Fun for Your Attendees
Gift Shops at Local Attractions
The gift shops in Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for unique gift giving all year round. If you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to tour local attractions
Explore These 6 Totally Pawesome Dog-Friendly Trails in Kent County
During a time when there has been an increased emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors, Kent County offers a variety of parks and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. In fact, the Kent
“Nacho” Average Nachos: The Local’s Guide to the Best Nachos in Grand Rapids
We all have days when we want to dine on a dish that provides a little extra sense of comfort. For some that might be ordering pizza, a cheeseburger, or mac n’ cheese, while for others, sweet treats
West Michigan Winter Sports: Try Something New
One of the distinct benefits of living in West Michigan is that we can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. It’s one of the reasons visitors like coming here. No matter the weather, there’s plenty to
You Can Take Your Kids on a Field Trip to the John Ball Zoo
School in 2020 is looking quite different from previous years, and thankfully, Grand Rapids area attractions have acknowledged this change as well. Just because your children spend the day attending
Fall Beers Worth Visiting Grand Rapids For
Happy fall, everyone! I’m Ben Darcie, and I’m a 12-year veteran of the Grand Rapids beer scene, including being a beer writer for 10 years and working in the beer industry itself for eight years. In
7 Activities Your Family Will Love This Fall in Grand Rapids
The end of summer is made easier with the arrival of fall and all the new fun it brings in West Michigan. Take advantage of these activities and get outside with friends and family at one or all of
Celebrate Art & Craft Beer During The Inaugural AlePrize
Fall is typically when downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an arts epicenter during ArtPrize. People flock to West Michigan from all over the world to compete in or simply experience the
Enjoying Craft Beverages as Grand Rapids Businesses Reopen
If you’ve been craving the craft beverage scene around Grand Rapids during these past few months of seclusion, you’re in luck. Many of the local businesses that offer unique adult beverages have
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out
With COVID-19 putting a halt to many pride celebrations around the world, Grand Rapids included, you may be looking for creative ways to celebrate June as Pride Month. Grand Rapids is home to many
Fun Grand Rapids Things to Do at Home
Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Grand Rapids’ local businesses, restaurants, retailers, attractions, and events are suspended during the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.
10 Seriously Funny Facts About LaughFest
Gilda’s LaughFest debuted in 2011 in Grand Rapids as the first-ever community-wide comedy festival in the nation. Every year, internationally-renowned comedians and local talent tickle the funny bones
A Visit to Listening Room: Tips for a Night of Live Music
I’ve been to plenty of concerts in plenty of venues in my time – everything from student unions to professional sports stadiums. And while they were all great performances, I’ve never had a musical
What’s on Tap for Beer Month GR
With nearly 80 breweries within an hour of its downtown, Grand Rapids – also referred to as Beer City, USA – is a hotbed for craft beer. From hops to dark stouts, you can always find an interesting
Last-minute Valentine's Day Getaway in Grand Rapids
Valentine’s Day on a Friday is the perfect excuse to grab your sweetie for a night (or two) on the town enjoying all Grand Rapids has to offer. With water views, a pedestrian-friendly downtown,
Women Crafting the Beverage Industry in Grand Rapids
In the Grand Rapids area, an increasing number of women are shaping the craft beverage business. From positions like director of operations to co-owner, here are a few of the women who are taking
Themed Bars and Restaurants in the Grand Rapids Area
Grand Rapids has seen an influx of themed bars and restaurants over the course of the past few years. Many are right downtown, but there are a variety that are outside the city’s core too. Spanning
Locally Crafted Hard Seltzer in Grand Rapids
Hard seltzer continues to attract new fans across the nation and is one of the hottest new trends in boozy drinks. Hard seltzer, or spiked seltzer, is an alcoholic beverage containing carbonated
Seven Grand Rapids Breweries with Excellent Live Music
As if beer wasn’t reason enough to visit some of the great breweries of Grand Rapids, many of them offer a superb selection of music. We’ve asked Grand Rapids area breweries about their live music
Mark Your Calendars for these Late Winter and Spring Events
Whether you and your family have cabin fever, or if you’re looking for a fun date idea or even a solo night out, check out these fantastic events that tie Grand Rapids’ food, drinks, culture, and art
Resolutions to Keep During Your Next Trip to Grand Rapids
Many people kick off the new year with resolutions to get healthier, save money, or learn new things while others eschew the entire notion. As a busy mom, one of my resolutions is to turn “I wish”
Cider Week GR: Celebrating Grand Rapids’ Craft Cider Scene
Cider Week GR has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We hope to celebrate Michigan cider later this Fall. Hard cider lovers rejoice! Grand Rapids, primarily known for its craft beer scene, is devoting a
Winter Weather Break: Grand Rapids' Area Water Park Fun
If cabin fever has kicked in thanks to the low temperatures and mounds of snow outside, it's time to bring a little summer fun to your winter. The Grand Rapids area has several family oriented water
Breweries that Built Beer City: Brewery Vivant
When Kris and Jason Spaulding opened the doors to Brewery Vivant in 2010, the French and Belgian inspired beers opened eyes to styles of beer rarely seen in Grand Rapids, and even West Michigan as a
10 Dive Bars To Check Out In Grand Rapids
The term “dive bar” has evolved in meaning over the years. What once meant an uncertain destination for many now points to an off the radar, unpretentious spot that serves great drinks and is full of
Toast to Local Spirits with Cocktail Week GR
Cocktail Week GR is back for its fifth year of creative cocktails and fun! Restaurants, bars, and distilleries are showing their creativity with specially crafted Cocktail Week GR spirits,
Grand Rapids Establishments Taking the Gin & Tonic to the Next Level
Several bars and distilleries in Grand Rapids have elevated the standard gin and tonic (G&T) by using local or house-made spirits and adding a variety of botanicals and other spices to create a unique
6 Reasons Why You Need to Attend Cider Week GR
Cider Week GR has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We hope to celebrate Michigan cider later this Fall. Grand Rapids will devote seven days to the local cider scene for the third annual Cider Week GR.
