Halloween celebrations, major concerts, a three-day tattoo festival and a nationally anticipated basketball matchup make this one of the most interesting October weekends in Greater Grand Rapids.
The highlights include Michigan vs. Houston at Van Andel Arena, Judah & The Lion, Sleeping With Sirens, Oddities on Ottawa, Zoo Goes Boo and a packed Saturday of nightlife, live music and unusual markets.
Our weekly guide covers Monday, October 19 through Sunday, October 25, 2026. With Monday and Tuesday already behind us, the recommendations below focus on events happening Wednesday through Sunday.
⭐ Featured / Recommended
1. The Battleground 2K26 — Michigan vs. Houston
Sunday, October 25 | 1 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
One of the biggest sporting events on the calendar comes to Grand Rapids on Sunday. The University of Michigan Wolverines face the Houston Cougars in a major college basketball showcase at Van Andel Arena.
Both programs bring national recognition and passionate fan bases to a rare neutral-site matchup in downtown Grand Rapids. For Michigan basketball fans, this is a particularly compelling opportunity to watch two prominent college programs close to home.
Official/Tickets: Van Andel Arena — The Battleground 2K26
2. Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival 2026
Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | DeVos Place | Grand Rapids | Ticketed; see official admission options
More than 200 tattoo artists are expected at DeVos Place for three days of tattooing, art, merchandise and competitions.
Whether you’re planning a new tattoo, following your favorite artists or simply interested in tattoo culture, this is one of the weekend’s most visually interesting events.
Festival hours:
- Friday: 1–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday also features a costume contest with a $1,000 overall grand prize. Tattoo recipients must be 18 or older and present valid identification.
Official/Tickets: Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival
3. Zoo Goes Boo 2026
Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | 10 AM–5 PM | John Ball Zoo | Grand Rapids | $22.95 adults; $16.95 youth and seniors; members free
John Ball Zoo transforms for Halloween with trick-or-treat stations, decorations, magicians, fire dancers, costumed characters and other seasonal entertainment.
Thirteen candy stations are spread throughout the zoo, with allergy-friendly options available. This is an especially good weekend choice for families or groups planning a daytime Halloween outing.
Zoo members receive early access from 9–10 AM. General admission begins at 10 AM.
Official/Tickets: John Ball Zoo — Zoo Goes Boo
4. Oddities on Ottawa 2026
Saturday, October 24 | 4–10 PM general admission; 3 PM VIP entry | 819 Ottawa Ave NW | Grand Rapids | $25 general admission | 21+
Ottawa Avenue gets a distinctly unusual Halloween celebration with live music, artists, makers, food trucks, costumes and a marketplace full of strange and unexpected finds.
This year’s event includes Merchant Hollows, a costume contest, local food vendors and entertainment spread across multiple locations.
If your ideal Saturday night involves something more memorable than another ordinary bar visit, Oddities on Ottawa belongs near the top of your list.
Official/Tickets: Oddities on Ottawa 2026
5. Judah & The Lion + Breakfield + Band of Silver
Friday, October 23 | 7:30 PM show; doors 6:30 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Judah & The Lion bring their blend of alternative rock, folk and high-energy live performance to The Intersection Friday night.
Breakfield and Band of Silver provide support, making this one of the week’s strongest full concert bills.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
6. Pumpkin Prowl 2026
Friday, October 23 | 5–8 PM | Ada Village, River Street | Ada | Free
Ada Village becomes a large community Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, activities, participating businesses and plenty of costumes.
River Street becomes part of the festivities, and local restaurants and businesses help turn the village into an evening destination.
The event also connects to an outdoor Hocus Pocus screening at 7:45 PM in Covered Bridge Park South. Bring a chair or blanket if you’re staying for the movie.
Official: Ada Business Association — Pumpkin Prowl
7. Sleeping With Sirens — An Ending in Itself Tour
Saturday, October 24 | 7 PM show; doors 6 PM | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Sleeping With Sirens bring their post-hardcore and alternative-rock sound to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Saturday night.
The tour also features Rain City Drive and Shyeye, creating a strong three-act lineup for fans of modern rock, emo and post-hardcore.
Official/Tickets: Live Nation — Sleeping With Sirens
8. Bingo Loco: Halloween
Saturday, October 24 | 6:30 PM show; doors 5:30 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | $35 | 21+
This isn’t a quiet night of traditional bingo.
Bingo Loco’s Halloween edition mixes bingo with music, dancing, prizes and a party atmosphere, making it a strong option for groups of friends looking for an interactive Saturday night out.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
9. R&B Fest — A Celebration of 90s and 00s R&B
Saturday, October 24 | 4 PM | The Intersection — Elevation | Grand Rapids | Advance tiers listed from $20; $35 day of show | 21+
Throwback R&B takes over Elevation for a Saturday afternoon and evening celebration of 1990s and 2000s favorites.
