Grand Rapids, Halloween week has officially arrived! October 31 lands on a Saturday, and the city is going all out. We've got the circus, a Halloween movie favorite with a live orchestra, costumes, concerts, and one last chance to hunt down local ghosts. Here's your week in GR!
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH IS BACK! 🎪
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey | October 29 – November 1 | Van Andel Arena
Step right up, Grand Rapids! The legendary circus is rolling into downtown for four days of jaw-dropping performances, outrageous stunts, comedy, music, and gravity-defying acrobatics. The reinvented Greatest Show on Earth puts human talent front and center. With Halloween falling right in the middle of the run, it's a fantastic family weekend option.
Shows: Thursday and Friday at 7 PM; Saturday at 10 AM; Sunday at 1 PM and 5 PM. Guests ages 2 and older need tickets.
WHAT'S THIS? JACK SKELLINGTON IS IN GR! 💀
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert | October 30–31 | DeVos Performance Hall
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? We can argue later. The Grand Rapids Symphony performs Danny Elfman's iconic score live while Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas plays on the big screen. Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and the residents of Halloween Town get a full orchestral accompaniment.
Performances: Friday at 7:30 PM and a Saturday matinee. Check the organizer for the final Saturday start time.
LAST CALL FOR GHOST HUNTERS! 👻
Ghosts on the Grand | Final Week | Ends October 31
Eight ghosts have been wandering Grand Rapids all month, and their time among the living is almost up. Players have visited local businesses, solved puzzles, and collected clues leading to each ghost's final hiding place. Now it's time to put those clues to work. Haven't started? You can still jump in. Already collected your clues? Find those ghosts before Halloween!
Thanks to our local participating businesses, including Oh, Hello Co., The 12th House GR, Big Bob's Pizza, SpeakEZ Lounge, Chicago Beef Joint, and Rewind GR.
No download required. Play Ghosts on the Grand at citygames.co.
THE NO FOMO LIST
Seven more reasons to leave the house this week.
🎸 MONDAY, OCT 26: DARK DIVINE
The Stache at The Intersection, 7 PM. Theatrical hard rock to start the week loud. Details
🎶 TUESDAY, OCT 27: EVAN HONER
Elevation at The Intersection, 8 PM. The It's An Even Longer Road Tour, with Zach Seabaugh. Details
⚓ WEDNESDAY, OCT 28: THE LONGEST JOHNS
Elevation at The Intersection, 8 PM. Sea shanties, folk harmonies, and a roomful of temporary sailors. Details
😂 THURSDAY, OCT 29: RESTING WITCH FACE
The Comedy Project, 7 PM. Halloween sketch comedy with creepy characters and ridiculous situations. Details
🦒 FRIDAY–SUNDAY, OCT 30–NOV 1: ZOO GOES BOO
John Ball Zoo, 10 AM–5 PM. Costumes, treat stations, and family Halloween fun. Details
🎃 SATURDAY, OCT 31: HALLOWEE-ONES
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 10 AM–2 PM. Costume parades, storytime, and activities for little ones. Details
🎨 SUNDAY, NOV 1: LAST DAY FOR CHIHULY OUTDOORS
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. One last autumn stroll among colorful outdoor glass installations. Details
ONE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER MAGIC
The costumes come out, neighborhoods come alive, and downtown gets a little weirder. Grab your favorite people and enjoy the last big weekend of October. If you encounter a ghost, tell them City Games sent you.
See you around town!
Toby
My GR Week
Event details may change. Check organizers' websites before heading out.