GRAND RAPIDS — The first Friday of the month is upon us once again, and in downtown Grand Rapids, that means celebrating the arts!
Here's what's happening 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.
Stained Glass with Class
Alyssa Olson will display her modern clay jewelry.
Giinawind Creative Space
This space next door to the MacRostie Art Center will host a reception for the artists of the Animikii Print Club, whose artwork is featured in the Giinawind Gallery.
MacRostie Art Center
The gallery celebrates the opening of “Thinking About My Thinking,” an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Diane Levar. The reception will include food, wine and other beverages and an artist talk at 6 p.m.
Bender's Shoes & Gifts
Bender's welcomes Jenny Farber of Chaotic Beauty Artistry. Jenny is a wood-burning and watercolor artist based in Grand Rapids, and she'll have handmade earrings, magnets and wall decor available.
Old Central School
Studio 001
Stop by the Garden Level, where artist Lea Friesen will be demonstrating monotype printmaking.
Artists in the Attic
Visit the third floor artists in residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers and Leah Yellowbird. Guest artist Serenity Barden from Hibbing will display her abstract paintings.
North in Bloom
North in Bloom has a "Bloom-tique" with Kayla of Sew Festive. Get a jump on holiday shopping with in-store promos and unique embroidery gifts and more from Sew Festive.
Rapids Brewing Co.
The brewery welcomes musician Charley Wagner beginning at 6:30 p.m.
VFW Post No. 1720
Sam Miltich and Friends perform an evening of jazz music 7-9 p.m.
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Events this week include a pancake fundraiser and curling watch parties in Grand Rapids, "MusiKaravan" in Hibbing, Bemidji Contra Dance and a symphony orchestra concert in Virginia. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXE“Area Voices” hits the road to visit The Crossing Arts Alliance's 8x8 Art Auction and Fundraiser in Brainerd. Andrew Dziengel talked with the Executive Director Jennifer Jacquot-DeVries and participating artists. -
Contributed/Iron Range Barn DancesMegan Reynolds shared details about the next Iron Range Barn Dance, Feb. 14, 2026, at Bovey City Hall. She also discussed upcoming theater shows across the Range. -
Contributed/Grand Itasca Clinic and HospitalGrand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is hosting a free speaker series to address the stigma of addiction. The first talk is 7 p.m. Feb. 11, 2026, at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Bridges of HopeBridges of Hope serves the Brainerd area through a warming shelter, Operation Sandwich and more. "Hope on the Slopes" sliding event is 6 p.m. Feb. 12, 2026, at Mount Ski Gull. -
Events this week include a classic movie in Bigfork, an artist reception in Bemidji and a barn dance in Bovey.
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Contributed/Leslie MoughtyThe Rev. Leslie Moughty of First Congregational United Church of Christ participated in a protest in the Twin Cities against current immigration enforcement on Jan. 23, 2026. -
Contributed/Itasca Curling AssociationGrand Rapids curler Aileen Geving is a member of the U.S. Women's Olympic Curling Team and a member of the Itasca Curling Association. Club President Kelly Erickson also stopped by. -
Taylor Apedaile/Amanda LussierChef Kyle Lussier of Grand Rapids restaurant The Pines was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category of the James Beard Awards. -
Events this week include "Clue" and a book sale in Bemidji, Sled and Snowshoe Spectacular in Chisholm, a Jim Roelofs talk in Brainerd and Palisade's Midwinter Festival.