For readers who would rather dance to familiar R&B tracks than attend a traditional concert, this is an appealing nightlife alternative.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
10. Broken Wings — Grand Rapids Ballet
Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 PM; Sunday, October 25 at 2 PM | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
Grand Rapids Ballet continues its production of Broken Wings, inspired by the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
The visually expressive ballet explores art, suffering and resilience, while the program also includes A Dreamer, inspired by physicist Stephen Hawking.
The production contains mature themes and sensitive subject matter.
Official/Tickets: Grand Rapids Ballet — Broken Wings
More Grand Rapids Events This Week
Wednesday, October 21
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose
7 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
The Griffins return to home ice against Manitoba with a Winning Wednesday promotion. A good midweek option for local sports fans.
Official: Grand Rapids Griffins Schedule
Country Night at H.O.M.E.
7 PM–midnight | H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. | Grand Rapids | Beginner dance lesson free; other cover details not listed
Country Night begins with beginner line-dancing lessons from 7–8 PM, followed by open dancing from 8 PM until midnight. A fun way to get out on the dance floor without needing previous experience.
Official: The B.O.B. — Country Night
Katie Greene with Kara Cole — Local Spins Wednesdays
7:30 PM | SpeakEZ Lounge | Grand Rapids | Price not reliably listed
The Local Spins Wednesday series brings Katie Greene and guest Kara Cole to SpeakEZ for an intimate performance highlighting Michigan musicians.
Organizer/Event Information: Local Spins Calendar
Open Projector Night: Halloween Edition
7 PM | Wealthy Theatre | Grand Rapids | See official calendar for admission
A Halloween-themed edition of Open Projector Night gives local filmmakers a place on the big screen, with an assortment of short films and creative surprises.
Official: GRCMC Events
Thursday, October 22
Austin Snell + Atlus
7:30 PM show; doors 6:30 PM | The Intersection — Elevation | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Austin Snell’s Colors Tour stops at Elevation with Atlus. A good Thursday concert option for fans of modern country with rock influences.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
Karaoke Night + College Night at Rapid River Stillhouse
7–11 PM | Rapid River Stillhouse, 401 Stocking Ave NW | Grand Rapids | No cover advertised
Rapid River Stillhouse hosts Karaoke Night + College Night, with free parking and drink specials advertised.
Whether you’re singing or supporting your friends, this is an easygoing Thursday-night option on the West Side.
Venue Information: Rapid River Stillhouse Entertainment
Emma Willmann at Dr. Grins Comedy Club
Thursday at 8 PM; Friday at 7:15 and 9:45 PM; Saturday at 7:15 and 9:45 PM | Dr. Grins at The B.O.B. | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary | Early shows 18+; late shows 21+
Stand-up comedian Emma Willmann headlines five remaining shows at Dr. Grins. Her energetic, conversational style makes this a strong choice for a downtown comedy night.
Official/Tickets: Dr. Grins Comedy Club
LaJoye Jazz Quartet at Horrocks
5–8 PM | Horrocks Market Greenhouse | Kentwood | Admission price not listed
The LaJoye Jazz Quartet provides an early-evening soundtrack in the greenhouse at Horrocks. A relaxed alternative for readers who enjoy live jazz without a late-night concert.
Official: Horrocks Events
Teton Gravity Research Presents: Actually, It Is Rocket Science
7 PM | Wealthy Theatre | Grand Rapids | See ticket page
Teton Gravity Research brings a special outdoor-adventure film presentation to Wealthy Theatre. One for readers drawn to action sports and cinematic outdoor storytelling.
Official: GRCMC Events
Friday, October 23
Friday is especially strong, with Judah & The Lion, the opening of the Tattoo Festival, Zoo Goes Boo, Pumpkin Prowl and Broken Wings already Featured above.
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Cleveland Monsters
7 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
The Griffins face Cleveland in the first of two weekend games, with an Oktoberfest-themed promotion and advertised food-and-drink specials.
Official: Grand Rapids Griffins Schedule
Jessica Audiffred + Z3lla + Lowke + Arlee
9 PM show; doors 8 PM | The Intersection — Elevation | Grand Rapids | Advance tickets listed from $20 | 18+
For bass-music fans, Jessica Audiffred brings a high-energy electronic lineup to Elevation with Z3lla, Lowke and Arlee.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
Reggaeton Rave
9 PM | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary | 18+
A late-night reggaeton party brings Latin club energy to GLC Live at 20 Monroe. An option for readers who want dancing rather than a seated concert.
Official/Tickets: GLC Live
Hometown Stache Bash — Prior Noon, Harry Dean and The Dusty Boys + Gabe Fuss
7:30 PM show; doors 6:30 PM | The Intersection — The Stache | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
A locally focused music night featuring Prior Noon, Harry Dean and The Dusty Boys, and Gabe Fuss.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
No Collar Coyote at Rapid River Stillhouse
9 PM | Rapid River Stillhouse | Grand Rapids | Price not listed
Grand Rapids rock band No Collar Coyote takes over the Stillhouse stage Friday night with original live music.
Official: Rapid River Stillhouse Entertainment
Haunted Hall at the Kentwood Community Center
6–8 PM | Kentwood Community Center, 4755 Walma Ave SE | Kentwood | Admission not listed
Kentwood’s Halloween festivities move indoors for Haunted Hall, offering a seasonal community attraction without depending on an outdoor trail.
