The Grand Rapids Bucket List: 36 things to do in & around town

There’s no shortage of fun things to do and great food to eat in Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids is a city that blends a rich cultural history with a modern, vibrant energy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting to experience. From world-class art and delicious food to beautiful outdoor spaces, here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids. There’s something for everyone in this dynamic city!

Visit An Antique Shop

Grand Rapids has several adorable antique shops scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love the thrill of finding unique vintage pieces, these shops offer a delightful array of discoveries. Lost and Found Treasures of Old and New, Warehouse One Antiques, and Wally’s Treasures Mall have a wide range of antique items, including furniture, collectibles, and unique finds.

Check Out Some Live Music

Are you ready to rock and dance the night away in Grand Rapids? Let’s embark on a musical journey through some of the best live music venues in Grand Rapids.

The Intersection: Where Beats Meet the Streets of Grand Rapids

The Intersection stands as a beacon for music aficionados in Grand Rapids. This place offers a stage for genres that span the spectrum. Whether it’s the heart-thumping beats of a rock band, the soulful harmonies of an R&B group, or the cutting-edge sounds of an electronic music DJ, The Intersection brings the streets of Grand Rapids to life with its eclectic mix. 

Van Andel Arena: Grand Spectacles Await

Van Andel Arena takes the live music experience in Grand Rapids to dazzling heights, making it a must-visit for those craving epic performances in an electrifying setting. This architectural marvel houses sporting events, concerts, and all other sorts of events, many of which are family-friendly. Imagine witnessing the magic as some of the biggest names in the music industry light up the stage, from rock legends that have defined generations to pop icons reshaping the charts today. This is the place where you can see Luke Bryan one night and the Ringling Brothers the next.

St. Cecilia Music Center: A Classical Encounter

St. Cecilia Music Center is renowned for its acoustically perfect auditorium. Recent performances have seen a blend of established maestros and rising stars, each bringing their unique touch to the revered stage, from spellbinding piano recitals to majestic string quartets. 

The Pyramid Scheme: The Alt-Music Haven

A visit to The Pyramid Scheme might introduce you to your next favorite indie band. Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant thrum of a punk rock gig or getting lost in the hypnotic melodies of an indie ensemble. Recent shows have turned heads and filled the space with avid music lovers listening to the sounds of Venus Flytrap or Taking Back Sunday. The Pyramid Scheme invites you to join the ranks of those who live for the thrill of discovering something different, something uniquely beautiful.

Get Caffeinated 

When you want a charming, unique, and locally owned neighborhood coffee house to call your own, you need more than just a Google search. You need this list.

That Early Bird

Community comes first at this Eastown coffee shop. Owners Sarah Wepman and Joel Wabeke opened the shop in 2016, with an emphasis on making it a neighborhood home base. Along with coffee and food, That Early Bird regularly hosts activities that bring neighbors of all ages and backgrounds together—from local harvest nights to crafting events to game nights (picture senior citizens and teens teaming up to play Euchre, and folks consulting worn dictionaries over a Scrabble board). Across the street, you can also find a pizza shop that Wepman and Wabeke opened during the pandemic, which kept its fitting name—Quarantino’s. (The duo also owns Littlebird downtown in Monroe Center.)

Scorpion Hearts Club

In early 2023, after 15 years of business, Lori Slager Wenzel made the decision to rebrand The Sparrows—her Wealthy District café—as the Scorpion Hearts Club. The sudden move was brought on by the loss of her husband and the difficult times before and after his death, as she wrote on Medium. Wenzel chose the new name as a symbol of both fragility and strength. Indeed, the café’s website says they offer “coffee for badass dreamers,” and invites neighbors to “visit us on your fierce AND your fragile days.”

Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar

Enjoy a cup of joe or an adult beverage at this coffee and wine bar mix in the Wealthy District. The walls are covered in delightful murals, and for such a standard-size space, Squibb has made good use of it—there’s lots of high- and low-top seating with access to outlets, for making the place your remote-work getaway. Squibb also features delectable charcuterie boards, among other lighter-side entrees like strawberry ricotta toast and grilled cheese. (Side note: Squibb now has a Downtown Market location, and represents on the Westside at a shared space with Rise Authentic Baking Co. called Rise & Squibb.)

