. This unique outdoor concert experience at Cannonsburg Ski Area is a sure way to create lasting memories with friends and family. For a schedule these events, visit the Grand Rapids Pops’ website.
The annual Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Frederik Meijer Gardens continue to bring the finest national and international musicians to Grand Rapids, thrilling music lovers across all genres and all generations. For tickets and information on their lineup, visit Frederik Meijer Gardens’ website.
The Mecosta area has a variety of live music during the summer months. Your choices include the Bandshell Concert Series on Wednesdays, Pocket Park Music Series on Friday afternoons, and Music on the River on Fridays. For more information on all the music in Mecosta County, visit the Mecosta County CVB’s website.
Mt. Pleasant’s wide variety of live entertainment will have you out and about all summer long. The local concert series is celebrating 10 years, bringing family fun to downtown Mt. Pleasant. Nearby Soaring Eagle Casino is also hosting outdoor shows, including Chris Young, Little Big Town, Nickelback, and more. For a full calendar of outdoor music, visit Mt. Pleasant’s website.
Music Series in Northern West Michigan
Indigo Bluffs in Empire is surrounded by outdoor music that you can enjoy this summer. One of the fan-favorites is Friday Night LIVE in Traverse City, hosted each Friday in August. The streets are closed for a fun-filled block party featuring live music.
The Village at Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor hosts live music every Thursday this summer, through August 30th. They’re also hosting a Fourth of July event on Tuesday, July 3rd, with a performance by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band. For a full schedule of events, including who’s performing this summer, visit Bay Harbor’s website.
Visit Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville to ride the Crystal Clipper chairlift and enjoy panoramic views of three counties and top-of-the-mountain attractions, including live musical entertainment, a family sandbox, snack bar, cash bar, and more. Rides are offered on select summer evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
TheMackinac State Historic Parks is hosting Music in the Park on Mackinac Island every Thursday evening starting on June 21st and running through August 16th. Music in the Park takes place in Marquette Park in the heart of Mackinac Island and is free to the public.
TheTraverse Tall Ship Company in Traverse City will be featuring the folk band Song of the Lakes on their evening sails every Wednesday in July and August. The band will be playing lively jigs, chanteys, and ballads of sailing and life on the sea!
Every Thursday from June 28th to August 30th, Washington Park in Cheboygan will be filled with a wide variety of music. Each week is something different, with genres ranging from rock and blues to country and folk. This is a great summertime family tradition in northern Michigan.
Music in the Park is hosted every Wednesday at the Soo Locks Park in Sault Ste. Marie. Each week features a new performer, and best of all, these outdoor performances are completely free!
Each summer, the Music in Mackinaw Concert Series offers live entertainment in the Mackinaw area. With performances taking place at the Roth Performance Shell in Conklin Heritage Park throughout the summer, you won’t have trouble finding outdoor music to enjoy. For a schedule of all events, including outdoor music, visit their website.
Based out of Traverse City, MyNorth is dedicated to sharing stories and photos about vacations, restaurants, wineries, the outdoors and more from Traverse City to Sleeping Bear Dunes and up to Mackinac Island. They have a calendar of events, featuring music, art, and more, on their website.
Ionia Free Fair is July 12-21.
Festivals & Events
Festivals & Events in July
Located near Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, Village Green Park is hosting live music as part of their Independence Day celebration. Stop by on Wednesday, July 4th to enjoy all the live entertainment, before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
With nine days of family-fun entertainment, theIonia Free Fair returns to the Ionia Fairgrounds from July 12th to 21st. Enjoy the music, rodeo, rides, monster trucks, camping, and more at this fun annual event.
Idlewild Festival, held in Idlewild on July 14th and 15th, commemorates and celebrates the history of well known African-American entertainers and professionals who owned property and performed at the Historic Resort prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Known as the “Black Eden,” this location was one of the few resorts in the United States where African Americans could vacation and purchase property.
Located in Suttons Bay, the Inland Seas Education Association is hosting their two-hour music sail, Music with a Purpose, on Thursday, July 19th. Once you leave the dock, participants will have the opportunity to help raise the sails. Then, Dan Hall will entertain guests with lively sea chanties and stories.
