Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of June.
6/2
Therapy Gecko
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
June 2, 7 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Host Lyle Drescher, adorned in a vibrant gecko costume, offers a quirky blend of humor, empathy, and insightful conversation in his role as the Therapy Gecko. The show’s distinctive format, combining real-time interaction with the host’s charismatic and offbeat persona, has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Broadcasting live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, Drescher engages with callers from around the world, addressing their diverse array of personal issues and life questions with a mix of sincerity and playful absurdity.
6/5
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
June 5 & 14
vanandelarena.com
Hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” by The Atlantic Magazine and a “Rising Star,” by CBS Morning, 2021 Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world. An Old Hickory, Tennessee native, Bargatze followed in the showbiz footsteps of his father, a former clown turned world class magician. He’s beloved enough that Van Andel added a second date to the tour!
6/6
Relax at Rosa
Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
June 6-27, 12-1:30 p.m.
downtowngr.com
Every Thursday, all summer, Relax at Rosa offers live music, food and fun. The free lunchtime entertainment series features an incredible lineup of local musical talent—such as Alex Teller and Jordan Hamilton—a variety of food truck offerings and oversized outdoor games for all to enjoy. Relax at Rosa gives workers the opportunity to step away from their desks, get out of the office, and enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant downtown.
6/7
Festival of the Arts
Grand Rapids
June 7-9
festivalgr.org
Grand Rapids’ biggest celebration of local art, music and food is one of the longest-running festivals in the state. Completely free to the public, it features four performance stages, plus cultural food booths, visual art exhibits and activities, artisan craftsmen, theater, poetry, dance and much more.
6/9
Vintage and Handmade Marketplace
Kalamazoo Farmers Market
1204 Bank St., Kalamazoo
June 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This FREE, monthly, single-day outdoor true vintage and handmade market offers 60+ fresh and unique small businesses & entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their goods. This juried outdoor market event will feature vendors offering true vintage clothing, furniture, housewares, antiques/collectibles, and innovative and independent creators, designers, and dreamers.
Pride and Prejudice
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
June 9, 2 p.m.
grcmc.org
The Grand Rapids Film Society cordially invites you to a screening of Pride & Prejudice. This event is also a costume party inspired by the Regency Period. We’re talking flowy shirts, vests, fitted bodices, regency dresses, bonnets, gloves, etc. The fun starts early, as this event is in collaboration with our friends at Books & Mortar (Jane Austen books for sale) and Hyssop Floral (blooms to pin in your hair, plus taper candles and posy bouquets).
6/14
Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
Calder Plaza
June 14-16
grapf.org
The annual Asian-Pacific Festival celebrates as much Asian and Pacific-Islander culture as it possibly can in one weekend. You’ll find traditional attires, martial arts demonstrations, fashion shows, Luau, K-Pop dance contest, Hmong Culture Dance Competition, games, karaoke, and much more, including (of course) all kinds of Asian-Pacific food.
6/15
Emo Nite at Elevation
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
June 15, 9 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Since they threw their first party at an East L.A. dive bar, DJs Morgan Freed and T.J. Petracca built Emo Nite into a phenomenon. Top-tier emo artists, old and new, curate playlists and perform, with guest lists boasting members of blink-182, All Time Low, Dashboard Confessional, The Maine, and Good Charlotte. Scene-friendly pop culture mavericks often participate, like past attendees Post Malone, Demi Lovato, Machine Gun Kelly, and Skrillex.
Eastown Bizarre Bazaar
420 Ethel Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
June 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
facebook.com/eastowngr
Eastown Bizarre Bazaar features local artists, potters, sculptors, and jewelry designers in the heart of Eastown. This event is hosted by the Eastown Community Association to celebrate art, entertainment, and the unique Eastown culture with over 80 local artists and craftspeople, with bands performing throughout the day!
6/18
Stevie Nicks
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
June 18, 7 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
Musician Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, quickly becoming a sensation. Nicks has also enjoyed a successful solo career—despite years of struggling with addiction—with the hit album Bella Donna and popular songs “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stop Dragging My Heart Around,” with Tom Petty. The rock star is the first woman twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
6/21
Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games
Ottawa County Fairgrounds
June 21-22
hollandcelticfestival.org
Despite by only being a few years old, this festival is already attracting more than 7,000 people eager to be a part of such a unique experience in West Michigan. Musically, you can expect 16 Irish and Celtic bands to play on two stages over two days, along with Scottish pipe and drum bands throughout the event, and dance demonstrations. One huge draw here are the Highland Games, featuring more than 70 men and women competing in events like caber-tossing and hammer-throwing. Plus: Food, clothing, and plenty of tasty beer, as the event is sponsored by Guinness.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Speciation Cellars
933 Sigsbee St. SE, Grand Rapids
June 21, 7-10 p.m.
facebook.com/speciationartisanales
Join Speciation for a Solstice weekend full of music, art, nature and beer, in partnership with Blandford Nature Center. Come enjoy two outdoor concerts, a nature artist market, and even a special beer! Friday night, welcome the amazing Earth Radio to celebrate Solstice with sounds of the human experience. Earth Radio is a Grand Rapids Future-Soul band… you’ll hear elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz. This FREE show will be outside on the patio, with smoked meats from Louise Earl and more grub from Oso Provisions.
6/29
The Flaming Lips
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
June 29, 7 p.m.
livenation.com
The Flaming Lips are icons of alternative rock, celebrated for their psychedelic sound and theatrical performances. Fronted by charismatic weirdo Wayne Coyne, the band’s music blends experimental rock and neo-psychedelia, showcasing lush, orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics. Come enjoy the entirety of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” (2002) on this tour, and experience an extravagant live show featuring confetti, giant hamster balls, and immersive visuals.
Ben Folds Paper Airplane Request Tour
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
June 29, 7 p.m.
kazoostate.com
Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation, creating an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. He tours as a pop artist, while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras. Bring your paper airplanes with song requests on them and prepare to let them fly for the first time in seven years!
