Join us for a morning beverage at Louise Earl Butcher to network with your fellow Local First member businesses. The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with […]
Prioritizing wellness and health is more important now than ever before and it's essential for businesses of all sizes to support their staff, from the front lines to the C Suite. However, we know that many small businesses are faced with cost and awareness related issues surrounding wellness and resources available for themselves and their […]
Each April, during Financial Literacy Month, the Good For Michigan and Local First programs shine a light on how our financial systems go beyond banking. Follow along to learn how your local bank account can have BIG impact! Not banking locally yet? Learn how you can move your money at https://peoplefirsteconomy.org/move-your-money/. Move Your Money is powered by Lake […]
The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union. Host highlight: Academy Wealth Management provides evidence-based financial planning for dual career couples and business owners. […]
Want to learn the ins and outs of becoming mortgage ready and a homeowner? Interested in learning about upcoming homeownership opportunities? Join us at our LMCU Homeownership Workshop Monday, April […]
SMS Digital Marketing is an end-to-end provider of digital marketing services. Whether you're looking for a turnkey managed strategy, or services specific to a short-term campaign, our experience and approach […]
New 100% FREE Event! Join us for an hour dedicated to you on April 27th at 6:00 PM! We will be at Beer City Bread Company off the Beltline & […]
Register to attend the free Small Business Resource Fair in Grand Rapids. We’re bringing you the resources you need to start or scale your business – all in one place! […]
Join us to meet and greet the Michigan artists for their opening night of our latest art exhibition, ILL-NATURED: Nature's Poisonous Beauties & Venomous Beasts! First Friday Art Opening Friday, May […]
This year, Bloom Credit Union, Grow and the People First Economy’s Local First program are partnering for two of Local First’s regular Coffee Hour events, powered by Bloom Credit Union. Our Coffee Hour […]
Who can resist delicious donuts, hot coffee, and good company? That's right, we've expanded our D&D meetups to accommodate those early risers! You know who you are. Join a growing community of West Michigan-based marketers, artists, freelancers, and communications professionals. Collaborate, network, and exchange ideas and career possibilities. Mingle and discuss strategy, design, freelancing, sales, and all […]
Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route. It spans the neighborhoods of downtown Grand Rapids including Heartside, the Hotel District, Studio Park, and North Monroe. Each month over 25 participating venues will host special 3rd Thursday-only art […]
Shellebrate Michigan's native turtles with John Ball Zoo! There will be entertaining educational activities to help increase attention and knowledge about these amazing reptiles. Catch animal programs, keeper chats, and other entertainment throughout the day.
In its 52nd year, one of the largest urban historic neighborhoods in the country opens its doors for a sneak peek into private homes and rarely seen public spaces during the Annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes. A variety of architectural styles will be on display, including a grand neoclassical beauty with an extraordinary […]
Let the summer festivities begin!Just like you, John Ball Zoo can’t wait for all those summer time activities, so we decided to celebrate it! Join us and enjoy live music, animal activities, and specialty food for that festival feel.
Join us as we discuss ways to create a sustainable future for your business through cooperative ownership models. We've partnered with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership to address how employee ownership models strengthen workforce attraction and retention as well as long-term business planning for various industries. Here's what to expect from this interactive workshop, led by […]
The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union. Host highlight: GRCM is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that inspire […]
Loving Day CelebrationJune 10, 2023 * 11am-4pmGrand Rapids Children's MuseumEbony Road Players, in partnership with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, presents "Faces of Family: Sowing Seeds of Love." Part of the 9th Annual West Michigan's Loving Day Celebration, this festival-style celebration will include fun activities, art and entertainment for the whole family. All outdoor activities […]
Today the beach is coming to the Zoo! Catch your favorite ocean characters, Moana, Ariel & Friends, as they help us celebrate and learn about the water and the many animals that live in it. Keep an eye out for educational activities, animal programs, keeper chats, and more!
Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route. It spans the neighborhoods of downtown Grand Rapids including Heartside, the Hotel District, Studio Park, and North Monroe. Each month over 25 participating venues will host special 3rd Thursday-only art […]
Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo's 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft beer and wines, specialty food, and no kids! Each Roaring Nights will feature a different live band. Earth Radio will be joining us on Thursday, […]
2 Million Diapers Donated CelebrationJune 23, 2023 * 6-9pmGrand Rapids Children's Museum Celebrate with the Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County at GRCM! With the help of pantry partners, 2 MILLION DIAPERS have been donated to families in Kent County! Join us at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum for a FREE night of family-friendly […]
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum invites you to the 4th Annual Let’s Play! Golf Outing. Please join us Monday, June 26th at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course. This fundraiser will help the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum continually provide funding by supporting our efforts to bring play to ALL children in our community through open-ended programs, exhibits, […]
These classes are for the community living in Heritage Hill, but everyone is welcome! KINSTRETCH is a body control practice. You'll learn how to move your body in new ways, improving strength, range of motion, and overall health and fitness. Bring a mat, water bottle, and yoga block if you have one. This class is […]
Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo's 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft beer and wines, specialty food, and no kids! Each Roaring Nights will feature a different live band. Mama's Hot Sauce will be joining us on […]
TWO ways to play & ONE grand prize. Indie Month celebrates the indie local businesses that make our community unique, vibrant and resilient. Celebrate the businesses you love for a chance to win!
Come beat the summer heat with our animals at John Ball Zoo! Our animals will cool down with ice treat enrichment, Anna, Elsa and friends will make an appearance, and we'll have some other frozen activities to help get through the hot summer days!
These classes are for the community living in Heritage Hill, but everyone is welcome! KINSTRETCH is a body control practice. You'll learn how to move your body in new ways, improving strength, range of motion, and overall health and fitness. Bring a mat, water bottle, and yoga block if you have one. This class is […]
Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo's 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft beer and wines, specialty food, and no kids! Each Roaring Nights will feature a different live band. Main Street Dueling Pianos will be joining us […]
The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union. Host highlight: Hello Homes GR are a lot of things, such as Grand Rapids […]
Start your day off right having Breakfast with the Animals at John Ball Zoo! Breakfast will be served on the South American Boardwalk, followed by a guided tour to two animal exhibits of your choosing. One group will take a stroll through Natural Treasures and Spider Monkeys, while the other goes to hang out with […]
Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route. It spans the neighborhoods of downtown Grand Rapids including Heartside, the Hotel District, Studio Park, and North Monroe. Each month over 25 participating venues will host special 3rd Thursday-only art […]
Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo's 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft beer and wines, specialty food, and no kids! Each Roaring Nights will feature a different live band. Project 90 will be joining us on Thursday, […]
Join us for the 6th Annual “Day of Play” Celebration on July 30, 2023 from noon-4pm at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. This community outreach initiative began with a proclamation by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, and is designed to encourage children and families to celebrate PLAY! This year, we are closing […]
WGVU’s KidsDay at the Zoo is back on Thursday, August 3rd! Join WGVU Public Media, John Ball Zoo, and all of our supporting partners for a fantastic day at the […]
Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo’s 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft […]
John Ball Zoo is celebrating our Lions and other felines, you could even say it’s a feline festival! Check out all of the educational activities by your favorite felines. Authentic […]
Celebrate short films with the Open Projector Night series, a recurring cinematic event presenting the work of local, regional, and national filmmakers with a Michigan connection. Enjoy a diverse range […]
Amaze & Amuse is a modern day magic show that features comedy, mind blowing magic and lots of audience participation held in the 60 seat intimate Koning Micro Cinema at […]
The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people […]
On Sunday, August 13th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, 100+ vendors will feature art, crafts, and locally grown flowers at Fulton Street Market! During your visit, eat among concessions […]
We are hosting a fun family fun event this Sunday, August 13th at 11:30 am! Come out and see Bounce, the bear, make a skydive! At approximately 11:30 am, we […]
Guess what? Broad Leaf's four year anniversary is coming up and we are ready to party the week away from August 15-20! Get ready for the ultimate celebrations with awesome […]
Live music from 6:00pm - 9:00pm!
A man and his sister discover something sinister in the skies above their California horse ranch, while the owner of a nearby theme park tries to profit from the mysterious, […]
Join us on Wednesday, August 16, from 10 to 11 AM, for a donation-based yoga class led by instructor Kate Benson. All skill levels and ages are welcome, bring your […]
EVERY THURSDAY EVENING FROM 4 – 8PM… Stop in for wine tasting! We always have 2-3 options open and encourage you to grab a taste and shop around or talk […]
Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route. It spans the neighborhoods […]
Live music from 6:00pm - 9:00pm!
As part of our week of anniversary celebration, we are welcoming back some Broad Leaf favorites! Headlining the evening is The Sailor Kicks! The Sailor Kicks are a local ska […]