Battle Creek’s Leilapalooza is Saturday, July 28th. This all-day music festival features over 60 acts on multiple stages. Rounding out the summer is the Michigan Metal Fest on Saturday, August 11th at the Leila Arboretum. Listen to metal music as 40 acts perform on four stages.
Kalamazoo Ribfest is Aug. 2-4.
Festivals & Events in August
AtKalamazoo Ribfest, the ribs may be the star of the show, but national entertainment and local bands will provide plenty of entertainment as you feast. Kalamazoo’s largest annual downtown festival brings plenty of ribs and even more live entertainment when it takes over Arcadia Creek Festival Place from August 2nd to 4th.
Come to Heritage Landing in Muskegon from August 8th to 11th for the biggest Christian music festival in Michigan:Unity Christian Music Festival! There’ll be three stages featuring more than 45 acts. Unity Christian Music Festival has quickly become one of the country’s premier events for live Christian music.
GRandJazzFest in Grand Rapids is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival! This year’s festival is August 18th and 19th, at Rosa Parks Circle, a central location in the heart of downtown. The festival brings to the stage notable jazz performers as well as up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences.
Originally started in Columbus, Ohio,Breakaway Music Festival expanded to Grand Rapids last year for a new music experience, with this year’s festival on August 24th and 25th. Featuring a well-curated musical lineup of national and local artists, local vendors and food trucks, and more, Breakaway is your release from the everyday life.
Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach will ignite on Saturday, August 28th, for the 4th AnnualBurning Foot Beer Festival. Serving as Michigan’s only barefoot beer festival on the sand, festival goers can enjoy some of the finest craft beer found in the Great Lakes region, revel in local art and food, groove to local and national music acts, and take in the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan.
The Allegan County Fair Sept. 7-15.
Festivals & Events in September
TheAllegan County Fair is home to many live entertainment events throughout its September 7th to 15th runtime, including musical and stage acts! The event includes performances by 5 Seconds of Summer, Pentatonix, Travis Tritt, the Charlie Daniels Band, and the Marshall Tucker Band. Tickets are available now for the fair’s many entertainment events.
Held from September 13th to 16th in Muskegon, theMichigan Irish Festival features live Irish entertainment daily under five large covered stages, from traditional Irish and folk music and contemporary Celtic rock to storytelling and Irish dance. The Pub will be serving traditional Irish beverages and food, adding to the cultural experience.
PRIME Music Festival returns to Lansing on September 14th and 15th. The multi-genre festival brings local and national performers together for a fantastic weekend of live music. Keep an eye out for their much-anticipated lineup coming soon!
There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Next up is Central West Michigan. If you missed part one on Southern Michigan, be sure not to let it Fall to the wayside!
As Halloween approaches, all the little ghouls and goblins have one thing on their minds: Trick-or-Treating! To keep the kids’ minds off candy just a bit longer, kick off your Halloween fun early in West Michigan! Whether it’s family fun at the corn maze, or Halloween-themed pub crawls for the grown up ghouls, there are plenty of Halloween activities for all ages around West Michigan to get you in a Halloween mood!
Central Halloween Fun in West Michigan
Opera Grand Rapids
Opera Grand Rapids is ramping up for its annual Night With The Opera fundraiser on October 30 surrounding the company’s season opening concert of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem.” Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in an evening of unique cuisine and libations, live performances, and plenty of ghosts and ghouls at this year’s Halloween-themed event. All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids’ mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for high quality, live opera in West Michigan.
In keeping with tradition, Night With the Opera will treat guests to a festive evening packed full of live performances, along with the opportunity to join other advocates in support of live opera in the community. More information can be found here.
Pentwater
Pentwater has a number of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the Halloween season! October 31st heralds Halloween on the Green & the Spooktacular Parade! From 1pm through 5pm, bring the kids out in costume for fun activities, trick or treating with downtown merchants, the parade, and more Halloween fun.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Bring your little ghouls and goblins in for a night of Trick or Treat fun at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum! Visit on Thursday, October 29th, from 5:00-8:00pm to create Halloween art, decorate a treat bag, and trick or treat throughout the museum! Entry is just $1.75 per person, and don’t forget your costume!
