The IN List 2025: May 5 - May 11
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, May 5
Tuesday, May 6
Trail Tuesdays @ Third Nature Brewing Company: 5-8pm. 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. Be sure to check-in at the host stand. Dogs are welcome in our Biergarten.
Tuesday Swing at Rosa Park Circle: 7-9pm. Get ready to swing under the stars! Join the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society every Tuesday night at Rosa Parks Circle for an unforgettable evening of dancing, music, and community. No partner? No problem! All ages and skill levels are welcome. Whether you're new to dance or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone.
Wednesday, May 7
Aptitude Hikes: Move, breath, connect: 6:30-7:30pm. Step into nature and into yourself with Aptitude Hikes—a unique blend of movement, mindfulness, and meditation. These guided hikes are designed to help you disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with your breath, your body, and the world around you. Location: TBD (Pre-registration required, location emailed prior to the event) Sign up online!
Flower Bouquet Workshop at St. Julian: 5:30-7:30pm. Get ready for an unforgettable night of blooms, sips, and good vibes at our Rockford tasting room! They’re bringing the gorgeous flowers, a stylish to-go jar, and colorful ribbons—everything you need to craft a stunning bouquet. Reserve your spot by May 6. Call them at (616) 263-9087 or swing by the tasting room to claim your ticket.
Women’s Wedges & Wine: 6-9pm at Pickle & Pin. Ladies, it’s time to sip, swing, and socialize! Join us for a fun midweek escape filled with great company, exciting activities, and wine specials. Whether you're here to practice your game or just enjoy a night out, they’ve got you covered!
Myers Lake Farmstand & Florals Opening Day: 10am-7pm. Expect bouquets, live plants, dried flowers, and seeds!
Thursday, May 8
Middle Eastern Cooking Class at Thought Design (10 E Bridge St, Rockford, MI): 6-8pm. Explore the diverse flavors of the Middle East in their hands-on cooking class! Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fragrant spices and vibrant ingredients. Ideal for all skill levels, this class offers a chance to expand your culinary repertoire. Bring friends or family and enjoy the delights of Middle Eastern cuisine while creating lasting memories! Purchase tickets online.
Stella’s Lounge 15th Anniversary Party: 12pm-11:59pm. An all-day bash packed with signature eats, bold cocktails, and your shot at winning free burgers for a year! No tickets needed.
Tapas and Wine Dinner at San Chez Bistro: A culinary experience where Spanish flair meets Michigan wine country. The Wine & Tapas Dinner is a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and hospitality. For one evening only, they’re bringing together the bold, vibrant character of our signature tapas with the refined elegance of wines from Chateau Chantal, a renowned winery located on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula. Purchase tickets online.
Friday, May 9
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival: 7:30-11:30pm at John Ball Zoo. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The lantern festival will feature handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. Timed tickets sold every 30 minutes. Last entry at 10:30pm. Advanced tickets required. Please arrive to the Zoo no more than 15 minutes before ticket entry time. Event will happen rain or shine. Purchase tickets here!
Tulip Time Festival: 8am-5pm. Annual eight-day festival celebrating springtime beauty, Dutch charm, and the city of Holland. Visit it their website for more info!
Fun Town RV’s Grand Opening (10947 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI): 9am - 8pm. You’re Invited to Fun Town RV Grand Rapids’s Grand Opening! Join them for a weekend of fun, food, and fantastic RV deals as we celebrate the grand opening of our newest location.
Kane Brown at Van Andel Arena: 7pm. Kane Brown brings his The High Road Tour to Van Andel Arena for 2 days May 9 & 10, 2025. With special guests Mitchell Tenpenny & Ashley Cooke. Purchase tickets online.
Free Family Paddle Night: 4-8pm. The first FREE Family Paddle Night of the season in the Riverside Park Lagoon! Whether you're trying something new or looking for a fun weekend activity for your family, kayaking at Riverside Park is a great way to connect with nature, right in the heart of the city! Enjoy 20-minute kayaking rides in the lagoon. No registration required.
Things to Know:
• Equipment and a basic paddling demo is included.
• Participants under the age of 18 must have an adult present.
