The IN List 2025: October 27 - November 2

The IN List is a free weekly newsletter that shares the top events going on this week in Rockford, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, and NE Grand Rapids.

If you want to be the first to hear about what's happening in the North Indy area every week, be sure to subscribe to this free newsletter here.

These events are all accurate at the time of posting, but be sure to call ahead or check vendor websites/socials before heading out.

Monday, October 27

• Krause Memorial Library Events:

  • Babytime: 10am-10:30am. Join us for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime while developing listening and language skills. Caregivers will have time to connect with each other while their babies learn and socialize. Designed for babies ages birth to 18 months with their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.

  • Rhyme Time Music & Movement: 11:30am-12:30pm. Get your wiggles out with rhymes, songs and musical activities. Move and groove together while strengthening motor, listening and early literacy skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.

• Car Seat Check Up: 4-7pm. Rockford, MI. (Location: 10820 Edgerton Ave NE, Rockford, MI). Helen Devos Children’s Hospital (HDVCH) is proud to announce we have Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to help you prepare for the arrival and safe transportation of your baby or make sure your growing child is riding safely. Families will be served on a first come, first- served basis. Have questions? Email us at injuryprevention@helendevoschildrens.org. We look forward to helping families keep their kids safe!

• Live Jazz & Oysters: 6:30-9:30pm at Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen. East Grand Rapids, MI. Live Jazz and Oysters with the John Shea Trio every Monday!

Tuesday, October 28

• Krause Memorial Library Events:

  • Toddler Time: 10-10:30am. Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 1-3 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.

• Trail Tuesdays at Third Nature Brewing Company: 5-8pm. Join us for Trail Tuesdays! Every Tuesday stop by between 5 and close and run, walk, bike on the White Pine Trail and receive $2 off your first post workout pint. We’ll raise a glass to that! Be sure to check-in at the host stand. Dogs are welcome in our Biergarten if you would like for your four legged friend to join. Grab the family and friends for some exercise followed by a Biergarten meal and a pint.

• Halloween Costume Beer Run: 6-8pm at Third Nature Brewing Company. Bring the entire family out for a fun Halloween costume run! Meet us in the Biergarten by 6 pm for the opportunity to win Third Nature gift cards for best dressed! After the awards you can take off on the White Pine Trail for a run, walk or ride. Be sure to stick around afterwards and reward yourself by grabbing some dinner and a cold beverage. All participants 21+ will get $2 off of your first adult beverage!

• Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens: 6-8pm. Join us every Tuesday evening in October for Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens! Wander the new illuminated Pumpkin Walk in the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden, where lantern pumpkins and gourds glow among the trees. Play lawn games on the DeVos Van Andel Piazza, take in live music at Michigan’s Farm Garden, and relax with unplugged performances in the Amphitheater. Savor seasonal snacks, hot cider, and drinks while enjoying the vibrant colors of fall and extended evening hours. Members receive free admission!

• Final Day of Blue House Art Square: 9am-2pm. We’ll have a fun card stamping activity and lots of local art to explore as we celebrate the end of the season. Location: 7267 Thornapple River Dr SE, Ada, MI, United States, Michigan 49301

• Babies & Bagels Mom Meet Up: 9:30-11am at the Itsy Bitsy Play Cafe. Whether you’re navigating the newborn days or chasing a toddler, you’re welcome here! Hosted by Beyond the Bump - message to RSVP!

Wednesday, October 29

• Krause Memorial Library Events:

  • Fall Craft Party at the Krause Memorial Library: 10am-12pm. Crunchy leaves, orange pumpkins and plenty of squirrels – celebrate the season with all sorts of amazing fall-themed crafts. For families with children.

• Wicked Wednesday: 4-6pm. The Gaslight Village Business Association invites community members of all ages for a fun afternoon of trick-or-treating, games, retail and restaurant specials and more at participating Gaslight Village businesses. 