Official: City of Kentwood
Marquita Bernard Live at RÁK
6–9 PM | RÁK at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market | Grand Rapids | Admission price not listed
Marquita Bernard combines live performance with music bingo at RÁK. Make a night of it with dinner, cocktails and the chance to win prizes.
Official: Grand Rapids Downtown Market Events
Saturday, October 24
Saturday has the biggest concentration of events this week. Oddities on Ottawa, Bingo Loco, R&B Fest, Sleeping With Sirens and the Tattoo Festival are already Featured above.
Merchants of the Macabre Oddities Market
10 AM–6 PM | Downtown Market — Market Shed | Grand Rapids | Admission price not listed
The Downtown Market hosts a collection of strange and unusual vendors selling everything from gothic artwork and mysterious curiosities to oddities, crafts and handmade goods.
Live music from Mar in Color runs from 11:30 AM–5:30 PM, with food and drinks available nearby.
Official: Downtown Market — Merchants of the Macabre
Dunneback Girls Pumpkin Smashin’ Bash
Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM | Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market | Grand Rapids | See farm event details
The farm’s Pumpkin Smashin’ Bash makes an unusual seasonal outing with pumpkin-themed festivities and fall-farm activities.
It’s a good option for groups or families looking for something outside the usual downtown entertainment scene.
Official: Dunneback Girls Fall Season
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Cleveland Monsters
7 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
The Griffins return for a second straight night against Cleveland. Saturday’s promotions include a Super Griff bobblehead giveaway and character appearances.
Official: Grand Rapids Griffins Schedule
The Insiders: Tribute to Tom Petty with Kait Rose & Co: Fleetwood Magic
7 PM | The Big Room | Grand Rapids | See ticket page
A double dose of classic-rock nostalgia comes to The Big Room, with The Insiders celebrating Tom Petty and Kait Rose & Co bringing Fleetwood Mac favorites.
Official/Tickets: The Big Room
Zombie Dash 5K
5 PM | 555 Monroe North Lot | Grand Rapids | Registration information at official event listing
Grand Rapids’ Zombie Dash adds a Halloween twist to the traditional 5K, making it a seasonal option for runners and spectators.
Official: City of Grand Rapids Special Events
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
8:45 PM show; doors 8 PM | Wealthy Theatre | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary | Ages 8+; under 16 accompanied by an adult
A Halloween-themed candlelight concert brings familiar spooky-season music to the atmosphere of Wealthy Theatre.
Official/Tickets: GRCMC — Haunted Candlelight Concert
Next Stop Comedy at Third Nature Brewing
9 PM show; seating begins 8:30 PM | Third Nature Brewing Company | Rockford | See ticket page
Next Stop Comedy brings a rotating three-comedian lineup to Third Nature Brewing. A fun late-night alternative to the bigger downtown shows.
Official/Tickets: Next Stop Comedy
DJ Blüejay at Rapid River Stillhouse
10 PM | Rapid River Stillhouse | Grand Rapids | Price not listed
For a late Saturday night, DJ Blüejay brings bass, dubstep and riddim to the Stillhouse.
Official: Rapid River Stillhouse Entertainment
Sunday, October 25
Sunday closes the week with Michigan vs. Houston, the final day of the Tattoo Festival, Zoo Goes Boo and the final Broken Wings performance — all Featured above.
BRUNCHMARE Drag Brunch at Scholar
11 AM and 2 PM seatings | Scholar Restaurant | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices not listed
Scholar hosts a Halloween-themed drag brunch featuring Aura Mayari and additional entertainment, with two separately scheduled seatings.
A standout option for groups looking to turn Sunday brunch into a full experience.
Organizer Details: MI Drag Brunch & Events
All Them Witches + Emma Ruth Rundle
8 PM show; doors 7 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Psychedelic blues-rock band All Them Witches visits The Intersection Sunday night with Emma Ruth Rundle, making this one of the strongest alternative-rock shows of the weekend.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
SPITE + Stick To Your Guns + No Cure + Vomit Forth
7 PM show; doors 6 PM | The Intersection — Elevation | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
A heavy Sunday-night touring bill brings SPITE, Stick To Your Guns, No Cure and Vomit Forth to Elevation.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
2 PM | Lowell Arts | Lowell | See official page
Shakespeare gets a comic treatment in this fast-moving production that condenses the playwright’s most famous works into one irreverent performance.
Official: Lowell Arts
Keep Exploring Grand Rapids
Whether you’re planning a concert night, a Halloween outing, a date or a full Saturday with friends, the October 19–25 lineup has something worth checking out.
This guide highlights our strongest picks, but it’s only part of what’s happening around Greater Grand Rapids.
Browse the full Grand Rapids Events Calendar for more live music, concerts, nightlife, festivals, comedy, food and drink events, markets and other things to do around town.
Event details can change. Check the linked official sources for the latest schedules, admission requirements and ticket information.