Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of May.
5/3
Nature Markers Market
Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
May 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
blandfordnaturecenter.org
It’s time for the annual Spring Nature Makers Market at Blandford Nature Center! This market features gifts and goods inspired by nature and created with natural materials. Over 25 vendors will be selling a variety of handcrafted goods including jewelry, textiles, prints and illustrations, stickers, ceramics, and more!
5/4
Star Wars: A New Hope (Ojibwe Dubbed)
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
May 4, 2:30 p.m.
grpm.org
In an effort to bridge pop culture with Indigenous heritage, the 1977 classic “Star Wars: A New Hope” has been dubbed in the Ojibwe language, spoken by one of the largest Indigenous nations in the U.S. and Canada. The lead voice actors in the film have linguistic masters degrees and are of course Indigenous themselves, working with Lucasfilms to make this happen. See a screening at the GR Public Museum’s Meijer Theater on Star Wars Day!
5/6
Memphis May Fire - Shapeshifter Tour
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW,
Grand Rapids
May 6, 6 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Memphis May Fire makes anthems for the broken. The four-piece rock band channel a generation’s worth of angst, frustration, and pain, with a focused blend of gigantic melodic hooks and crushing aggression. With Shapeshifter, a new season unfolds for the band, filled with revitalization and renewal—stripping things down to their core elements, hearkening back to the days when they created the music their fans most cherish.
5/10
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo
May 10, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE, presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. It’s a collection of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic tunes. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim and Harry Chapin, Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey.
5/12
Dune (1984)
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE,
Grand Rapids
May 12, 8 p.m.
grcmc.org
As part of the Grand Rapids Film Society’s months-long celebration of the life and work of David Lynch, you can come see the original Dune movie at Wealthy Theatre this month. This bizarre, critically panned take on the Frank Herbert novel has become a cult classic thanks to Lynch’s unique approach, an early Kyle MacLachlan performance, and a soundtrack composed by Toto.
5/16
Nate Jackson: Super Funny World Tour
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
May 16, 7:30 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Nate Jackson is a dynamic American comedian, actor, and entrepreneur whose career began at Eastern Washington University after a dare to enter a campus comedy contest in 2003. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the comedy scene, known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence—not to mention his role on NBC series The Young Rock.
West Fest
John Ball Park
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
May 16-18
facebook.com/westfestgr
Craving a Ferris wheel? In an over 40-year tradition, Sacred Heart Parish has brought the West Side community together to enjoy four fun-filled days of carnival rides, great food, local brews, and events that vary annually, such as car shows, mock weddings and bake sales.
5/18
MI Drag Brunch: Impersonating Illusions
Mertens Prime
35 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids
May 18, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
midragbrunch.com
Get ready for a drag brunch featuring fun, saucy, glamorous tributes to your favorite musicians, celebrities and other icons. Your ticket includes a multi-course brunch meal from Mertens Prime, as well as a welcome beverage, and of course a two-hour performance.
Roll’N Out Food Truck Festival
GVSU Downtown Campus
143 Front Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
May 18, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
facebook.com/GRFoodTrucks
Roll’N Out Food Truck Festival is coming back, this year at the GVSU Downtown Campus. This annual event will include some of the best local food trucks along with other local vendors, a beer tent and live music. The Grand Rapids Food Truck Association is dedicated to helping pave the way for food truck entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids. The funds raised at this year’s event will be used to help the food truck community with support and other small events throughout the year.
5/23
After Midnight: Chappell Roan Night
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
May 23, 8:30 p.m.
pyramidschemebar.com
Last Year, Chappell Roan shot into the stratosphere with the release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and its many unique, bold, dynamic, theatrical, incredibly danceable pop hits. Come dance to some of her bangers alongside other burlesque and bubblegum pop tunes.
5/30
Billy Strings
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
May 30-31
vanandelarena.com
Billy Strings is coming home to Michigan with his Spring Tour, including two nights in Grand Rapids. He’s a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist known for blending traditional sounds with rock and psychedelia. A virtuosic guitarist raised on bluegrass, he’s brought a fresh, high-energy edge to the genre, earning a devoted following and revitalizing the bluegrass scene for a new generation.
The Head and The Heart
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
May 30, 6 p.m.
meijergardens.org
The Head and the Heart blend rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and folk-pop instrumentation into a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Formed in Seattle in 2009, the band quickly gained a devoted following with their self-titled debut album, which delivered emotionally resonant tracks like “Lost in My Mind” and “Rivers and Roads.” Their music often explores themes of longing, belonging, and personal growth, all wrapped in warm acoustic textures and soaring choruses.
5/31
Merchants and Makers
John Ball Zoo
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shop with 100+ local makers showcasing their unique creations, enjoy live music throughout the day (9am - 12:30pm: Elijah Russ and 12:30 - 4pm: Max Lockwood) and treat yourself to delicious food from a variety of food trucks—Boujee Bowls, Dune Buggy, Voyage Bowls, Around Baking Co. and SemiFreddo. Best of all, this is a FREE community event!
