KENT COUNTY, Mich. — We're almost a quarter of the way through 2024, and it's finally starting to feel like spring.
The steady flow of warmer temperatures is proving we are getting closer and closer to the days many of us look forward to.
If you're hoping to partake in some community events, there are several going on to kick off April.
47th Annual Gem and Mineral Show
If you're looking for a free, family-friendly event, check out the 47th Annual Gem and Mineral Show on Saturday, April 6. It's taking place at Rogers Plaza and is hosted by the Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club. The show will have treasures for kids, beginners and seasoned collectors. There will be everything from fossils, gems, crystals and carvings. For kids, there are set to be tons of hands-on activities and grab bags. It's taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Wyoming. Click here for more information.
Sporting Events - Volleyball & Hockey
Calling all sports fans! It's another action-packed weekend in West Michigan. The Grand Rapids Rise Women's Volleyball Team will take on the Orlando Valkyries in their first-ever visit to Van Andel Arena. The Rise are looking to avenge last month's lost to the team on the road. Tip off is at 7 p.m. There will also be $2 beers and $2 hot dogs. Click here to purchase tickets.
Hockey fans can head to the Wings Event Center this weekend in Kalamazoo for two K-Wings games. It's fan appreciation night all weekend long. On Saturday, April 6, the first 1000 fans will get a team poster. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Then on Sunday, April 7, it's the regular season finale. Bust out your boots and blue jeans for their "Hockeytonk" game. The first 1000 fans will get a limited edition bandana. Puck drop is at 3 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Grand Raggidy Roller Derby vs. Steel City
In Grandville on at JAM Sports, the Grand Raggidy Roller Derby is hosting a double header on Saturday, April 6 against Steel City from Pittsburgh. With April being Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, the team is hosting a kitten shower donation drive for Feral Cat Solutions. It's a nonprofit that traps, neuters and returns the animals outdoors. They're asking for kitten formula, food in bags and cans as well as non-clumping litter. They'll be serving some barbecue from Sweet Racks and Smokin' Butts. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the first whistle 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $8 for ages six through 11 and free for kids five and under. Click here for more information.
Omnium Circus
The circus is in Kalamazoo this weekend at the Miller Auditorium. Omnium Circus is a world renowned comprehensively inclusive circus company which brings thrills, excitement and joy to people of all ages. Omnium means "of all and belonging to all". The circus performance pays tribute to the name by being inclusive and accessible throughout. The show starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Tickets start at $31. Click here to purchase tickets.
Visions: 16 Detroit Artists
The world-famous Detroit art scene is here in West Michigan in an exhibition featuring 16 contemporary artists from Detroit. “Visions: 16 Detroit Artists” is at the Muskegon Museum of Art and will feature a variety of media like jazz inspired collages, large scale portraits, photography and photorealism. Artists include Gil Ashby, Judy Bowman and Laura Gibson among others. It costs $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $6 for children 17 and under. The exhibit closes at the end of the month on April 28. Click here for more information.
Osterbrunnen: Bavarian Easter Celebration
Head to Frankenmuth for their Bavarian Easter Celebration stemming from Northern Bavaria in Germany. Attendees will find wells, trees, buildings and fountains decorated with colored Easter eggs, pine-branch garland and spring flowers. It’s a German tradition that goes back over 200 years. The City of Frankenmuth is decorated to mimic their ancestors traditions. It is free for anyone interested in viewing the display and runs through April 14. For more information, click here.
The Wedding Date
Are you single and ready to mingle? Venue3Two is hosting a free event called “The Wedding Date”. The event will offer free food, drinks and entertainment including performances by local comedians Darius Walker and Alexa Stanton. There will also be an NYC-based engagement ring designer with tips on finding the perfect ring. It’s happening Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. Click here to RSVP if you’re interested in attending.
Eclipse Party on Monday, April 8 at Rosa Parks Circle
A rare celestial event will happen here in West Michigan on Monday, April 8. More than 31 million people from Texas to Maine will be in the prime location to experience a total solar eclipse. If you’re here in West Michigan, you’ll still get to experience the phenomenon with a partial eclipse, and there’s a viewing party in Rosa Parks Circle. It’s a free viewing event for anyone to attend to watch among fellow Grand Rapidians. It begins at noon with the event expected to happen just after 3 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your ISO-approved glasses to see it. For more information, click here.
