Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of April.
This month, we have comedy shows including big names like Stavros Halkias and Kathleen Madigan, classic movies like Star Wars back on the silver screen, dance parties, Broadway shows, vintage markets, and more!
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
John Ball Zoo
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
April 8-June 14
jbzoo.org
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.
Spring Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
GRPM
Apr. 8-12
grpm.org/springbreak/
There's something fun happening every day of Spring Break with extra activities, shows, and visits from community partners. Check out the calendar to see which events your family might be interested in, such as Local Sports Day, Concerts Under the Stars, a Jurassic Park screening, Carnival Day and more.
The Lion King
DeVos Performance Hall
April 8-26
devosperformancehall.com
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
Broadway Rave – A Musical Theater Dance Party
The Intersection (Stache)
Apr. 10, 8 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Calling all musical theatre nerds, drama geeks, actors, actresses, theatre lovers, and more! Welcome to Broadway Rave, a Broadway Dance Party celebrating the best in show-tunes and musical theatre. Come sing along to all of your favorite Broadway hits while dressed up as your favorite character.
CHVRCH - A Dark Dance Experience
The Pyramid Scheme
Apr. 11, 7 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
CHVRCH is in session again, back at The Pyramid Scheme. Hosted by DJs Reverend Worm and Sister Malum, it’s a night to congregate with other lovers of the dark and dance the night away. Suggested attire? “The blackest blacks. I want to see funeral fashion, corpse couture. I want to see you draped in your own brand of darkness.”
Stavros Halkias: The Dreamboat Tour
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 11, 7 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Stavros Halkias is a Baltimore-born stand-up comedian known for his booming laugh and razor-sharp crowd work. A former co-host of the cult-favorite podcast Cum Town, Halkias has since built a massive following on his own, thanks to viral stand-up clips that showcase his quick improvisation and gleefully unfiltered style. His comedy blends self-deprecation, cultural commentary, and unapologetic raunch with an affable charm that keeps audiences on his side.
Star Wars: The Original Trilogy
Wealthy Theatre
Apr. 13 & 27, May 4
grcmc.org
The Grand Rapids Film Society is bringing the original three Star Wars movies (episodes 4, 5 and 6) to the big screen across three weekends, starting with A New Hope on April 13. All 3 screenings will be presenting the latest 4k restorations of the Special Editions (the only cuts allowed for public screenings), with the highest quality possible on DCP with remastered surround sound.
Amaze & Amuse: A Modern Day Magic Show
Wealthy Theatre
Apr. 17 & 18, 7 p.m.
grcmc.org
Grand Rapids’ favorite monthly magic show, Amaze & Amuse, is closing out the season with an unforgettable night of mind-blowing entertainment! On Friday is Presto, a family-friendly magic show with mind-reading, jaw-dropping illusions and laugh-out-loud moments. On Saturday is a show for adults, with magicians, mentalists and even some aerial variety.
Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Apr. 17
glcliveat20monroe.com
With six hit specials, millions of podcast downloads, and a comedy career that spans continents, Kathleen Madigan is still the sharpest voice in stand-up. Her Day Drinking Tour delivers the kind of laughs that only come from decades of experience and zero tolerance for stupidity. “Termites, assemble.”
90s Spring Break Party
I Don’t Care (IDC)
Apr. 18, 8 p.m.-midnight
facebook.com
Party like it's the 1990's at IDC! Step into your time machine for a nostalgic party featuring 90's classic hits, spring break vibes, and the 'One More Thyme" featured cocktail. No dial-up, no drama—just straight vibes. So don’t be all that and a bag of chips at home… come party instead.
West Side Story
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Apr. 18, 7:30 p.m.
kalamazoosymphony.com
In a fully staged production from Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the timeless story of forbidden love comes to life with Leonard Bernstein’s unforgettable score, Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics, and electrifying choreography. Travel to New York’s Upper West Side with Tony, Maria, and the dueling Jets and Sharks to experience the musical masterpiece that took Broadway by storm. Bernstein’s iconic score to West Side Story is punctuated with hits like “Tonight,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” and the soulful “Somewhere.”
We Them Ones Comedy Tour
Van Andel Arena
Apr. 18, 8 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
BMN Entertainment, the powerhouse behind some of the nation’s hottest comedy events, proudly announces the return of the We Them One’s Comedy Tour 2026, headlined by NAACP Award-winning actor and comedian Mike Epps and hosted by the “comedian’s comedian,” Tony T. Roberts. Featuring DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Chico Bean, Mojo Brookzz, Just Nesh, Navv Greene.
STOMP
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Apr. 19, 7 p.m.
fhfineartscenter.com
There is no dialogue or plot in STOMP. Instead, the eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and hubcaps, just to name a few—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The show has an industrial, urban feel, meant to amaze you with the music they are able to create from everyday items.
Bourbon & Butterflies
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Apr. 21, 5-9 p.m.
meijergardens.org
A special addition to the beloved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, Spring Nights at Meijer Gardens fills the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and surrounding spaces with live music from local artists. Each performance creates a unique soundtrack to your flutter-filled stroll. Sip and savor your way through the evening with beverages available for purchase—crafted to complement the warmth and wonder of spring. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy specialty cocktails and a curated bar menu, while everyone is invited to indulge in themed treats and beverages available for purchase in the James & Shirley Balk Café.
Gasolina Reggaeton Party
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Apr. 24, 9 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Gasolina Party is a community for Reggaeton & Latin music fans that are pushing the culture forward. Originally started at Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Gasolina has grown to be the largest reggaeton party in the United States.
Biergarten Seasonal Opening
Archival Brewing
April 25, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
archivalbrewing.com
Who's ready for biergarten season? Head to Archival’s seasonal opening for live music from Frank & The Danglers in the evening (6-9 p.m.), the biergarten bar slinging drinks, a full kitchen, yard games and fire pits going at night! Head in with your friends, dogs, friend's dogs, dog's friends, and anyone who loves a good biergarten hangout.
Vintage and Handmade Marketplace
Downtown Market
Apr. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
downtownmarketgr.com
Shop 60+ of the best regional vintage and handmade vendors displaying their treasures under the Market Shed and throughout the parking lot. Enjoy a curated selection of clothing, accessories, decor, and more. Shop, stroll, listen to a live DJ, then head inside for a bite to eat from our Market Hall merchants. This FREE event is presented by Vintage in the Zoo.