• DIY Candle Making at Nera Wix: 5pm. Downtown Rockford, MI. You deserve a calm and cozy evening in preparation for the chaos of Halloween and sugar buzzed kiddos! Get 10% off DIY candles when you wear a cozy sweater! Your time will be filled with fall themed snacks, candles, and delicious fall scents. Seats for this event are first come first serve!

Thursday, October 30

• Hallowee-Ones at Meijer Gardens: 10am. Hallowee-Ones: No Tricks. No Treats. Just Fun! Dress yourself and your child as a character that highlights the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Come celebrate Halloween with your wee ones, with a host of Halloween-themed activities. Parade at 10:30 am!

  Other activities include:
  - Musical Costume Jam with WoodSong from 11:00 am to 11:30 am
  - “Not-So- Spooky” Storytime at the Log Cabin
  - Fall Movement Charades in the Treehouse Village
  - Gourds & more! Obstacle Course on the Gamelan Lawn
  - Pinecone Pumpkin Craft at the Beaver Overlook

• Trick-or-Treat at the GR Children’s Museum: 5-8pm. Get dressed up and celebrate Halloween at the museum! We’ll have special crafts, trick-or-treating and lots of spooky activities inside the museum walls, all included with regular museum admission.

Friday, October 31

• Haunted Mansion at Mangiamo: 4pm-1am. Mangiamo invites you to a spellbinding evening at our Haunted Mansion to celebrate Halloween 2025! Don’t be caught dead elsewhere, join us at Mangiamo to celebrate the most haunting evening of your life, at the most historic, paranormal spot in town! Get tickets online.

• Ada Fire Department Halloween Open House: 5-8pm. Ada Township Fire Department invites you to their Halloween Open House. Bring the whole family for cider, donuts, and candy. Kids can climb into the fire trucks, explore the station, and try on gear. You will also have a chance to meet our firefighters and see where they work. Costumes are encouraged.

• Just Wicked at the JW Marriott: 9pm-1am. Dance to electrifying beats, indulge in wickedly delicious drinks, and dress to impress for our annual costume contest. Get tickets online.

Saturday, November 1

• Howl-A-Ween: 5-9pm at Archival Brewing. Belmont, MI. Costumes are encouraged - best dressed dog will be chosen on our socials and announced on 11/8. Winning dog will receive a can of specialty dog treats! Hearts of Hope dog rescue will have adoptable dogs here for a meet n' greet. Pink Paw Patisserie dog treat truck will be serving up dog treats starting at 5pm. Live Music ft. The Blind Squirrels from 6-9pm. Bonus points for dressing up with your dog!

• Kula Rockford Grand Opening: 11am-1pm. 24 S. Main Street. Downtown Rockford. Classes happening at 8am & 9:30am. Kula Rockford is live on the MindBody app! Search “Kula Yoga GR” and “❤️” the Rockford location to save it to your favorites. Scroll to Saturday 11/1 and grab a spot in the opening day classes. We can’t wait to flow with you, Rockford!

• Día de Muertos at F'n K Tacos: 9am-7:30pm. Downtown Rockford. Join us for a family-friendly celebration of life, love, and tradition. Enjoy live mariachi music by Gabriel Estrada III (11–3), watch movies, and take part in games & contests, crafts, and photo ops for all ages. They’re bringing the colors, sounds, and heart of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) to downtown Rockford—celebrating the beauty of remembrance and the joy of community. Free entry. All activities will take place on our patio and extended back lot at F’n K Tacos.

Sunday, November 2

• Corgis On Ice with the Grand Rapids Griffins: 4-7pm at the Van Andel Arena. Downtown Grand Rapids. Join the "Cool Corgis" on November 2nd as we enjoy the annual dog game with our friends from the Grand Rapids Griffins. They have a few special events taking place between periods including a Corgi race (safe surface will be in place for this event). We will also do the Center Ice photo following the game. Get tickets online.