Chartreuse Sisters

Sisters Alyson & Mallory Caillaud-Jones helm this new French-American fusion café in the Wealthy District. The sisters first went into business selling products under cottage food law in October 2019 before opening their brick-and-mortar location in January 2023. The café is a blend of a coffee shop and pâtisserie—a bakery specializing in French pastries and sweets.

Madcap Coffee Company

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Madcap is best known for its great coffee, which is served at several cafes across the state. But to really get to the essence of what makes Madcap such an important part of the state’s coffee culture, you need to head to the source. This East Fulton neighborhood coffee shop is Madcap’s second GR location (the first in Monroe Center downtown), and is housed in a renovated body shop near the farmers market. It maintains an amazing old-school aesthetic that you need to experience to appreciate. Plus, the roastery opens up their garage doors on sunny days, and always has lots of outdoor seating no matter the weather.

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge

With “lounge” in the name, it makes sense that Lantern offers up a space that’s both welcoming and spacious. Up in the large-windowed coffee bar you can see all the action on the corner of Commerce and Oakes, but all your best rendezvous can happen in their bigger lower level.

Grab A Bite to Eat

When it comes to dining out in Grand Rapids, the options are endless. From cozy neighborhood bistros to upscale steakhouses, there’s something for every palate in the Furniture City. 

Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

If Butcher’s Union is a haven for meat aficionados, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar is a lighthouse for those who cherish the bounties of the sea. In business for 20 years, this upscale spot takes pride in its dedication to bringing diners the freshest, most delectable seafood delights, drawing from local waters whenever it can to ensure each dish sings with the flavor of the ocean.

Chop House

If you’re looking for something that bridges Butcher’s Union’s reverence for meat and Leo’s love of the sea, Chop House might be the place you’re looking for. There’s an old-school vibe to the place, with an ambiance that whispers luxury into every detail. For your seafood fix, go for the Maine Lobster Bisque. Each spoonful of this rich, creamy concoction is a velvety embrace that prepares you for the courses to follow.

Bistro Bella Vita

Embark on an enchanting journey to the heart of Italy without ever leaving Grand Rapids when you step into Bistro Bella Vita. This delightful bistro serves as your culinary passport to the rich, robust flavors of Italian cuisine, all while embracing the farm-to-table ethos with its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Stella’s Lounge

The undeniable champion of burgers is Stella’s Lounge. Here, burgers are a celebration of bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. And those burgers are served with a side of rock ‘n’ roll. Their specialty lies in burgers that are not just topped with ingredients.

Black Napkin

Black Napkin is a standout addition to Grand Rapids’ burger scene that has quickly become a hotspot for both locals and visitors. What sets this takeout joint apart is their dedication to innovation and excellence. Every burger is a testament to their commitment to quality, featuring only the finest ingredients that come together in an explosion of flavor. The beef is sourced from the best local farms, ensuring that each patty is not only fresh but also imbued with a depth of flavor that can only come from cattle raised with care and respect.

Butcher’s Union

As its name suggests, Butcher’s Union is a restaurant that approaches beef with reverence. It’s a place where high-quality meats and farm-fresh ingredients are the foundation of each dish.

And while they’re best known for their steaks, they don’t pull any punches when it comes to their West Village Double Cheeseburger. From the sharpness of the cheddar to the crisp, spicy pickles, and the creamy aioli that adds a touch of zing, every element works in concert to create a burger that’s both complex and delightfully straightforward.

Tacos el Cuñado

What sets Tacos el Cuñado apart is its chefs’ dedication to freshness and flavor in their expansive menu. They can cater to a wide array of people, including meat lovers, vegetarians, and even picky kids. While higher-end Mexican restaurants concentrate on mixing the perfect margarita, Tacos el Cuñado is happy to serve the best horchata and even offer Capri Suns for the little ones. They also serve breakfast, including homemade pancakes that the whole family will love.

