Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of March.
3/5
LaughFest
Grand Rapids
March 5-9
laughfestgr.org
As always, LaughFest has a whole lot to enjoy this year, including national touring comedians like Adam Ray, Gabby Bryan, Dan Soder, and Corey B. (Bonalewicz). Other events include: The Clean Comedy Showcase, LaughFest: Night at the Museum, Laughter RX Symposium, Pop Scholars, River City Improv and The Dirty Show. LaughFest is more than just a seriously good time. It also raises funds and awareness for a very important cause—Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a vibrant, FREE emotional health support community of children, adults, families, and friends on any kind of cancer journey.
3/7
Monster Jam
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
March 7-9
vanandelarena.com
Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action. Come see these mechanical beasts race, drift, flip, catch massive air and more.
3/8
60th Annual Maple Sugar Festival
Kalamazoo Nature Center
March 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
naturecenter.org
Each year, the Kalamazoo Nature Center celebrates the first signs of spring, from the festival’s humble beginnings of a kettle on a tripod to today’s full day of activities, such as maple sugaring demonstrations, games, kids activities, and wagon rides, with the all-important pancake breakfast topped off with real Michigan maple syrup. Join generations of visitors who have walked across the iconic bridge to breathe in the fresh air and delicious smells of pancakes cooking.
Ludacris
FireKeepers Casino
11177 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek
March 8, 8 p.m.
firekeeperscasino.com
A trailblazer in Southern rap, Ludacris rose to prominence in the late 1990s, quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. His debut album, Back for the First Time, introduced fans to his distinct style, humor, and lyrical prowess, setting the stage for a legendary career. He’s since become known for his role as Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious films as well, but he’s never strayed from his roots, continuing to shine on the stage as a Grammy-winning rapper.
3/13
Lucas Zelnick
Dr. Grin’s Comedy Club
20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
March 13-15
thebob.com
Lucas Zelnick is a New York City-based comedian whose stand-up and crowd-work clips have exploded online, where he has received more than 100M views and 500K+ followers across Instagram and TikTok. If you watch comedy clips online, you’ve seen Zelnick. He has appeared in “SF Sketchfest” and as a guest on Amazon Prime Video’s “Sports Talk.” See him off your screen and on the stage at Dr. Grin’s this month.
3/14
Dude Dad
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
1 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
March 14, 7 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Dude Dad, aka Taylor Calmus, creates comedy, DIY, and vlog videos about family life and more. He also stars in Magnolia Network’s Super Dad, in which he helps other dads make their kid’s backyard dreams a reality. Come see his hilarious, relatable, “mostly clean” stand-up comedy at GLC Live.
3/15
Irish Off Ionia
Calder Plaza
March 15, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
irishoffionia.com
Formerly known as Irish On Ionia, the festival is rebranding as Irish Off Ionia and moving to Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. For over a decade, the zero-waste festival has drawn thousands of guests to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, Irish dancers, festive food, and beverages. The new location at Calder Plaza “will provide more space, a better guest experience, and an opportunity to enhance the festival.”
3/16
Buckethead
The Intersection’s Elevation
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
March 16, 7 p.m.
sectionlive.com
If you’re wondering why Brian Patrick Carroll’s stage persona is called Buckethead, we suggest you simply look at a picture of Buckethead—he wears a bucket on his head. But more than that, he’s considered one of the most innovative and “fastest” guitarists of all time. He’s released 31 studio albums, along with more than 650 mini albums, ensuring you’ll definitely never run out of Buckethead to enjoy. See him tear up the stage at The Intersection this month.
3/22
3rd Coast Author & Book Festival
Downtown Grand Haven
March 22, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
visitgrandhaven.com
Welcome to the biggest author and book festival on Lake Michigan! Hosted by The Book Cellar and Grand Haven Main Street DDA, this fest offers book lovers the chance to meet more than 100 national and local authors for a day of signings, storytelling, and literary discovery.
3/25
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo
March 25, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is an electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, come experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time, featuring all your favorite hits like Natural Woman, Think, and I Knew You Were Waiting for Me.
3/29
DEBÍ TIRAR MÁS FIESTAS - Bad Bunny Party
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
March 29, 9 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Come celebrate the latest Bad Bunny album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, at The Pyramid Scheme with this DJ set by DJ Lito. They’ll be playing all the hits from the Puerto Rican rapper/singer superstar, along with other reggaeton, dembow, merengue, & latin dance hits!
Starkbierfest!
Cedar Springs Brewing Co.
95 N. Main St., Cedar Springs
March 29, 2-9 p.m.
csbrew.com
Cedar Springs Brewing Company is proud to host the sixth annual, outdoor Starkbierfest (aka Strong Beer Festival). Raise a toast to the release of their seasonal BOCK Biers in a huge, 12,000-square-foot outdoor area and Bier Tent with live music—including energetic German polka and local country-rock), limited beer release, and Sausage Party!
