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, Dec. 1.
'Jingle and Mingle' 2nd Annual Night Makers Market
The event will take place on First Avenue Northwest with local makers, food and hot beverages, visits with Santa, and fun for people of all ages.
Giinawind Creative Space
Wreaths and more from the Macrostie Art Center’s annual Wreath + Art Auction fundraiser will be on display along with artwork by Indigenous artists and a collection of books by local authors and illustrators.
MacRostie Art Center
The annual Northern Spirit Shop holiday marketplace will feature handmade original art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus M’lou Brubaker’s jewelry trunk show, wine, and food by Timberlake Restaurant.
Benders Shoes & Gifts
Benders hosts local jeweler Lily Winter who works out of her home studio to cut, solder, etch, enamel and set stones. This year she is working to bring wild color to her jewelry through glass and plating.
Old Central School
Studio 001
Stop by the Garden Level to see Lea Friesen’s painting and 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.
Move It Real Estate Group
Join Move It Real Estate Group with fresh-popped popcorn, beverages and other refreshments with live holiday piano music from Cathy Shields and Nora Wick, local artisans, and a “Gnomes for Pet Homes” fundraiser. Featured artists include Cydney Gibeau with functional ceramics, Sondra Grover with walnut cooking utensils, Sarah Mell from M Design Studio with jewelry, and Gail O’Gorman with wreaths and more.
Wings ‘N Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing
Featuring wood-turned vases by Mike Weedman.
The Evergreen
The Evergreen hosts Tricia from Rustic Willow Designs, showcasing her new Rustic Dippings, handcrafted in Pengilly. Denise’s Designs will also display permanent jewelry options.
Rapids Brewing Co.
Presenting Glitterati with live music 7-10 p.m. at the brewery.
VFW Post No. 1720
Live jazz with Tom Schaefer and the Clearwater Hot Club 7-10 p.m.
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Events this week include a food truck festival in Virginia, a fern walk at Itasca State Park and an open house at Ripple River Gallery near Deerwood. -
Contributed/Rebne KarchefskyDeerwood sculptor Rebne Karchefsky's latest exhibit, “Material World,” will be on display until Sept. 20, 2026 at the Ripple River Gallery in Aitkin. -
Contributed/UNITYMarla Mesarina is from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. She is co-president of the UNITY. -
Events this week include the return of the classic movie series in Bigfork, Pride in the Park in Brainerd and art receptions in Aitkin and Bemidji.
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Contributed/Kendra CarlsonA production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” visits the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork Sept. 12 and 13. Artistic director Patricia Feld joins “Area Voices” to discuss the show. -
Contributed/Mark KlabundeMark Klabunde earned first place at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair for his homemade ketchup and cardamom rolls. -
Events this week include a book sale in Walker, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids and a pancake breakfast at Lake Bemidji State Park.
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Contributed/Bemidji PrideRayne Heck and Phineas Holmes join the "KAXE Morning Show" to discuss Bemidji Pride events from Aug. 26-29, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXECelebrate "The Art of the Game" Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Ball Club. The day includes three-on-three basketball games, food, fashion and music. -
Events this week include a program on salamanders at the Sax-Zim Bog, a serenity stroll at Lake Bemidji State Park and a party at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids.
