Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of April.
4/2
Reggie Watts Live
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
April 2, 8:30 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Best known as the bandleader for The Late Late Show with James Corden and for his viral performances on shows like Comedy Bang! Bang!, Reggie Watts is a one-of-a-kind musical comedian, blending beatboxing, looping, and improvisational humor into a genre-defying performance style that’s as unpredictable as it is brilliant. Armed with a loop station, a boundless vocal range, and an offbeat sense of humor, Watts crafts surreal, often nonsensical songs on the spot.
4/4
May Erlewine Album Release
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Grand Rapids
April 4-5, 8 p.m.
bellsbeer.com
With her electric new album, May Erlewine delivers powerful anthems of resilience with empowered grit and fire. Some might call it a departure from her previous work, but for her, it’s coming home. What It Takes was recorded in the Northwoods of Michigan, live in a small room at Cinnamon Ranch. Erlewine invited her bandmates to dig in, unleashing a level of fortifying energy to accompany her vulnerable writing. Celebrate its release at Bell’s Back Room in April.
4/6
Bright Eyes w/ Cursive
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
April 6, 6 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Bright Eyes is an indie rock band led by singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, known for his deeply emotional lyrics, wavering yet evocative vocals, and a sound that shifts between folk, rock, and experimental influences. See the band celebrate their latest album, Five Dice, All Threes, at The Intersection alongside fellow indie legends Cursive.
4/9
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
John Ball Zoo
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
April 9-June 15
jbzoo.org
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo is a breathtaking experience of light and wonder: a one-mile tour along a path illuminated by handcrafted Asian lantern displays that tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. This is the only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. Starting April 9, it will run Wednesdays through Sundays, from 7:30-11:30 p.m., until June 15. And yes, this year’s event features all new lanterns and events!
4/11
Marc Maron: All In
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
April 11, 7 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Maron has a peerless reputation in the podcasting world through his landmark podcast WTF with Marc Maron. Launched in 2009, this interview-style podcast receives over 50 million listens every year and has become a phenomenon in the podcasting space. But, he’s also a seasoned stand-up performer, delivering trenchant insights with a level-headed delivery.
4/12
Bridge Street Makers Market & Bar Hop
Bridge Street
April 12, 1-6 p.m.
iheartindiemarkets.com
Community. Art. A good time. Join Bridge Street in Grand Rapids to shop 30 local vendors with a drink in hand! Across One Bourbon, Küsterer Brauhaus and Bridge St Market, you’ll find a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more!
4/17
Ali Macofsky
Dr. Grins Comedy Club
20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 17-19
thebob.com
Ali Macofsky is a stand up comedian, actress, and writer who began her comedy career at the age of 7 when she would join Ryan Seacrest on KIIS FM every weekday morning to prank call listeners as her character “Lil Ally” and has continued to pursue comedy ever since. Ali has headlined venues across the country, and has a popular series on her Instagram (@notalimac) where she talks to strangers online.
The Found Footage Festival: 20th Anniversary
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
April 17, 7:30 p.m.
grcmc.org
Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show) have over 13,000 VHS tapes in their collection and have been taking viewers on a guided tour through their latest and greatest finds since 2004. To celebrate two decades of this VHS nonsense, Joe & Nick will serve up their all-time greatest finds including the dumbest exercise videos, the craziest public access shows and updates with the most wonderful weirdos they’ve met along the way.
4/27
Queer Art Mart
Fulton Street Market
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
April 27, 3-7 p.m.
betkapopeproductions.com
Join Betka-Pope Productions and local queer and allied artists at Fulton St. Market to gear up for the 2025 Pride Season! Featuring pride apparel and accessories to wear all year long, 2SLGBTQ+ inspired art to brighten your space, and other queer-made items and gifts for everyone on your list, this free festival will also include food trucks, drag performances, music, and more.
4/29
RIVERDANCE 30 - The New Generation
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo
April 29, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
RIVERDANCE, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs.
5/1
Linkin Park
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
May 1, 7:30 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
In the 2000s, Linkin Park emerged as an innovative musical force with their combination of alt rock, nu metal and hip hop, becoming one of the best-selling artists of the last 20 years. Albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora launched them to success, and that success continues today despite the tragic passing of former singer Chester Bennington. Now, founding member Mike Shinoda remains to lead the band with his raps, with new singer Emily Armstrong carrying on the legacy.
