Grand Rapids is heading into a packed October weekend with major concerts, Broadway, Halloween events, live music, college football and the Grand Rapids Marathon. From Zach Top and Anthony Hamilton at Van Andel Arena to The Notebook, Grand Rapids Ballet’s Broken Wings and Zoo Goes Boo, there’s plenty happening across Greater Grand Rapids.
Here’s our guide to the best Grand Rapids events for Monday, October 12 through Sunday, October 18, 2026. With the beginning of the week already behind us, our upcoming recommendations start Wednesday, October 14.
⭐ Featured / Recommended
The Notebook — Broadway Grand Rapids
Wednesday–Sunday, Oct. 14–18 | DeVos Performance Hall | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
Broadway Grand Rapids brings the stage adaptation of the bestselling love story to DeVos Performance Hall. Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson, The Notebook is one of the week’s biggest theater attractions.
Remaining performances:
- Wednesday, Oct. 14 — 7:30 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 15 — 7:30 PM
- Friday, Oct. 16 — 7:30 PM
- Saturday, Oct. 17 — 2 PM and 7:30 PM
- Sunday, Oct. 18 — 1 PM and 6:30 PM
Official/Tickets: DeVos Performance Hall
2026 Grand Rapids Marathon
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 8 AM main race start | David D. Hunting YMCA | Grand Rapids | Registration pricing varies
Thousands of runners and spectators will be part of one of Grand Rapids’ biggest annual sporting events. The 23rd Grand Rapids Marathon includes the full marathon, half marathon and relay races, along with the Run Thru the Rapids 5K and 10K.
The main marathon, half-marathon and relay start at 8 AM. The 10K begins at 8:20 AM and the 5K at 8:30 AM. Special divisions have earlier start times.
Official/Schedule: Grand Rapids Marathon
Zoo Goes Boo 2026
Friday–Sunday, Oct. 16–18 | 10 AM–5 PM | John Ball Zoo | Grand Rapids | $22.95 adults; $16.95 youth and seniors; members free
One of Grand Rapids’ biggest Halloween traditions returns with trick-or-treat stations, elaborate decorations and seasonal entertainment throughout John Ball Zoo. Visitors can expect magicians, fire dancers, costumed characters and plenty of candy.
Zoo Goes Boo continues on additional weekends through November 1. Members receive early access from 9–10 AM; general admission begins at 10 AM.
Official/Tickets: John Ball Zoo
GVSU Lakers vs. Ferris State Bulldogs Football
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 3 PM | Lubbers Stadium | Allendale | Tickets listed from $26
The Anchor-Bone rivalry returns to Allendale as Grand Valley State hosts Ferris State in one of West Michigan’s biggest college football matchups. Expect a major crowd and plenty of energy for this Division II rivalry game.
Official/Tickets: GVSU Athletics
Crankdat — Electronic/Dubstep Live
Friday, Oct. 16 | 9 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | Ticket price varies | 18+
Crankdat takes over The Intersection for a high-energy Friday night of electronic music, with support from SQISHI, Tarrow and Charlotte Webb.
Important: Friday’s show is listed with ticket sales. The separate Saturday, October 17 performance is sold out.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
Broken Wings — A Frida Kahlo Ballet
Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 PM; Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 PM | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | Grand Rapids | See ticket page
Grand Rapids Ballet opens its season with Broken Wings, an imaginative production inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo. The performance uses striking visuals, music and choreography to explore the artist’s world.
The program also includes A Dreamer, inspired by theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. The production includes mature themes.
Official/Tickets: Grand Rapids Ballet
Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen
Friday, Oct. 16 | 7 PM | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | Grand Rapids | Ticket price varies
Americana singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham brings his Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour to downtown Grand Rapids with The Texas Gentlemen. It’s one of Friday’s strongest live-music options for fans of country, roots rock and Americana.
Official/Tickets: Live Nation
Zach Top — Cold Beer & Country Music Tour
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 8 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Price varies
Country singer Zach Top brings his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour to Van Andel Arena for one of the weekend’s biggest concert events. His traditional-country sound has made him one of the genre’s fast-rising performers.
Official/Tickets: Van Andel Arena
Anthony Hamilton
Friday, Oct. 16 | 8 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Price varies
R&B and soul singer Anthony Hamilton headlines Van Andel Arena alongside Leela James and Raheem DeVaughn. With three prominent soul performers sharing the bill, this is a major Friday-night concert option.
Official/Tickets: Van Andel Arena
More Events This Week
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Jeff Dye + Jordan Garnett
8 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | 18+
Comedian Jeff Dye brings his stand-up show to The Intersection with Jordan Garnett, giving Wednesday a solid comedy option alongside Broadway’s The Notebook.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
Thursday, Oct. 15
Wheeler Walker Jr. — Pullin’ Out Farewell Tour
8 PM | The Intersection | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Country music meets unapologetically adult humor when Wheeler Walker Jr. brings his farewell tour to Grand Rapids with Colton Bowlin.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
St. Olaf Orchestra
7 PM | Rockford High School Auditorium | Rockford | $10 adults; students free
The nationally touring St. Olaf Orchestra visits Rockford for an evening of orchestral music — an affordable choice for classical music fans.
