From Halloween-inspired street parties and oddities markets to fall shopping and college basketball, Grand Rapids has plenty on offer this weekend. Whether the goal is to discover something unusual, celebrate the season with local makers or cheer on the Wolverines, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the weekend.
Friday, Oct. 23
1. Explore the Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival
More than 450 tattoo artists will gather at DeVos Place for the Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival, a three-day celebration of tattoo art, creativity and Halloween. Attendees can browse artists’ work, watch live tattooing, shop vendors selling everything from clothing to oddities and see artists compete in 20 categories. Several artists known from tattoo reality television also will be on hand, with opportunities for walk-up tattoos depending on availability. The festival continues through Sunday, with a costume contest and a competition for regrettable ink on Saturday.
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 1-10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Admission: $27.50 for a daily pass; $60 for a weekend pass
More information: grandrapidstattoo.com
2. Shop the Fulton Street Market
The main market season is winding down at Fulton Street Market, making Friday a good opportunity to stock up on seasonal produce and discover local makers. The market features fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, flowers, farm staples, fresh-baked goods and coffee, along with handmade pottery, jewelry, soaps and candles. Visitors also can support emerging food vendors and area farmers while enjoying a more relaxed shopping experience than the busy Saturday market.
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Fulton Street Market, 1145 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids
Saturday, Oct. 24
3. Discover the Curious at Merchants of the Macabre
The wonderfully weird returns to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market with Merchants of the Macabre, an oddities market featuring more than 50 vendors in the outdoor Market Shed. Shoppers can browse unusual finds ranging from taxidermy and skeletal specimens to tarot cards, art prints and handcrafted jewelry. Local musician Mar in Color will perform throughout the afternoon, and visitors can enjoy a beverage from the outdoor Market Bar before exploring the Market Hall’s food merchants and restaurants.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; live music from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Grand Rapids Downtown Market, Grand Rapids
More information: downtownmarketgr.com
4. Celebrate Halloween at Oddities on Ottawa
Halloween takes over Ottawa Avenue as Garage Bar & Grill hosts its annual Oddities on Ottawa block party. The outdoor event features three stages for local bands and DJs, street performers, food trucks, local vendors and a costume contest. New this year is Merchant Hollows, a curated collection of local artists and makers selling Halloween-inspired treasures. Food vendors include Chicago Beef Joint, Dolce Mini Cakes, Los Pinches Tacos GR, Patty Matters, Sidez, Street Chef Shaw and Garage Bar.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3-10 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Avenue between Mason and Newberry streets, Grand Rapids
Tickets and information: odditiesonottawa.com
5. Find Fall Favorites at Harvest & Harmony
Rivertown Crossings welcomes Harvest & Harmony, a fall market featuring local makers, small businesses, handcrafted goods, seasonal finds and gifts. Saturday’s special programming includes live pumpkin carving by Beau Fairman, jazz music, apple cider and apple doughnuts, available while supplies last. The finished pumpkin carvings will become part of a seasonal photo display, adding a festive touch to a weekend of fall shopping.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; special activities Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Rivertown Crossings, Grandville
Sunday, Oct. 25
6. See the Championship Trophy and Cheer on Michigan Basketball
Wolverines fans can make a day of Sunday’s basketball festivities, starting with a chance to see the 2026 men’s basketball national championship trophy at Greyson Clothiers. From there, fans can head to Van Andel Arena as the University of Michigan faces the University of Houston in The Battleground 2K26, a neutral-site preseason exhibition. The matchup brings Michigan to Grand Rapids for a rare appearance and offers West Michigan fans an early look at the team ahead of the regular season. Houston forward and Benton Harbor native Delrecco Gillespie also will be playing closer to his hometown.
When: Trophy appearance, Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; basketball tipoff at 1 p.m.
Where: Greyson Clothiers, 40 Monroe Center St. NW, for the trophy appearance; Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, for the game
Tickets: Starting at $58 through Ticketmaster
Broadcast: B1G+
