Restaurants
Butcher’s Union
Modern gastropub with a meat-heavy menu of globally inspired fare, 100+ whiskeys & draft beer.
438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: (616) 551-1323| Web: butchersuniongr.com
Theo & Stacy’s Downtown
Greek specialties, American comfort food & all-day breakfast in a homey eatery with family roots.
234 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 388-025 | Web: theoandstacys.com
Clara’s on the River
American eatery with vast menu set in a circa-1888, antiques-filled riverfront building with patio.
44 McCamly St, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269) 963-0966 | Web: claras.com
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Griffin Grill & Pub
Irish-American plates & many beers on tap & a chill patio.
38 W Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI
Zooroona
Colorful spot featuring a menu of Middle Eastern dishes & teas, with global wine list & full bar.
1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI
Linear Restaurant
Cool, industrial-style hot spot with outdoor seatsing & American cuisine & craft cocktails.
1001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Crow’s Nest
American breakfast & brunch specialist with a snug, informal 2nd-story setting.
816 S Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI
Leo’s Seafood
Seafood is artfully presented in a dining room that boasts soaring ceilings & romantic lighting.
60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
McGonigle’s
Unpretentious Irish-themed watering hole with a menu of comfort food.
915 E Emmett Street, Battle Creek, MI
Rustica
Tables surround an animated kitchen at this trendy spot with European fare & curated wines.
236 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI
Westside Social
Elevated comfort food & beer on tap featured in a trendy, laid-back space with a patio fireplace.
2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Sakura Sushi Bar & Grill
Unassuming bistro offering traditional Japanese dishes in addition to creative sushi rolls.
5285 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI
EVENTS 2024
Oct 5-6
Fall Festival and Arts & Crafts show
Enjoy our wonderful Michigan fall weather with our fall festival and craft show! Homemade donuts and apple cider along with great vendors is a great day had by all. Vendors: To be a vendor pleas fill out the craft show application and email or mail it in or call for details 269-781-4293. Learn more at battlecreekvisitors.org.
Oct 11-27
Zoo Goes Boo 2024
Your family friendly trick-or-treat destination is back! Behold the enchanting transformation as the Zoo turns into the ultimate Halloween destination. Enjoy bewitching decorations, twisted treat stations, and an endless supply of animal fun. Immerse yourself in the festivities, grab your best cape, and be captivated by magicians, fire performers, jugglers and more. Learn more at experiencegr.com.
Oct 19
East Grand Rapids Harvest and Beer Festival
Check out East Grand Rapids’ Harvest and Beer Festival! Enjoy pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, cider and donuts, live music and wine, spirits and local beer tastings from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Gaslight Village. More information coming soon at experiencegr.com.
Oct 26
Halloween at Bin and Pallet 2024
Grab a costume and your family and come for a ghostly evening at Bin and Pallet! Enjoy trunk or treating, candy, games and light snacks and don’t forget the giveaways! More info will be released on this Facebook event page as the date get closer. See you there! Learn more at battlecreekvisitors.org.
EVENTS 2024
Oct 31
Halloween Haunted Tour at Henderson Castle Ghosts, goblins, and creatures of the night, come join us at one of the most haunted places in Michigan for a scary good time! Our haunted Halloween tour is not something you want to miss! Learn more about this event and join us at discoverkalamazoo.com.
Nov 9
42nd Annual Holiday Arts & Craft Fair
We have over 200 vendors with many one-of-a-kind items for all of your upcoming special occasions, or just because! Admission and parking are FREE and our Ram Shack will be open to purchase a snack or lunch! To learn more about this and join us visit experiencegr.com.
Nov 23
Maple Hill Holiday Parade
Celebrating 61 years, this annual event serves as the kickoff to the holiday season in Downtown Kalamazoo and the entire community. The event typically features: Giant balloons including both helium and cold air formats, 90 community parade groups, 10 high school marching bands, and after parade day activities that involve downtown businesses and community organizations. Join us for a tradition that attracts between 20,000-30,000 parade viewers. Learn more at discoverkalamazoo.com.