Official: St. Olaf Orchestra
Grandville Night Market — October
5–8 PM | KDL Grandville Branch Pavilion | Grandville | Price not listed
Shop local vendors, explore food trucks and enjoy live music at Grandville’s evening fall market. It’s a relaxed option for an after-work outing.
Event Information: Pages & Grapes
Russo Wine Dinner with John Russo and Chef John
5:30 PM | Russo Ristorante & Mercato | Byron Center | Contact organizer for price
Russo hosts a special wine dinner featuring John Russo and Chef John at its Tanger Outlets location. A good date-night option for readers looking for something food-focused rather than another concert.
Official: Russo Events
Friday, Oct. 16
Friday is especially strong for live music, with Anthony Hamilton, Ryan Bingham and Crankdat already Featured above.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram — The Hard Road Tour
8 PM | The Intersection — Elevation | Grand Rapids | See ticket page | All ages
Award-winning blues guitarist and vocalist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram brings his mix of electric blues, soul and rock to Elevation.
Official/Tickets: The Intersection
Fruitport vs. Comstock Park — Football at LMCU Ballpark
7 PM | LMCU Ballpark | Comstock Park | $8 adults / $5 students; children under 5 free
High-school football moves into the ballpark for a distinctive Friday-night setting. Gates open at 5:30 PM.
Official: LMCU Ballpark
Marquita Bernard Live at RÁK
6–9 PM | RÁK Modern Thai & Cocktails, Downtown Market | Grand Rapids | No admission charge listed
Live music and music bingo with Marquita Bernard make this a good option for dinner and entertainment at the Downtown Market.
Official: RÁK Events
J.H. Patton & The Good Companions / Apiaries / Kara Cole
10 PM | Mulligan’s Pub | Grand Rapids | Free | 21+
Three acts share a late-night bill at Mulligan’s, offering a free local-music alternative to Friday’s major ticketed concerts. Doors open at 9 PM.
Official Event: Mulligan’s Facebook Event
Saturday, Oct. 17
Saturday’s biggest attractions include GVSU vs. Ferris State, Zach Top, The Notebook, Broken Wings and Zoo Goes Boo, all Featured above.
Monster Mash Theme Night at SILVA
4–11 PM | SILVA | Grand Rapids | Free admission
SILVA hosts a Halloween-themed party with costumes and a monster-inspired atmosphere, offering a seasonal nightlife option ahead of Halloween weekend.
Event Information: Downtown Grand Rapids — SILVA
Black Cat Bazaar
6–10 PM | Speciation Cellars | Grand Rapids | See event page | 21+ venue policy
A Halloween-season night market at Speciation Cellars gives shoppers and craft-beverage fans a different kind of Saturday evening outing.
Official: Speciation Events
DiscOH — Live Disco Celebration
7 PM | Wealthy Theatre | Grand Rapids | See event page
A live disco-themed celebration features musicians, vocalists and a Disco King and Queen contest. An especially fun pick for readers looking for something dance-focused and different.
Official: Wealthy Theatre / GRCMC
Trillium Irish Band at Third Nature Brewing
5:30–8 PM | Third Nature Brewing Company | Rockford | Price not listed
Trillium brings traditional Irish music to Third Nature Brewing for an early Saturday evening performance.
Official: Trillium Irish Band
Sunday, Oct. 18
The Grand Rapids Marathon, Zoo Goes Boo, The Notebook and Broken Wings are already Featured above.
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Rockford IceHogs — Crayola Family Night
4 PM | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids | Ticket prices vary
The Griffins host the Rockford IceHogs with a special Crayola Family Night featuring a kids’ tumbler giveaway, coloring activities and family promotions. Sunday discounts include select $1 refreshments.
Official/Tickets: Grand Rapids Griffins
Night of the Living Drag
7 PM | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | Grand Rapids | See ticket page
A touring drag production takes over GLC Live for a Sunday-night performance, offering a theatrical nightlife alternative to the weekend’s concerts and sports.
Official/Tickets: GLC Live / Live Nation
Ongoing Worth Knowing
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens
Through Nov. 1 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | Grand Rapids | Included with admission
The major Dale Chihuly exhibition continues across indoor and outdoor spaces at Meijer Gardens. It’s a strong option for anyone who wants an art-focused outing that isn’t tied to a single evening.
Official: Meijer Gardens
Looking for even more? Browse the full Grand Rapids Events Calendar for additional concerts, live music, nightlife, comedy, food and drink events, markets and other things to do across Greater Grand Rapids.