Start your weekend early. There are several events to choose from this weekend and two of our top picks are tonight! So get out and enjoy the city.
Rock out at Gram on the Green
Tonight’s free Gram on the Green performance is by Grand Rapids-based COMPLETE VII and Detroit-based DJ/Producer SuperDre. From hip-hop and R&B to electronic/dance and house, these two are sure to bring a unique sound you won’t want to miss.
Come for the music and stay for the art, as the Grand Rapids Art Museum is also open late with free admission thanks to Meijer’s Free Thursday Nights. Gram on the Green takes place from 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Attendees must be 21+.
Buy local this weekend
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, or GRABB, is hosting its annual Sankofa MIxer & Pop-Up Marketplace on Thursday evening. The event celebrates emerging Black entrepreneurs in West Michigan.
From artisan candles and soap, to fresh baked goods and handmade wares, GRABB Sankofa MIxer & Pop-up marketplace will feature an exciting and diverse range of local vendors. Shop the pop-up marketplace and support your neighborhood business economy in Grand Rapids.
Sankofa MIxer & Pop-Up Marketplace takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St. SE. This event is free and open to the public.
Take in a play
The Civic Theater’s Summer Repertory Theater productions of Hairspray and The Neverending Story kick off Friday and run through Sunday, Aug. 6.
After a summer filled with master level classes, hands-on training, and countless rehearsal hours, the Civic Theater said this season’s talented groups of 13-19 year old students are ready to shine in both productions.
Hairspray: You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical. It’s 1962, and spunky plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has one big dream — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When she finally gets her shot, she realizes she also has a chance to make a big difference in the world. With the help of her mom, Edna, and guest DJ Motormouth Maybelle, the rhythm of Tracy’s new beat just might prove unstoppable. Recommended for teen/adult audiences.
The Neverending Story: Bastian Balthazar Bux’s life is filled with pain. His mother has died, his father ignores him, and he is ridiculed by bullies every day. When he stumbles on a strange book, The Neverending Story, he is magically transported to the land of Fantastica. Bastian soon finds himself in the throes of aiding an empress and young warrior in order to save the kingdom. Adapted from the 1979 novel and 1984 film, young and old alike will delight in the fantasy tale. Recommended for all audiences.
Visit the Civic Theater website and performance schedule for more information.
Set your taste buds ablaze
The Downtown Market is hosting Salsa Celebración on Saturday. Starting at noon, visitors to the market can enjoy salsa samples from several Grand Rapids restaurants and vote for their favorite. And if things get too spicy, you can cool off with a drink from the market’s margarita bar.
There will also be kids activities, a kids’ piñata smash, a pepper eating contest, and salsa dancing and demos during the day. A complete event schedule is available at the Downtown Market.
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