Nov
15 - Dec 22
CHRISTKINDL MARKT 2024
Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market is a Christmas Village lined with 30+ artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Markets, this winter wonderland is filled with unique Christmas experiences illuminated with international flair. Learn more at experiencegr.com.
EVENTS 2024-25
Dec 2
Marshall’s 60th Christmas Parade
Get ready for a night of magic as Darling & Company teams up with Choose Marshall for the 60th Annual Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, “Sparkling Splendor: Our Diamond Anniversary,” will light up the streets on Monday, December 2nd at 7pm. Don’t miss out on the sparkle and shine of this unforgettable holiday celebration! Learn more at battlecreekvisitors.org.
Dec 14
Holiday Women’s Night in Ada Village
Ada Village welcomes all women on December 14th from 5p-8p for a night filled with holiday shopping, dining, and socializing! This is the perfect excuse to have a night out with your girlfriends. Hosted by your very own Ada shops and restaurants, we welcome you to come down and spend Women’s Night with us! Learn more at experiencegr.com.
Jan 1-5 2025
Christmas and Holiday Traditions
This exhibition—honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world—has grown to 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden.Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks. Learn more at experiencegr.com.
Jan 25 2025
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
A sure-fire way to beat cabin fever is with Ludington’s premier winter event, the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest! At past events, more than 15 breweries came to Ludington to offer patrons a taste of the best and most unique flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan. The
EVENTS 2025
event runs from 1-6pm and is held at Legacy Plaza on north James Street in Ludington. Learn more at westmichiganguides.com.
Jan
10 - Mar 2 2025
World of Winter 2025
As always, there will be various FREE winter-themed programming and events, including (but not limited to) snow yoga, black history, and ice sculpture walking tours, a silent disco, and the community-favorite Human Hungry Hungry Hippos Tournament on Ice. One of the most exciting attractions of the World of Winter Festival is Valent-ICE, where Downtown Grand Rapids is decorated with over 50 ice sculptures, making it the largest gallery of ice art in the state of Michigan. Learn more at experiencegr.com.
Feb 15-16 2025
Michigan’s Free Activity Weekends
For both days, all fishing licenses will be waived, but fishing regulations still apply. Enjoy great fishing on inland lakes and all five Great Lakes. Some of the best fishing is right here in West Michigan, with salmon, trout, walleye, and pike in plentiful supply. This weekend also allows snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit. Come on down for two days of fun freedom. Learn more at westmichiganguides.com.
Mar 7-9 2025
West Michigan Women’s Expo
Your Health, Your Home, Your Style, Shopping and Fun! Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, health and wellness tips, or just want to indulge in some retail therapy, the DeVos Place will be transformed into a shopping paradise with hundreds of exhibits to explore. Learn more and join us at experiencegr.com.
Mar TBD 2025
LaughFest
Every year, internationally-renowned comedians and local talent tickle the funny bones of the festival’s 50,000 attendees during stand-up and improv performances, comedy showcases, and other seriously funny events and activities. Organizers behind the festival use LaughFest as a platform to emphasize the positive impact that laughter has on our emotional and physical wellbeing. Learn more and join us at experiencegr. com.
Apr TBD 2025
Girls Rock
Local female musicians, singers, and artists of all ages perform live at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts performance hall. Between musical performances, local women from various walks of life will tell short stories of outstanding accomplishments, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, activism, and contributions to the local community. Learn more at westmichiganguides.com.
May 3-11 2025
Holland Tulip Time Festival 2025
Since 1929, the city of Holland, Michigan has celebrated its Dutch heritage with countless acres of tulips in springtime bloom. The tulip count has increased from 100,000 that first year to millions today, bursting forth with amazing color in public parks, local attractions and streetside plantings. Learn more at experiencegr.com.
May 16 2025
Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes
This ever-popular event began in 1972 with four bikes and eight riders. Today, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts head to Baldwin to celebrate the joy of two-wheel travel. Between 5,000-10,000 bikes are expected in Baldwin annually for this Blessing of the Bikes celebration. Learn more and join us this year at westmichiganguides.com.
