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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Lorie Shaull/KAXETune in to the KAXE Morning Show on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, for conversations with Indigenous people and find area celebrations of Indigenous Peoples Day. -
Events this week include Indigenous Peoples Day events in Bemidji, Grand Rapids and Brainerd, plus a few local theater productions. -
Grace Malinowski, program coordinator, discusses the Offal Wildlife Watching Project. The Community Science series is produced by Mark Jacobs. -
Contributed/Bemidji Opera TheaterBemidji Opera Theater presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Oct. 9-11, 2026, at the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex on the Bemidji State University campus. -
Contributed/Heartland Symphony OrchestraThe Little Falls and Brainerd-based group celebrates 50 years this season, beginning with the “Where We Were” concerts Oct. 10-11, 2026. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area LibraryAfter a 25% reduction in its budget for 2026, the staff at Grand Rapids Area Library look ahead to next year after receiving a $50,000 donation. -
Events this week include a Celebration of Nations in Brainerd, a candlelit adventure at Lake Bemidji State Park and an open house at the Grand Rapids Fire Hall.
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Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe Minnesota Forestry Association hosts the first Great Minnesota Woods Walk on Oct. 3, 2026, to explore local forests, learn about forest management and enjoy autumn. -
Contributed/Steve Hirsh and Nathan HansonMusicians Steve Hirsh and Nathan Hanson perform on the drums and saxophone in concert 7 p.m. Sept. 25, 2026, at Headwaters School of Music and Arts in Bemidji. -
Events this week include a Bemidji Symphony Orchestra concert and a school board candidate forum in Grand Rapids.
