It's so cool to live in a city with some fun sports teams. Griffins hockey is a favorite and I've…read morebeen going to games since I moved to Grand Rapids over 10 years ago. Friday nights are a big draw as they have $2 beer and $2 hot dogs for part of the game. I recently went to the opening weekend on a Saturday and had a bit of sticker shock at the regular drink prices... I'm talking $16 for a White Claw, which was bonkers. Tallboy cans of Bud Light were $12 and a cup of Bud Light was $11. And that's just domestic beer - if you want anything craft, expect to pay even more. Whoa! I guess I'll be sticking to Friday nights. There are plenty of food options at the arena and tons of restaurants within walking distance from Van Andel if you want to grab dinner before a game. That said, games are super fun and tickets themselves are typically pretty reasonable, $17-$30 or $50 for VIP glass right up by the action. You can get discounts for large groups and they offer suites and other upgraded seating options. The seats themselves are a bit of a squeeze, but the view is pretty good no matter where you sit. Each season there are fun promotions on different nights, like Star Wars night, giveaways for the first [x] number of fans, post-game skate events, and more. The entertainment between periods is always entertaining (bubble soccer on ice is my favorite), and the vibe at games is fun and the crowd usually has great energy. Here's to a great season, let's #GoGRG!

I love the Griffins! It is such an inexpensive thing to go do that is fun for the whole family!…read moreFrom the announcer to the mascots it's a blast! The fans are electric and the energy is impressive for being a minor league (AHL) team. A lot of pride when it comes to Grand Rapids and this team and you can feel it. They keep you entertained the whole time and plenty of T-shirts and hotdogs being launched In the air! The announcer (Eric Zane) keeps the place electric and is one of the best announcers I've seen going to live sporting events! This truly is a special place! The only down side is the expensive food and beer so look out for $2 hotdogs and $2 beer nights!! GO GRIFFINS!

This was our first time going here! It was busy so there was a wait for food and drinks which is…read moreexpected! They have a wide variety of games to play. The size is great, but a few machines didn't pay all our tickets as they were getting low! Would definitely go again! The combination that comes with play and a meal is well worth the deal!

Unfortunately, the service was a bit slow for an empty bar and restaurant space. Pours are…read moredefinitely measured to a tea because it's probably a corporate place. Ended up having to ask someone who wasn't our server to run our cards after 20 minutes waiting for our original server to come back after they dropped the check. The ambiance is very much family-oriented, which is fine, but I was just more disappointed with the lack of timely service when the space felt so empty. The food was mid for the cost of the appetizers. Also, went to the bathroom twice; each time I used a different stall and soap dispenser, but no toilet paper or soap. Just not that impressive.

We went to see a summer blockbuster and decided to try their Ultra Plus extra experience. It was…read morefrankly unacceptable. We have smart devices that warn of loud environments. The opening sequences and dialogue was at 85db. We tried to put up with it for a bit but after an action sequence started to reach 100db I went to talk to the staff. They said they would not reduce the volume and that was the point of the Ultra experience. I asked for earplugs and was told to use toilet paper. Our cashier was super nice. Offered to let us see a different non ultra experience and to comp us appetizers and meals. In the end our ringing ears forced us to ask for a refund. The theater is nice and clean and clearly very new. The service is mixed with helpful and less helpful employees. The sound issue is a health and safety issue and should be investigated. Hearing protection should be provided for employees and theater goers to the ultra experience.

Not our typically theater we go to but if we're wanting to do a more boujee movie date we'll go…read morehere. They have recliners and heated seats to enjoy. You're also able to order food in the comfort of your seat so you don't have to go back up to concessions. If you park in the parking ramp attached they'll validate parking as well.

This review is for the beginner adult ballet class that I took through SweatNet. The Grand Rapids…read moreBallet is the only professional ballet company in the state of Michigan, which is so amazing to me. I have only ever been to one performance at the ballet, but have always been interested in seeing more at this theatre. I grew up taking dance, including ballet, and have always been interested in dance. Plus Center Stage was one of my favorite movies in the early 2000s, haha. The Grand Rapids Ballet also includes a ballet school for students ages 3-19, plus adult and Adaptive Dance classes. The beginner adult class is open to anyone and you can request a complimentary trial class. Beyond that, classes are usually $15 for drop ins, or you can get a 10-class punch card for $120. Classes are on weekday evenings from 6:30-8 pm. They also offer adult intermediate classes. Parking is limited in their lot, and the night I went there were lots of parents picking up kids so I ended up parking on the street. The class was taught by Attila Mosolygo, one of the instructors at the school. We started with warm ups and lots of barre work, focusing on strength, lower body movements, and flexibility. There weren't a ton of modifications given but with my limited knowledge of ballet I made it through as best as I could. We ended with a bit of floor work, including practicing chene turns and lots of jumping. My quads were definitely working hard and I worked up a sweat. I had a lot of fun and would go back for another class in the future.

