Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the month of October.
11/3
16th Annual All Stouts Day
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo
Nov. 3, 11 a.m.
bellsbeer.com
Bell’s Brewery has long been known for its impressive stout lineup. From introducing one of the first Russian Imperial Stouts with Expedition Stout, to the ever-sought-after Black Note, Bell’s knows how to do this dark, rich style, perfect for cold weather. Come through for the 16th Annual All Stouts Day, with 15 delicious stouts on tap as well as the Lions game aired in the spacious back room.
11/8
Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
kazoostate.com
Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” comedian Mark Normand is bringing his Ya Don’t Say Tour to the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre this month. Normand is quickly becoming one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene, and his recent one-hour Netflix special, SOUP TO NUTS, has been a staple in the streamers’ Top Ten since its July 25th premiere.
11/9
Dasha - Dashville, USA
The Intersection - The Stache
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Dasha is an emerging pop country singer-songwriter known for her fresh, relatable sound blending catchy hooks with heartfelt lyrics. With the release of her second studio album What Happens Now?, the 24-year-old singer leaned into her country side, with songs like “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” going viral on TikTok and becoming a crossover hit. See her at The Stache now before her career blows up.
11/15
Grand Rapids Comic-Con
DeVos Place Convention Center
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 15-17
grcomiccon.com
The annual Grand Rapids Comic-Con is back, and absolutely bigger than ever. Beyond the usual stars (like Danny Trejo and Denise Crosby), comic creators, cosplayers, panels and other activities, there are also accompanying events all over the city. The official pre-party with four nerd-themed bands starts at Pyramid Scheme on Nov. 14, then a Klingon-themed drinking party at Uccello’s, a nu metal/punk showcase at Skelletones, a D&D beer release party at The Knickerbocker, an electronic dance party at The Intersection, and more!
Christkindl Market
The Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 15-Dec. 23
christkindlmarktgr.com
The Christkindl Market is back for its second year, returning with fresh offerings and even more festival family fun. Peruse 60+ outdoor vendor booths filled with artisan food and handmade gifts. Reserve a heated, enclosed, magical panoramic Christmas market view with a private Alpenglobe for up to eight. Gather your friends and family and put your sliding skills to the test on one of four outdoor curling sheets. Not to mention live entertainment, hot gluhwein, Santa, caroling and more.
11/16
Say Anything - Is A Real Boy 20th Anniversary Tour
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.
glcliveat20monroe.com
Pop punk legends Say Anything return from a lengthy hiatus to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their classic, critically adored album ...is A Real Boy. Named one of Rolling Stone’s greatest emo albums of all time, …is a Real Boy is a manic masterpiece of rebellion against all expectations of emo and pop-punk—an album unafraid to be simultaneously theatrical and punk. Say Anything will be performing the entire album on their North American tour, plus a few other classics.
Merchants and Makers
Holland Civic Center
150 W. 8th St., Holland
Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
merchantsandmakers.com
Merchants and Makers is back at the Holland Civic Center for the 6th annual Holiday Shoppe. Come through for more than 100 of the most amazing local makers for your holiday shopping! Jewelry, art, clothes, woodworking, home goods, bath works and so much more—they’ll have it all. The Holland Civic Center will be serving drinks and food, along with Voyage Bowls, Crazy Good Crepes and Righteous Cuisine.
Made Market
Goei Center
818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
mademkt.com
If you’re in Grand Rapids instead of Holland—or if you’d like to visit both in one day!— check out Made Market at the Goei Center. Join for 60+ talented makers showcasing their unique, handmade goods. Whether you’re hunting for gifts or treating yourself, this is your chance to shop small, grab some delicious food & drinks, and celebrate the amazing maker community we have in GR.
11/19
Creed w/ 3 Doors Down
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Nov. 19, 7 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
Despite being on hiatus for 11 years, Creed has well over one billion streams on Spotify, with hits like “Higher,” “My Sacrifice,” “One Last Breath,” and “With Arms Wide Open” proving to have major staying power. At this point, their music is part of modern rock and alternative’s DNA. They announced a reunion in July 2023 and are back on tour now, coming through Grand Rapids with 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH in tow.
11/20
Steve-O: The Super Dummy! Tour
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
You know Steve-O from Jackass, where he became known as one of the most brave, wild, and possibly masochistic members of the comedy stunt show’s cast. While he’s settled down in some ways, he’s still just as willing to commit to the bit and go whole hog. See him do stand-up and who knows what else on The Super Dummy! Tour, coming through DeVos Hall.
11/22
The Princess Bride:
An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
DeVos Performance Hall
245 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride. After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics! Journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love.
Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival
DeVos Place Convention Center
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 22-23
showspan.com
Now in its 17th year, this festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food and spirits, they have you covered.
Sound Bath Under the Stars
Grand Rapids Public Museum
160 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Join Catherine from Yoga Zen for a unique experience at the Planetarium in the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This will be a relaxing sound bath like no other! Under the domed ceiling of the planetarium, you’ll spend 60 minutes immersing in sound from meditative instruments while a tailored projection of the stars is played overhead on the planetarium ceiling.
11/23
Jordan Klepper - Suffering Fools
Miller Auditorium
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Jordan Klepper’s Suffering Fools captures the pain and foolishness of our current moment, told through personal stories from Jordan’s time on the road—Presidential run-ins, entertainment world failures, and the lovely insurrectionists one meets on the path to anarchy. With his unique wit and candor, Jordan delves into our universal desires and exposes our collective idiocies.
