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
Free Outdoor
Summer Fitness Series
Downtown Grand Rapids
June 2-30
bit.ly/freeGRfitness
How do you like to get moving? Yoga? Zumba? Strength training? Barre? Line dancing? Grand Rapids Parks and Rec is offering all this and more—for FREE—every weekday this summer. No registration required, just drop in and have fun with the group. Head to Facebook or the city’s website for a full schedule of classes.
6/7
Sunset Cinema Series
Celebration Cinema Studio Park
111 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
June 7-28
studioparkgr.com
Every summer, Studio Park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids makes use of its outdoor piazza for free movie screenings. Movies start at 8 p.m. each Saturday—all you need to do is show up early with a blanket or low-rise camping chair to secure a spot. Feel free to bring snacks, and beverages are available for purchase. June’s lineup (as voted by locals) includes The Hunger Games, Mean Girls, Shrek and La La Land.
EGR After Dark
2215 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
June 7, 3-9 p.m.
facebook.com/lionsandrabbits
Join for an unforgettable evening of creativity, community, and celebration in the heart of East Grand Rapids, featuring a creative artisan market, with a curated selection of handmade goods from talented local artists and makers; live performance art, including live painting, interactive art displays, and spontaneous street performances; local music and entertainment; food trucks, tasty treats and adult beverages; and fun for the whole family.
6/8
Vintage and Handmade Marketplace
Kalamazoo Farmers Market
1204 Bank St., Kalamazoo
June 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
facebook.com/vintageinthezoo
This FREE, monthly, single-day outdoor true vintage & handmade market offers 60+ fresh and unique small businesses & entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their goods at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Shop the region’s best small vendors while enjoying vinyl sounds from DJ Dan Steely. This juried outdoor market event features vendors offering true vintage clothing, furniture, housewares, antiques/collectibles, and more.
6/12
Chris Stapleton: All-American Road Show
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids
June 12-13
vanandelarena.com
If you love rock or country music, Chris Stapleton is probably on your radar. Stapleton won three awards at the CMA Awards this past fall, making him a 19-time CMA Award winner. His 2023 album, Higher, landed on several “Best of” lists. GQ declared, “In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on… one of the most reliable hit makers in music” and NPR Music proclaimed, “Higher puts him where he always really was—in that classic kind of rock and soul, Tom Petty, Eagles, going beyond the confines of the genre.”
6/14
The Lavender Fault: A Pride Party & Cabaret
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
June 14, 8 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Join Betka-Pope Productions as they unlock The Lavender Vault, a variety show of vices created for, and by, the queer community. Guests are welcome to mingle, dance, and enjoy the immersive atmosphere while pop-up cabaret performances and other surprises surround you throughout the night. Celebrate Pride Month and support local artists at this uniquely entertaining party where dressing in lavender is encouraged.
6/15
The Gaslight Anthem
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW,
Grand Rapids
June 15, 7 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Since coming together in 2007, The Gaslight Anthem has forged its own powerful, populist sound, marrying their punk roots with rich craft and raw emotional power to create a soulful, exhilarating, and utterly unique vision of rock ‘n’ roll. Today, their sixth full-length and first new album in almost a decade, History Books, once again brings their soulful breed of life-affirming punk to explore everything from mortality to mental illness. Hailed by the AP as “big-hearted freeway rock,” the title track features vocals from longtime band champion and fellow New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen.
6/20
Sal Vulcano
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
June 20, 7 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” plus the “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
6/21
Adult Prom: Down the Rabbit Hole
SILVA
975 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
June 21, 7 p.m.
silvagr.com
Get ready to step through the looking glass at this year’s Alice in Wonderland-themed Adult Prom! Join for an unforgettable night of enchantment at The Big Room at SILVA. Dress to impress in your finest prom wear, whether you’re channeling your inner Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, or coming as your most magical self. Enjoy a live DJ spinning dance-worthy tracks all night; themed performances that will transport you straight into Wonderland; delicious bites and curated cocktails.
6/22
Summer Kalamazoo Bizarre Bazaar
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo
June 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
events.bellsbeer.com
Mark your calendar for handmade local art, crafts, beer, food and fun in the sun! Join more than 20 local artists and makers at the Bell’s Brewery Garden. Vendors will include jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, pottery, clothing/accessories, beauty/wellness, painting, illustration, and more.
6/24
Chicago - The Band
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo
June 24, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns has released nearly 30 studio albums along with multiple live albums, having never missed a year of touring since founding in 1967. Come see them in their 58th consecutive year of touring at Kalamazoo’s Miller Auditorium!
6/27
An Evening With The Avett Brothers
Wings Event Center
3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo
6/27, 7:30 p.m.
wingseventcenter.com
Hailing from North Carolina, The Avett Brothers have spent nearly two decades perfecting the art of heartfelt, genre-blending storytelling. With their signature mix of bluegrass, folk, rock, and a dash of raw Americana, they create soul-stirring anthems that range from foot-stomping barn burners to introspective ballads. Enjoy an intimate performance with the brothers at Wings Event Center.
The Fray Is Back
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
June 27, 7 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
In 2002, The Fray emerged from Denver with a gift for turning raw emotion into anthemic piano-driven rock. Known for their heart-rending lyrics and soaring melodies, the band captured hearts with hits like “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head,” songs that blend vulnerability with cinematic grandeur. After a decade-long break from releasing new music, the band returned with an EP, The Fray Is Back, featuring new lead singer Joe King.
