It’s time to spend a night on the town. West Michigan has dozens of great spots to sing and dance late into the night.
West Michigan has dozens of great spots to sing and dance late into the night. Granted, the club scene in Grand Rapids used to be a lot bigger, with hotspots like Raggs to Riches, Tap’s Sports Bar, Eve Nightclub and more shutting down over the years—not to mention the recent Ambiance GR, which closed in less than a year.
That said, we still have opportunities to dance, even if the focus has shifted to events like Adult Prom, Emo Nite, the Little Black Dress Party, etc. And if you want to sing in front of a drunken crowd, West Michigan may have more options than ever before.
So, knowing we can’t possibly cover every place for karaoke and clubbing in the area, here’s our guide to a few favorites for spending a night on the town:
DANCING
Rumors Night Club
69 S. Division, Grand Rapids
By far West Michigan’s most popular gay bar and dance club, Rumors is lit just about every single night. Things really pop off with Thirsty Thursdays (half-off alcohol), Fab Fridays and Sizzlin Saturdays, with dancing typically starting at 10 p.m. Plus, they have karaoke on Monday AND Wednesday.
Billy’s Lounge
1437 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Billy’s is beloved by many due to its wide variety of events throughout the week. On Sundays, come through for multiple DJs; Mondays are for electronic music; Wednesdays are Latin night; and live music on Friday and Saturday. It’s a dance party all week!
Grand Woods Lounge
77 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Grand Rapids
If you’ve ever waited in line to get into a show at The Intersection, you’ve probably also seen the line leading out of Grand Woods Lounge. Every Friday, live musicians bring the jams, and on Saturday, a DJ is spinning current hits until 2 a.m. The Woods feels a bit more upscale, but plenty welcoming.
The BackForty Saloon
48 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
If you’re a fan of country music and line dancing, this is the place for you. Come to BackForty to get your boot scoot on, shuffle, shimmy and slide the night away. Don’t know the moves? You’ll learn ‘em! And trust us, no one’s watching you anyway.
The Holiday Bar
801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids
Come get your dance on every Friday and Saturday night with DJs spinning top hits every weekend. Dance your butt off inside, then step onto the outdoor bier garden to cool off and grab a bite to eat. Then, it’s back for more dancing! They also have karaoke on Thursdays.
Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant
180 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
While Mojo’s big highlight is the dueling piano bar, which certainly can lead to some great dancing, head upstairs to the second floor for a classic club experience on Fridays and Saturdays.
KARAOKE
K-ROK
169 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids
Thurs-Sat, by reservation
For a more private karaoke experience, you have to check out K-ROK in downtown Grand Rapids. Rent one of the private singing rooms for up to 12 people and you can get food and drinks delivered right to you while you sing the night away with your friends. No strangers to worry about judging you here!
Z’s Bar and Restaurant
168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids
Tues-Thurs, 10 p.m.
Not done singing yet? Head to Z’s just a few steps away from K-ROK for a more typical karaoke stage, perfect for weekday singing sprees.
Fulton Street Pub & Grill
801 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Thurs-Sat, 9 p.m.
This is a real favorite for karaoke, as a filled house cheers you on. Whether you’re a talented diva or a total amateur, you can sing whatever you like here and everyone will be happy. Three nights a week, they offer karaoke alongside pool tables and gaming machines.
Eastown Sports Bar
1520 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Fri-Sat, 10 p.m.
If your ideal karaoke vibe is dim lighting and not many people paying attention to you, Eastown is usually a good bet. Just head upstairs on the weekends and grab a mic.
Main Street Pub
Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.
River City Saloon
Thursday, 9 p.m.
Cheers Good Time Saloon
Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m.
Stella’s Lounge
Sunday, 9 p.m.
Twisted Bull Saloon
Monday-Thursday, 9:30 p.m.
Play Station Pub
Wednesday-Saturday, 9 p.m.