From the start, the entryway of Grand Rapids Ballet shows you just what you'll be experiencing! The…read moredoors are lively and inspirational, and, once inside, the soaring, light-filled space, decorated with a large-scale photo of a dancer, fills you with joy. That's just a taste of what's to come. The most powerful, moving, and extraordinary dance I've ever seen? Aquatic hypoxia, choreographed by Nicolas Blanc, and part of MoveMedia: handmade... 7 new, original works, all world premieres. If this is the caliber of GR Ballet's shows, this company will go FAR. The dancing and choreography talent is tremendous. There is a spacious coat room, a closer men's bathroom, and a women's bathroom at the far end (why? I wished there was a closer handicap bathroom for either gender). The seating is pleasing, with plenty of leg room and comfortable chairs. I sat at the end of the row, and perhaps 10% of the stage was obscured by the side curtains. Luckily, most of the dancing occurred in visibility. One very smart thing inside the theatre: the lighting on the stairs is very clever. It is covered, so not obtrusive, but definitely lit up the stairs if you needed egress during the snow. Thank you! There is a parking lot in front (with 2 handicap spaces, so get there early if you need it), and a city lot across the street. We attended this as part of an official Yelp event, and I am SO glad we drove from Kalamazoo in a crazy winter ice storm!

decided to check out Cocoon Art Space for my first time on First Fridays and it was fun!…read more there were a lot of cute and cool things made from local artists. the space didn't feel too crowded and was spacious enough to walk around and look at everything from the art exhibit to the unique little knick knacks. the store is located on the corner with no designated parking lot but street parking wasn't too bad for a friday evening. i would definitely would come back to check out more things for a cute and unique gift and to support local artists!

Cocoon Art Space is such a lovely gallery. While not huge, they have done a great job in curating…read moreart in different mediums most by local or Michigan artists. They have loads of natural light from their front windows which gives their space a warmness. I appreciate that they rotate themes and embrace diversity in their art and artisans. They also offer a wide variety of more moderately priced gifts from stickers to prints also made by local artists. The staff is kind and welcoming. Parking is on the street so be aware of the meters.

I found this hidden treasure while looking for a downtown Grand Rapids bookstore. What I found was…read morean amazing store front for various local small businesses to display their products. If you're in the West Michigan area, and wanting to shop for a special gift, this is a beautiful, unique, and affordable place to browse and find something special.

This is such a cool concept and store. The Arts Marketplace is a nonprofit that exists to support…read moreand further woman and minority owned businesses by providing them subsidized rent to have their goods displayed at the Arts Marketplace store. This is a one stop shop for anyone you could probably think of! I saw tons of fun gifts and products, including clothes, jewelry, accessories, home goods, coffee, Polish pottery, books, tea, cards, art, etc. I love that it gives the opportunity for these small businesses to have a space to sell things even if they don't have their own storefront. I'm not sure how often the vendors rotate, but it's always fun to stop in and check things out. I especially love the Public Thread bags and accessories, the Polish pottery, and all the interesting art. There are signs everywhere letting you know that if you break something, you buy it, so be careful. I have purchased gifts here for myself and others and hope it sticks around for a long time!

Came for the most amazing performance by comedian, Alok!…read more The Pyramid Scheme is a fun retro take on a dive bar known for their great shows, pinball machines and (somewhat) reasonably priced drinks. The staff may seem rough on the outer edges, but they are all actually teddy bears once you get to know them. Usually shows are standing room only, which is a drag if you are old like me and opt not to wear orthotics. Luckily, the 9 pm encore show was seated. My old bones appreciated this. Now look below as I'm fangirling in the attached photos! I absolutely adore Alok and their courage to humorously challenge the gender binary and systematically poke holes in the patriarchal system that comprises The USA.

i have been attending the Pyramid Scheme for years now. I absolutely love all of the staff and they…read morereally become like friends and family after constantly seeing them when attending shows. The lineups are often pretty diverse, now offering more local music and the addition of more free events to bring together the community. They've added vintage nights, trivia, and free pinball days which I think is a very important and necessary community good. The venue has a front half with a bar, pinball cabinets, and even some outdoor seating. The back hosts the concert venue with interior bar, seating, and elevated stage. I'm allergic to alcohol so I can't speak to the drinks nor the prices but they have free water jugs readily available which is a lifesaver during shows and is just such a small, nice feature to have access to. I definitely would recommend coming here for a concert, finding some new local music, or establishing a new hang out for your friends.