From an orchestral celebration of America’s 250th anniversary to a new home for soccer and culture, Grand Rapids has plenty happening this weekend. Catch a live performance, check out a new community space, get a taste of the circus or turn up the volume with Bailey Spinn, Scene Queen and Wargasm. Here are four things to do around town Oct. 9–11.
Hear American History Through the Grand Rapids Symphony
Oct. 9–10 | 7:30 p.m.
DeVos Performance Hall | 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an evening of music that traces the country’s story through the works of three distinctly American composers. The Grand Rapids Symphony’s America 250 concert pairs Joan Tower’s Made in America with Z. Randall Stroope’s Franklin, featuring the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. The program closes with Amy Beach’s sweeping Symphony in E minor, “Gaelic.”
Cosette Justo Valdés and Pearl Shangkuan conduct the program, bringing together patriotic spirit, historical reflection and lush orchestral sound.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10. It’s a fitting way to mark a milestone birthday for the nation — and a chance to hear American history told through music.
Get tickets: Ticketmaster
Kick It at Grand Rapids’ New Soccer and Culture Lab
Oct. 10 | Noon–2 p.m.
underGRound | 1701 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming
Admission: Free | RSVP required
Soccer fans, this one’s for you. underGRound, Grand Rapids’ new training and culture lab, is opening its doors with a free grand-opening party Saturday, bringing soccer, basketball, boxing, breaking, hip-hop and community under one roof.
Tour the new space, watch live demonstrations, meet the coaches and get a look at what underGRound is all about. Presented in partnership with The Soccer Rebellion, the open house will also feature free pickup games after the event.
There’s another reason to stop by: exclusive membership and program deals will be available that day only.
Co-founded by Michael Dublis and Salvatore Vilardi, underGRound is built around soccer, cross-training and community — a training lab by day and a culture lab by night.
Be sure to RSVP ahead of time: RSVP here
Get a Sneak Peek at the Circus at RiverTown Crossings
Oct. 10 | 1–3 p.m.
RiverTown Crossings | Lower level, center court
Admission: Free
The circus is coming to town — but you can get a preview before the big show arrives. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will bring its Pop-Up Experience to RiverTown Crossings, 3700 Rivertown Pkwy, Grandville, on Saturday for an afternoon of circus performances, interactive activities and giveaways.
Guests can catch live demonstrations featuring hand balancing, unicycling, breakdancing, jump roping, the German Wheel, singing and dancing, along with an appearance by Robo Pup. There will also be photo opportunities, music and interactive circus activities for the whole family.
Stick around for the ticket giveaway, too: four winners will each receive a family four-pack of tickets to a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance during its Oct. 29–Nov. 1 stop in Grand Rapids. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing.
Consider it a free taste of the circus — with a chance to score tickets to the main event.
Catch Bailey Spinn on the METALICIOUS Tour
Oct. 11 | The Intersection – Elevation
The Intersection – Elevation | Grand Rapids
Tickets: Not provided
Grand Rapids is in for a loud one. Rising rock artist Bailey Spinn hits The Intersection – Elevation on Sunday, opening for Scene Queen and Wargasm as part of the METALICIOUS Tour.
Spinn has been pushing beyond her pop-punk and rock roots into heavier territory, and her latest single, “start again,” is a prime example. Produced by Scott Stevens, the track combines snarling guitar riffs and thunderous energy with Spinn’s emotive vocals.
Her 2025 debut album, loser, blended Y2K-inspired rock with songs about heartbreak, self-empowerment and individuality. Now, with singles including “homicide,” “voodoo” and “critical” adding to her growing catalog, Spinn is bringing that heavier sound to the stage.
If you’re looking for a high-energy way to close out the weekend, catch Bailey Spinn, Scene Queen and Wargasm on Sunday, Oct. 11 at The Intersection, 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Get tickets HERE.
