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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Contributed/Rosemary Holliday HallCalifornia artist Rosemary Holliday Hall’s work is on display at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids through July 18, 2026. -
Events this week include fundraising concerts in Grand Rapids, Coleraine and Aitkin, plus a powwow in Ball Club. -
Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author, discusses how you can protect pollinators while also cutting down on your yardwork. -
Events this week include a butterfly field trip in the Sax-Zim Bog, a water ski show in Nevis and a celebration of art and fish houses in New York Mills.
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Lorie Shaull/KAXEMinnesota Star Tribune columnist and editorial board member Aaron Brown joined the "KAXE Morning Show" to talk about Iron Range immigration history, hometown reunions and why the Fourth of July is unlike any other holiday on the Range. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids PlayersThe Grand Rapids Players present “Sir Valourant and the Dragon” in Hill City, Bigfork and Remer throughout the summer. -
Contributed/svetlana photographer via PexelsHappy Dancing Turtle is looking for volunteers who have skills in sewing, fixing and general tinkering as they plan fix-it events beginning in the fall of 2026. -
Events this week include the beginning of the Northern Lights Music Festival in Aurora and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.
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Contributed/Little FeversLucy Michelle from Little Fevers takes time to talk about the band and their upcoming show at the Beltrami Block Party on Saturday, June 27, 2026. -
Events this week include a powwow in S. Lake, a gallery hop in Hibbing and a youth literacy event in Baxter.