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
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EVENTS 2025
Jun TBD 2025
Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2025
The Grand Rapids Pride Festival is returning for it’s 36th year and we are excited to announce that our theme is Queer is Natural! In the face of policies and agendas that put our existence into question or harms way, we aim to curate a stage that is diverse, vibrant, and reverberates our voices throughout the crowd for all to hear; showing that not only is our 2-SLGBTQ+ community natural, but here to continue to push the needle forward. Learn more at eventeny.com.
Jun 14 2025
National Asparagus Festival in Oceana County
In celebration of Oceana County’s most famous crop–the National Asparagus Festival of Oceana County is an annual event, held in midJune in Hart and Shelby. Asparagus was first cultivated in Greece, and is derived from the Greek word meaning “stalk” or “shoot.” Learn more and join us at westmichiganguides.com.
Jul 2 2025
Field of Flight
Battle Creek’s biggest festival celebrates flight – whether it’s hot air balloons, jet planes, kites, Ferris wheels or fireworks. It all happens around the Fourth of July. The first day of the festival is a great day to bring the kids. Admission is free and parking is $10 per car. The carnival is open, there’s a balloon illume and family friendly performances. Fun for everyone of all ages here, so join us now at battlecreekvisitors.org.
Jul 3-4 2025
Ludington Area
Jaycees
Freedom Festival
Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, as demonstrated in the annual Freedom Festival, held every year since 1874. Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees, this event is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan. This event has lots of fun
cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
GRAND RAPIDS PRIDE CENTER
The foundation of our work, the Grand Rapids Pride Center offers multiple social & support groups, creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ community members. Web: grpride.org
BATTLE CREEK PRIDE
We provide a safe and welcoming Resource Center for the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies, we provide education, support groups, community outreach programs, referrals and social activities. Web: battlecreekpride.org
OUTFRONT KALAMAZOO
OutFront Kalamazoo provides a safe and welcoming environment with a wide range of programs and services. We offer a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity to join with others who desire to live unapologetically, #AlwaysOutFront. Web: outfrontkalamazoo
KALAMAZOO PRIDE
Each year, Kalamazoo Pride brings together an estimated 8,000+ people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and racial identities from Southwest Michigan and beyond to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. The two-day festival at Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Place features show-stopping drag performances, incredible music, exhibitors, food, dancing, and more. Web:
TRANSGENDER MICHIGAN
Providing advocacy, support and education while serving to create coalitions in the state of Michigan to unify and empower transgender and gender non-conformist communities. Web: transgendermichigan.org
RADICLE
Radicle is a safe, intergenerational space for LGBTQIA+ identified people, centering QTBIPOC voices, experiences and wellness. We offer healing spaces through art and communal gatherings as an initiative of Rootead. Web: rootead.org
EQUALITY MICHIGAN
EQMI partners with pro-LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations to ensure lawmakers and the public are educated on the laws, policies, and regulations needed to achieve & protect LGBTQ+ equality in Michigan. Web: equalitymi.org
EVENTS 2025
activities for all ages, join us celebrating the 4th and learn more at westmichiganguides.com.
Jul 6 2025
The Manistee National Forest Festival
The Manistee National Forest Festival began as a way to celebrate and honor the Manistee National Forest, which encompasses over 480,000 acres. This is truly a “don’t-miss” event for the entire family, and a great venue for making some wonderful summer memories. The annual Manistee National Forest Festival promises fun for the entire family. It’s one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the state, so learn more and join us at westmichiganguides.com.
Aug 14-17 2025
Pentwater Homecoming
Those that call Pentwater home, or others that previously resided here, enjoy all the festivities that celebrate the wonder of Pentwater. Visitors come and fall in love with the town. Throughout the weekend, activities include a sand castle contest, strawberry shortcake sale, golf scramble, softball tournament, concert featuring the Scottville Clown Band and MSU tailgate party. Learn more at westmichiganguides.com.
Aug TBD 2025
Calhoun County Fair
Bringing people together since 1848, the county fair has been around for generations. Even if you’re not a farm family, it’s one last summer blast before school begins.Obviously, the most fair-ish thing you can do is raise a cow from birth and show it off for judging. But if you don’t have a farm, it’s fun to go through all of the buildings to see animals. Learn more at battlecreekvisitors.org.