• Solo kayaks will be available for ages 10+
• Kids under 10 can ride in a tandem kayak as long as they fit in a life jacket
• Young children must be safely fitted in a PFD to participate. Our • PFDs fit children who are approximately 30 lbs and up.
• Participants are also welcome to bring their own coast guard approved PFD.*This public event may be photographed for promotional purposes.
Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck at Squibb Coffee + Wine Bar: 4-8pm. Life’s better with lobster—come find Cousins Maine Lobster and make your day extra tasty!
Saturday, May 10
Saturday Farmer’s Market @ Fulton Street Market: 10am-1pm. 1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI. Second Season starts on November 2nd and goes through April 26th. We are open on Saturdays from 10 AM - 1 PM.
Rockford Farmers Market: The Rockford Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am-1pm May 3, 2025 through October 25, 2025. The Farmers Market is located in the newest city lot behind the Post Office with an entrance off Main St across the street from Rocky's.
Fun Town RV’s Grand Opening (10947 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI) : 9am - 8pm. You’re Invited to Fun Town RV Grand Rapids’s Grand Opening! Join them for a weekend of fun, food, and fantastic RV deals as we celebrate the grand opening of our newest location.
Mother’s Day at Lee & Birch (41 Courtland St, Rockford): 10am-6pm. Join in the fun celebrating ALL the mama's! It's the perfect day to stop in and shop for your mama, grandma, mama friends, or just to treat yourself [It's also a great day for a girls day out]! 20% Off EVERTHING. Awesome swag bag with $100 purchase (while supplies last). Get entered to win a $100 gift card with your purchase.
Season Opening Plant Sale at New Growth Project (8605 Peterson St NE, Rockford, MI): 9am-2pm. Stock up on garden vegetables, annuals, herbs, stunning flower and fern hanging baskets and potted flowers ready to go. They will also have gifts for Mother’s Day! Organic soy candles, tallow and coconut oil soaps, essential oil room and linen sprays, artisan hand towels and laser-etched coasters. Enjoy yard games, a scavenger hunt and food from PizzaMi Food Truck!
Vintage Baseball Game (Ada Township Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave SE, Ada, MI): 4pm. The 3rd Annual Vintage Baseball Game! This year's contest between the Ada Grangers and Cascade Sentinels will be played at Ada Park. This event is hosted in partnership between Ada Parks & Recreation and the Ada Historical Society and features turn of the century rules, equipment, uniforms, music, and other elements! Admission is FREE, and concessions are available for purchase on site.
Michigan All-State Bonsai Show at Meijer Garden: 9am-5pm. During the show, enjoy stunning bonsai trees on display in the Huizenga Grand Room, from bonsai artists across Michigan. Shop for bonsai, specialty pots and growing supplies from a great selection of vendors. Attend free demonstrations and watch bonsai artists at work. A variety of hands-on workshops are available by preregistration. Admission to the Bonsai Show is complimentary.
Amway River Bank Run: Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the 48th Annual Amway River Bank Run! Join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025, for an unforgettable day of running, walking, and celebrating with thousands of participants from all around the country! Register here!
Bluey Night at the West Michigan Whitecaps: 2pm. Bluey is heading to LMCU Ballpark on May 10th - For real life. Come meet everyone's favorite Heeler in person for plenty of smiles and a photo! Purchase tickets online.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch at Third Nature: 11am-8pm. Head to Third Nature Brewing Company for Mother’s Day Brunch starting at 11 am! They'll have coffee and delicious brunch menu items in addition to their current menu. They WILL be taking reservations for this event or feel free to walk-in.
Mother’s Day Free Play at Great Lakes Glow Golf: 11am-8pm. One of our favorite traditions returns for the 7th year Sunday May 11, when Mom's and Grandmas and all the other mothers play free and to make it even sweeter we'll be gifting each a complimentary scoop of wonderful Hudsonville ice cream! Be sure to tell your friends.
Family Sunday at the West Michigan Whitecaps: 2pm. Bring your family out to the ballpark on Sundays! The first 1,000 kids EAT FREE, and there's pre-game catch and autographs on the field! Presented By Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Kids Run the Bases! All kids 12 & under are invited down to the field after every Sunday game to run the bases like their favorite Whitecap! Get tickets online.