LowellArts! King Gallery
On display in the LowellArts! King Gallery is an exhibition titled “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” The exhibit is a group show of dark and mysterious themed artwork that was submitted through an open call for artists. Artwork on display embraces the concept of darkness, mystery, and fear in a thoughtful way. The show was juried to ensure that artwork fit the theme, and is appropriate for all viewing audiences. The exhibit will be on display October 1st through 31st. The gallery is open Tues-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 1-4pm.
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is getting in the Halloween mood with “Hallowee-Ones”! Hallowee-Ones takes place on Friday, October 23, from 10 am through 12 pm. Dress your child in costume and enjoy this special event designed for the youngest visitors. Children are invited to join in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.
Chocolates by Grimaldi
Few things can compare to a crisp autumn apple grown in Michigan’s fertile glacial soil, but if you’re the kind of person that likes your Halloween apples dripping in an extra layer or two, of deliciousness, then Chocolates by Grimaldi has the treat for you.
For a limited time the Grand Haven-based chocolate factory, is offering a special chocolate caramel apple. Their chocolatiers use complementary ingredients that allow the customer to experience layers of flavors. They start with crisp, hand-picked apples and drench them in their buttery, and creamy caramel. Next they coat them with their own delectable chocolate. Finally, the apples are dusted them with a layer of crunchy nuts or other toppings.
If you want one, you had better hurry, because the apples won’t last long. The limited edition apples will only be available through the fall at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven or on their website.
Our Brewing Company
Our Brewing Company is hosting their annual Anniversary/Halloween Party on Friday, October 30, 2015. This will be their 3rd Anniversary party, as they opened November 1 of 2012. There will be live music, great beer, everyone dressed up in costumes, and great merchandise for sale, including their custom Anniversary shirts which will only be sold at this time! Party will start around 8:00 and go until Midnight.
John Ball Zoo
Visit West Michigan’s favorite trick-or-treat spot at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, where you’ll find over 20 booths, over-the-top decorations, and costumed characters! Your visit will include games, prizes, magic, music, special animal activities, and so much more. Bring your bees, pirates, princesses, and bears to Zoo Goes Boo on October 23rd-25th!
Play Bytes by Playwrights
Play Bytes by Playwrights is a production and competition of a collection of eight 10-minute plays written by playwrights and performed by emerging and established actors at LowellArts! Either drama or comedy, all the plays fit the theme: Things That Go Bump in the Night. A panel of judges will select one of the competing playwrights to win a $500 cash prize. Audience members will be invited to vote for their favorite short play, and the playwright winner of the People’s Choice and Juried Cash Award will be announced at the final production.
The Dinner Theater productions are held at Larkin’s Other Place, 301 W. Main Street on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30pm–October 23, 24, 30 & 31 with a Sunday matinee at 1:30pm–October 25. Show only tickets are available–play begins at 7:30pm on Fri & Sat and 2:30pm on Sunday. Advanced tickets are required for Dinner Theater ($25), and show only tickets ($13) can be purchased in advance or at the door. For ticket information, call 897-8545. More info here.
Lowell
What could be more fun than Lowell in October! They have a host of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the autumn air while visiting all the events throughout Historic Lowell! Participate in or view the Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk or the Outdoor Chili Madness Chili Cook-off at Larkin’s Restaurant, plus join them at the fairgrounds for the Autumn Marketplace, which will feature Arts and Crafts, Farmers Market, Flea Market, Pet Expo, Scarecrow-Building hoedown and live entertainment!
Halloween On Ice
Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween On Ice is coming to Van Andel Arena on Friday, October 30th at 7:00 PM. Get ready for a night of family fun with Halloween-themed figure skating performances by a star studded cast of Olympic, World, and US National medalists including Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Johnny Weir and many more!
The line-up of skaters is subject to change. Tickets are on sale now at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Groups of 12 or more save by calling 616-742-6185, emailing GroupSales@smggr.com or online.
Blandford Nature Center
Celebrate Halloween and the great outdoors at the same time at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Visit on October 29th at 6pm for the “Beasts of Blandford” program. As the sun sets and the night animals become active, come creep through the enchanted Blandford forest. Enjoy a Halloween treat and participate in a craft.
Make sure to check out part 3 on Friday for Halloween activities in Northern West Michigan!