Break a Mental Sweat with Grand Rapids Trivia Nights
As the temperatures are shifting toward the coolness of fall, many people are searching for fun, indoor activities to experience during the chilly months. While you may not be sweating outside, you
9 Fun Activities for Rainy Days in Grand Rapids
Don’t let the weather rain on your parade–- or your entire day! From trampoline parks to escape rooms, brewery tours to roller rinks, there are a lot of fun, indoor experiences in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Late Summer & Fall Festival Hot List
Just because autumn is approaching and the summer heat will soon break, doesn’t mean festival season is over. Grand Rapids has plenty of festivals and events to attend as summer draws to an end.
Paddling Grand Rapids: So Much Water, So Many Choices
Grand Rapids has been named America’s Best River Town (Outside Magazine) and one of the country’s Top 10 Beach Towns (National Geographic). So it’s no surprise that the area is a mecca for stand up
15 Fun and FREE Things to do in Grand Rapids
Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn't been to Kent County, Michigan. The greater Grand Rapids area offers a wide variety of no-cost activities to keep you busy throughout the fall. So take out
Veen Observatory: A Hidden Gem in The Grand Rapids Area
In Grand Rapids, you don't have to travel far to escape the lights of the city for dark, starry country skies. About a 25-minute drive from Grand Rapids, in Lowell, amateur astronomers and curious
Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Grand Rapids
Most people love to enjoy an afternoon at the zoo and to explore local museums. However, for people with sensory challenges, these typically family-friendly spaces can include loud or unexpected
Your Guide to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival
If you have never been to Grand Rapids Pride Festival, you’ll want to check it out on Saturday, June 15 from noon to 10 PM at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. One of the largest one-day events
City Built Brewing Company Opens in Downtown Grand Rapids
Food City Built is serious about its cuisine, which brings another new element to the city. Lunch and dinner will showcase small plates inspired by Collazo’s Puerto Rican heritage and Caribbean
Tips for Mountain Biking in West Michigan
Surrounding Grand Rapids’ bustling city center is an abundance of biking trails that wind through a variety of the area’s diverse landscapes. West Michigan’s warmer months offer the perfect
What’s in Store for Festival of the Arts’ 50th Anniversary
A sure sign that summer has arrived in Grand Rapids is the annual three-day Festival of the Arts (commonly called Festival), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The festivities kick off
Adventure Abounds in Grand Rapids
Adrenaline junkies or anyone looking for unconventional things to do in Grand Rapids, look no further. Whether you’re visiting the city or are a local looking for something new to do, we’ve curated a
Grand Rapids Summer Festival Hot List
Summer festivals in West Michigan are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite things or discover something new. From June through September, Grand Rapids offers many affordable, family-friendly
Where to Find Food Trucks in Grand Rapids
Underground Cookie Club. Daddy Pete’s BBQ. Do Your Wurst. D&D’s Gluten-Free. Patty Matters, winner of the 2019 Food Truck Burger of the Year award by Mobile Cuisine. These are just a handful of more
Fine Wine: Nine Great Grand Rapids Wine Bars
Grand Rapids has a national reputation for beer, but that’s not the only beverage in town to sip on. For those who prefer wine, Grand Rapids offers a wide range of places to indulge in delicious grape
Ideas for Accessible Attractions to Visit in Grand Rapids
No matter the time of year, it’s always nice to get some fresh air, change up the scenery, and explore new venues. Experience Grand Rapids continues its focus on accessibility with an installment
Here’s What You Need to Know About PROJECT 1
After 10 years of the annual art competition, ArtPrize® will now move to a biennial competition. This means the next ArtPrize competition will take place in Grand Rapids in 2020: September 16-October
Four Local Grand Rapids Musicians Worth Traveling For
As the station manager of Grand Rapids’ local community radio station, WYCE 88.1FM local community radio, I’m always thrilled with all the work we get to do with the local music community. At WYCE we
