Get Your Goat Yoga in Byron Center

Seeing a goat in Byron Center is not exactly shock-worthy. The longtime farming community has spent generations turning fields into food — and, increasingly, turning fields into subdivisions. Downtown still offers a little nod to the agrarian past, with Byron Center Meats, Houseman’s Ice Cream and the general small-town charm that makes you think, Yep, goats belong here.

But goats doing yoga at an outlet mall? Now that’s a stretch—literally!

On Thursday, Oct. 8, Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids is bringing Goat Yoga to the Tanger Backyard, near Russo Italian Restaurant and Market and 5 Lakes Brew Pub. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., participants can roll out their mats and attempt to find their inner peace while a herd of curious, adorable goats wanders around — and potentially on — them.

Because sometimes the path to serenity is paved with tiny hoofprints.

The evening is part yoga class, part goat encounter and part fundraiser, with proceeds helping support breast-cancer initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the proceeds from 5 Lakes Brew Pub and Russo Italian Restaurant and Market will benefit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, which supports people and families impacted by cancer. Raffles will also be part of the evening, because apparently multiple people doing downward dog amidst a herd of goats wasn’t enough excitement on its own.

The Goat Yoga event is open to the public and requires paid registration. And while the goats may be the stars of the show, the reason for gathering is a little bigger than a few good Instagram pictures. October’s TangerPink campaign raises money for breast-cancer research and programs, with donations benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

So come for the goats. Come for the yoga. Come because you have always wondered what it would be like to hold a yoga pose while a small farm animal decides your back is the perfect place to stand.

Whatever brings you there, you’ll be helping support people and families affected by breast cancer along the way.

And really, what better place for it than Byron Center?

The town may be growing houses where the cornfields used to be, but for one evening, at least, the farm animals are coming back to town.

Goat Yoga takes place Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Tanger Backyard at Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids, 350 84th St. SW in Byron Center. The event is open to the public and requires paid registration.  To sign up for Goat Yoga, visit here.

For more information on Gildas Club Grand Rapids visit gildasclubgr.org. Donate directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at tanger.com/pink to receive exclusive offers from Tanger Grand Rapids retailers.