Nothing stimulates the mind, gets the blood pumping and brings people together quite like music.
From orchestras to musicals and rock concerts, there are gigs aplenty in and around Grand Rapids where the whole family can dance and singalong. Rein in the holiday cheer with a spin on a classic theatrical production, then enjoy a film (or two) accompanied by an acclaimed orchestra in the new year.
Not every show’s for kids alone – there are concerts for the young at heart, too. So checkout our roundup of kids concerts and mark your calendars.
Peppa Pig LIVE
Nov. 7, 2017
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 6 p.m. Tuesday
- Costs: $15-plus/ticket
Beloved cartoon character Peppa comes to the live stage and brings a host of friends for a theatrical adventure. Join them as they sing, dance and play games.
Grand Rapids Symphony: The Snowman
Nov. 11, 2017
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 3 p.m. Saturday
- Costs: $15
The Snowman, based on the popular children’s book by Raymond Briggs, returns to DeVos Performance Hall for another season. The live orchestra accompanies the 1982 movie on the big screen, adding a spark to the nighttime adventure of a boy and his snowman.
Grand Rapids Public Museum Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concerts
Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 15-16, 2017
- Venue: 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays
- Costs: $4-plus/ticket
In November, hear the theater organ music from the 1900s, featuring music from Journey, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and songs such as “Africa,” “The Rainbow Connection” and more. Then in December, relish holiday classics.
Justice for All! An Interfaith Concert
Nov. 19, 2017
- Venue: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids
- Time: 4 p.m. Sunday
- Costs: Free
Hosted by Social Justice Choir, this multimedia experience features faith and nonfaith communities and emphasizes the importance of cultural tolerance, social justice and tradition. Donations accepted.
CARE Ballet Presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Nov. 24-26, 2017
- Venue: East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
- Costs: $10-$15
Start a new tradition this Thanksgiving weekend and take the family to this original ballet accompanied by holiday classics. Join dancing mice, singing toys, Santa and his magical reindeer as they bring you good cheer on the night of the jolly man’s jaunt around the world.
New City Kids: Christmas Bash
Nov. 30, 2017
- Venue: 20 Monroe Live, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7 p.m. Thursday
- Costs: Free
A nonprofit based in Grand Rapids, New City Kids assists youth with learning and preps them for “college and beyond.” At the Bash, these kids move the audience through music, dance and inspirational stories.
Willa Wonka The Musical
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-2, 2017
- Venue: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
- Costs: $8.50-plus/ticket
Experience the wonky chocolate factory and its eccentric host like never before in this comedic musical. Based on the original movie, Master Arts Theatre and Van Singel Fine Arts Center teamed up to co-produce this spin on a childhood favorite.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Dec. 3, 2017
- Venue: 130 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
- Time: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
- Costs: $48.50-plus/ticket
Get in the holiday spirit, rock ‘n’ roll style, with the acclaimed rock opera. Experience superb staging, effects, and let the tunes rock you with a new rendition of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.
Grand Rapids Symphony: Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops Spectacular
Dec. 14-17, 2017
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
- Costs: $18-plus/ticket
Make new holiday memories while you celebrate the old at the annual Grand Rapids Pops Holiday concert. Sing along to all your favorite classics, played by GR Symphony and sung by vocalist Leon Williams, the GR Symphony Chorus and more.
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 16, 2017
- Venue: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
- Costs: $30.50-plus/ticket
It wouldn’t be Christmas without everyone’s favorite scrooge. Join Ebenezer on his quest for redemption in this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale featuring 26 traditional carols, masterful acting and magnificent set designs.
Night at Your Museum
Dec. 27, 2017
- Venue: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 6 p.m. Wednesday
- Costs: $25
For one night every year, the museum and its historic figures come to life. Meet Cleopatra, watch knights battle in the name of the Queen, hear songs played on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, experience a planetarium show and more. Tickets go fast, so snag them now.
Grand Rapids Symphony: Pokémon Symphonic Evolutions
Jan. 6, 2018
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 8 p.m. Saturday
- Costs: $32-plus/ticket
Those who grew up collecting and battling pocket monsters can experience the fun from the beginning with this video-game concert. Watch scenes from the hand-held games unfold on the big screen while Grand Rapids Symphony plays the iconic music from Pokémon Red, Black, Y and many more.
Winter Jam 2018
Jan. 7, 2018
- Venue: 130 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
- Time: 6 p.m. Sunday
- Costs: $15
Rock out with the biggest names in Christian music at the annual Winter Jam, headlined by rock band Skillet. Touring 46 Eastern cities, the lineup features worship leader Kari Jobe, pop band Building 429, hip-hopper KB, folk artist Jordan Feliz and more.
Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Little Red Riding Hood
Feb. 3, 2018
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturday
- Costs: $5-plus/ticket
Featuring the Grand Rapids Ballet, witness the timeless tale of the young girl who fooled the big, bad wolf. The Grand Rapids Symphony provides the music, lending goosebumps to audience members at every theatrical twist and turn.
Grand Rapids Symphony: Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban
Feb. 9-10, 2018
- Venue: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
- Costs: $46-plus/ticket
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series continues in the new year with The Prisoner of Azkaban. Witness the third installment of the world-renowned series on the big screen, accompanied by John Williams’ original score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