Donkey Taqueria

This trendsetting eatery has carved out a niche for itself by reimagining the way we experience Mexican cuisine in Michigan. Donkey Taqueria’s creative staff blends the flavors of Mexico with an inventive modern twist, creating a fresh and unique dining experience that will leave you wanting more.

Enjoy Beer City 

Grand Rapids is a bustling city known for its vibrant craft beer scene, and these are the breweries that you absolutely must visit! 

New Holland Brewing

Taking the crown in our reader’s poll is none other than “The Knickerbocker,” Grand Rapids’ New Holland Brewing location, a beautiful gathering space for friends or formal events. This brewery stands above the rest for its creativity and quality in the craft beer landscape of Grand Rapids. New Holland pushes the boundaries of traditional brewing, offering tastes that you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, this picturesque location offers a variety of cocktails and a carefully curated menu of wood-fired favorites and experimental treats for every taste.

Brewery Vivant 

“Vivant” means life in French, which is funny since this brewery is located inside the chapel of a historic funeral home. But the point isn’t irony or sarcasm: the company’s motto is to bring life and sustainability back to the local scene. Brewery Vivant ushers you into a world where the rich heritage of Belgian beer artistry is celebrated with a distinctly local twist and where social and environmental impact is more important than winning accolades.

The Mitten Brewing Company 

Imagine walking into a space where the history of America’s favorite pastime is interwoven into a local Grand Rapids historical fire company. Add craft beers that expertly pair with extraordinary pizza, and you’re in for quite an experience. This is what awaits you at The Mitten Brewing Company, a unique brewery in Grand Rapids that marries the love of beer with an old-time baseball stadium vibe, complete with memorabilia that will transport you back to the Babe Ruth era.

Perrin Brewing Company

Renowned by beer enthusiasts around the US, Perrin Brewing Company is an obvious top contender in Grand Rapids’ craft beer scene. And once you’ve had a taste, it’s impossible not to return for more. Each craft brew is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to push the envelope, and from their casks to tasting room to their merchandise, the quality shines through in the details.

TwoGuys Brewing 

TwoGuys Brewing, was our readers’ overwhelming write-in choice for best brewery in Grand Rapids, and we can see why. It’s a passionately run, community-focused brewery where the personal touch in craft brewing shines through in their remarkable, yet approachable selection of beers — not to mention their menu that’s filled with freshly-made, innovative small bites and filling meals.

Become a Wine Lover

Are you a wine enthusiast looking for the best wine spots in Grand Rapids? Look no further! From cozy wine bars to elegant tasting rooms, Grand Rapids has a lot to offer for every wine lover.

The Crushed Grape

Venture off the beaten path and into the delightful embrace of The Crushed Grape, a sanctuary for those who cherish the thrill of discovering new wines. This quaint wine bar and gift boutique is a treasure trove in Grand Rapids, standing out for its meticulously selected range of unusual and captivating wines from small-scale, artisan wineries. 

House of Wine

Immerse yourself in House of Wine, a comfortable, welcoming space with an extensive range of wines that cater to every palate. Their experts ensure that whether you’re a dedicated connoisseur or someone just beginning to navigate the vast world of wine, you’ll enjoy the stories behind each bottle. This family-owned Grand Rapids staple offers wine-tasting workshops nearly every month and free wine-tasting events every Tuesday. House of Wine is a must-see destination for Grand Rapids tourists as well as locals, offering events like their “Raise a Glass” wine tours.

Reserve Wine & Food

Anyone who has walked through the doors of Reserve Wine & Food knows this isn’t your average food and wine haven. Reserve stands apart as a foodie paradise with a staff that understands the nuances of pairing amazing food with a bouquet of fine wines. This spot dazzles with its selection of artisan cheeses, delectable meats, and gourmet small bites that are a feast you’ll remember forever. The staff at Reserve excels in innovation, which is why they are temporarily closing to introduce the food and wine lovers of Grand Rapids to something entirely new.

Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine

As the crown jewel of our reader’s choice list, this exquisite wine shop is a sanctuary for wine lovers. With over 3,000 labels available in their wine loft at any given time, the shelves of Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine offer more diversity and choice than any other wine shop in the area. Bottles from premiere vineyards and small producers across the globe are available for in-store shopping, pick-up, or shipping seven days a week.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Grand Rapids has plenty of entertainment options to go along with all the adult beverages, including karaoke nights, comedy nights, bingo nights, euchre card game nights, and vinyl nights, among other offerings. 

Stella’s Lounge

Already mentioned in our list of burger spots, Stella’s Lounge is also known as a whiskey bar in downtown Grand Rapids with more than 200 whiskeys on deck. It has a distinct retro vibe, with graffiti walls and an ’80s-style arcade. Stella’s is known for its burgers, having won REVUE Magazine’s Best Burgers in West Michigan for eight years. They feature a pub-style menu with plenty of vegan offerings. Stella’s hosts trivia and musical bingo, both organized by King Trivia, for gift certificate prizes.

Fulton Street Pub and Grill

Fulton Street Pub is an informal bar that has been a hotspot for nightlife in Grand Rapids for 50 years. It focuses on providing nightly entertainment and features a great patio. The menu offers drink specials and pub-style food. Trivia players compete for a gift certificate prize. Karaoke uses Karafun and trivia uses QuizQuest.

K-ROK Korean BBQ and Karaoke

Karaoke is popular in Korean culture, and Korean barbecue is a popular US import. At K-ROK, you get both in one unforgettable experience. Unlike your typical bar karaoke night in front of strangers, the Korean tradition of karaoke, known as noraebang, involves renting private rooms just for your family and friends. K-ROK has rooms available Tuesday through Saturday, with rates starting at $50 per hour and a maximum capacity of 12 people. Enjoy K-ROK’s twist on Korean barbecue, which they call “Korean soul food,” and remember to sip some soju while you’re at it.

Mulligan’s Pub

Mulligan’s is a nostalgic neighborhood dive bar that focuses on cheap drinks and live music. But aside from the music events, there’s plenty more variety of entertainment to be had. Mulligan’s features karaoke and an open mic on Wednesdays during alternating weeks, as well as weekly comedy and trivia called the 2 Bit Trivia Show, with vulgar content and great prizes, offering an experience that’s ultimately, as they call it, “offensive and educational.”

Cheer’s Good Time Saloon

Cheer’s Good Time Saloon has three nights of trivia and two nights of karaoke in a cozy atmosphere. Cheer’s features a large deck outside and plenty of comfort food inside, like their trademark Sizzlin’ Sizzler steak and tons of sandwiches. Fun-loving patrons will adore the large menu of shots and cocktails.

Twisted Bull

The Twisted Bull isn’t just a country bar—it’s the most popular country bar in the region. So if you’re ready to get some country crooning on, you’ll love Twisted Bull’s karaoke nights. They also offer live music on Friday and Saturday. One special offering exclusive to the Twisted Bull is the namesake mechanical bull, and on Mondays only, you can enjoy free rounds of pool with any purchase.

Visit a Museum

Exploring local museums is a fun way to spend a day—especially on those rainy days, when families are stuck at home, likely glued to a screen. Fortunately, Grand Rapids has plenty of opportunities for both occasions. 

Grand Rapids Art Museum 

The Grand Rapids Art Museum may charge admission on the weekends, but if you come on a Tuesday or Thursday, you’ll get a free ticket courtesy of Meijer. Its collection includes over 5,000 works of art, ranging from the Renaissance to more modern designs. 

Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives 

This nonprofit museum is devoted to Black history and culture in Grand Rapids and beyond. Though it may be small, the African American Museum and Archives has big plans to expand. Art produced by Black artists, as well as art depicting important moments of Black history can be found within its collection, as well as historical records and photographs of historical moments involving those of African heritage. 

READ MORE: The Grand Rapids Food Guide

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The ‘Gander staff.