Upcoming Events

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

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.…

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…

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…