MY GR WEEK | WEEKEND EDITION
October 30–November 1, 2026
Halloween on Saturday. Holiday shopping on Sunday.
Apparently, Grand Rapids believes in a quick costume change.
Whether you’re planning a big night out, looking for something to do before trick-or-treating, or hoping to spend Sunday browsing with coffee in hand, here are a few fresh ways to enjoy your weekend.
YOUR COSTUME DESERVES A NIGHT OUT 👽
Monsters, Magic & Martians
Friday–Saturday, October 30–31 | The B.O.B. | 21+
That costume you spent three evenings assembling deserves better than a quick appearance on your front porch.
The B.O.B. is turning its building into a Halloween playground, with themed spaces, DJs, karaoke, live entertainment, and access to EVE Nightclub.
There’s a costume contest both nights, with $500 for first place and $250 for second. So yes, your elaborate outfit could finally contribute to the household budget.
Ticket availability is limited. Check the latest admission details before heading downtown. (thebob.com)
A LITTLE CREATIVITY BEFORE THE CANDY 🎨
Drop-In Studio: Creativity Lab & Marigolds
Saturday, October 31 | 11 AM–3 PM | Grand Rapids Art Museum
Before the candy sorting and inevitable negotiations over peanut butter cups, make something together.
GRAM’s drop-in studio offers open-ended art activities with materials provided. Families can also create tissue-paper marigolds connected to the tradition of Día de los Muertos.
Take one flower home and leave another on the museum’s community ofrenda in remembrance of someone special.
Included with museum admission; free for members. (artmuseumgr.org)
SUNDAY’S PLAN: SHOP SMALL, START EARLY 🛍️
Merchants and Makers Holiday Market
Sunday, November 1 | 10 AM–4 PM | Fulton Street Market
You can put away the skeletons before buying holiday gifts. Nobody’s checking.
More than 120 makers will fill Fulton Street Market with handmade goods, alongside food trucks and live music.
Go with a gift list, or just wander until something catches your eye. Either way, it’s a chance to put your holiday dollars directly into the hands of local creators.
1145 Fulton St. E | $3 for adults; kids enter free. (experiencegr.com)
ONE LAST TASTE OF OCTOBER 🍎
Your snack stop: Grand Rapids Downtown Market
If your weekend needs a smaller commitment, build an outing around something delicious.
Three October features worth seeking out:
Field & Fire: An apple scone, offered Friday through Sunday.
Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate: Caramel Apple Streusel ice cream.
Gaby’s Gourmandise: A pumpkin spice cream puff.
Bring someone willing to share. Or someone who understands that you won’t.
435 Ionia Ave. SW | Seasonal selections available while supplies last. (downtownmarketgr.com)
TWO MORE FOR YOUR WEEKEND
🎶 Friday night: Post Fontaine
October 30 | 9 PM | Rapid River Stillhouse
Make dinner and local music your Friday plan. West Michigan’s Post Fontaine takes the stage at the Stillhouse, giving you another reason to spend an evening on the West Side. (rapidriverstillhouse.com)
🍬 Friday family pick: Trunk or Treat en el Barrio
October 30 | 6–8 PM | 622 Godfrey Ave. SW
Get an early start on Halloween with a free community celebration featuring candy, music, food, and community resources. Costumes and candy bags encouraged. Everyone is welcome. (reindeer-sprout.squarespace.com)
LAST CALL: FIND YOUR GHOSTS 👻
The ghosts have reached their final destinations, and the hunt ends October 31.
Follow your collected clues, find their hiding places, and complete the GPS check-ins for 10,000 points each.
Haven’t started? There’s still time to meet the ghosts and chase down a few discoveries.
Pick a plan. Invite somebody. Give yourself something to look forward to.
And if Sunday involves coffee, local shopping, and absolutely no costume makeup, we support that too.
See you around town!
Toby
My GR Week
Check linked organizers for current availability and event updates.