Grand Rapids, your calendar is looking pretty good this week.
We’ve got a Broadway love story, a weekend of fall fun, live music all over town, and high school football taking over a baseball stadium. And if you’re wondering why ghosts are popping up around local businesses, we’ve got an explanation for that, too.
Here’s what’s happening around GR October 12–18!
A LOVE STORY TAKES CENTER STAGE ❤️
The Notebook | October 13–18 | DeVos Performance Hall
You know the movie. You probably remember the rain scene. Now get ready to experience the story in an entirely different way.
Broadway Grand Rapids brings The Notebook to DeVos Performance Hall this week. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, the musical follows Noah and Allie through decades of love, separation, and devotion.
It’s a beautiful choice for date night, a night out with friends, or anyone who appreciates a musical with a lot of heart.
FALL LOOKS GOOD ON GRAND RAPIDS 🍂
Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens | October 16–18
If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy the season, Frederik Meijer Gardens has put together a pretty convincing one.
Autumn Weekends brings seasonal food, live music, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore the gardens. More than 8,000 chrysanthemums join pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal plantings.
Bring the family, make it a date, or simply enjoy an afternoon wandering somewhere beautiful.
THERE ARE GHOSTS HIDING AROUND GRAND RAPIDS 👻
Ghosts on the Grand | Now through October 31
Something strange is happening around Grand Rapids, and City Games is behind it.
Eight fictional ghosts from different eras of the city’s past are waiting to be discovered, each with a mysterious story and challenges that will send you exploring around town.
Meet Furniture Frankie, the furniture factory owner with a secret speakeasy, and Heritage Hillary, whose connection to the city’s past isn’t quite ready to rest. Solve trivia, collect clues, visit local businesses, and play at your own pace.
A big thank-you to the local businesses helping make the hunt possible: Oh, Hello Co.; The 12th House GR; Big Bob’s Pizza; SpeakEZ Lounge; Chicago Beef Joint; Rewind GR; and Sugar Bar.
THE NO FOMO LIST
Seven more reasons to get out and enjoy your city this week.
Tuesday: Michael Franti Trio · October 13 · 8 p.m. · The Intersection. The Heartstrings & Dynamite show brings a feel-good live-music night. Concert information.
Wednesday: Jeff Dye · October 14 · The Intersection. Need a midweek laugh? Comedian Jeff Dye is in town. Event information.
Thursday: Fall Market at Terra Square · October 15 · Starting at 5 p.m. · Hudsonville. Shop and browse local vendors. Local event listings.
Friday: High School Football at LMCU Ballpark · October 16 · 7 p.m. · Comstock Park. The Fruitport Trojans take on the Comstock Park Panthers under the lights at the Whitecaps’ home ballpark. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, with $5 parking. Game details.
Friday: Anthony Hamilton, Leela James & Raheem DeVaughn · October 16 · 8 p.m. · Van Andel Arena. Three R&B voices, one stage. Concert information.
Saturday: Zach Top · October 17 · 8 p.m. · Van Andel Arena. A night of traditional-country sounds downtown. Concert information.
Sunday: Grand Rapids Griffins · October 18 · 4 p.m. · Van Andel Arena. The Griffins take on the Rockford IceHogs on Crayola Experience Day. Game details.
You don’t need a packed schedule to have a great week. Pick one thing you’ve never done, invite someone, and actually go.
And if you happen to encounter a ghost along the way, well, that’s just Grand Rapids in October.
See you around town,
Toby
My GR Week
Event details can change. Check organizer listings before heading out.