Guinness, garbs and galaxies far, far away: What to do in West Michigan this weekend
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The weather seems to be much more cooperative than last year for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and other events across West Michigan.
Here’s a look at what you can do the weekend of March 15:
Irish on Ionia
If you were brave enough to tough out the snow and cold at last year’s Irish on Ionia, then you’re in for a treat this year with near 50-degree temperatures.
The outdoor party celebrating St. Patrick’s Day will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday and the fun will go until 9 p.m. all along Ionia Avenue.
You can get your tickets by clicking here.
40th Corewell Health’s Irish Jig 5K
And before the festivities at Irish on Ionia kick-off, Corewell Health will be hosting the 40th annual Irish Jig 5K.
The race begins at East Grand Rapids High School, with runners going at 8:30 a.m. and walkers hitting the starting line 15 minutes later. The money raised by the 5K will go toward helping families of patients with Corewell Health.
To register for the race, click here.
List: 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Events in West Michigan
West Michigan Women’s Expo
For the 26th time, the West Michigan Women’s Expo comes to DeVos Place for three straight days of fun.
Starting Friday, guests can check out some of the latest fashion trends, health and wellness tips and also shop around with dozens of vendors in attendance.
Click here for more information.
The Franke Center’s stage combat workshop
Students from fifth to ninth grade are invited to The Franke Center Saturday to partake in a stage combat workshop.
The workshop looks to educate students on the best ways to make on-stage fights look convincing to the audience while remaining safe for the actors.
You must register ahead of time and you can do so by clicking here.
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Star Wars Night with the Griffins
The Grand Rapids Griffins have some exciting theme nights for this weekend, including the return of Star Wars Night.
It all starts on Friday vs the Iowa Wild where the team will celebrate its annual Purple Community Game. Then on Saturday, your favorite characters from Star Wars will be in attendance to make sure there’s just as much fun off the ice as on the ice.
Get tickets or find more information by clicking here.
Open drifting event at Kalamazoo Speedway
Racing fans are not going to want to miss out on the event coming to the Kalamazoo Speedway on Saturday.
AutoMODIFIED is back for a second full season to give racers of all skill levels the chance to drift on the racetrack from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kids 12 and younger get in for free.
For more details, click here.
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Deos Contemporary Ballet at St. Cecilia Music Center
Starting Friday, the Deos Contemporary Ballet will be performing at the St. Cecilia Music Center for three nights.
It’s part of the group’s Ember Series 24. The company will be a mixed repertoire performance you won’t see anywhere else.
For tickets, click here.
Tulip Time Costume Sale
Tulip Time in Holland will be here before you know it and what better way to prepare for it than by getting your outfits picked out.
The annual Costume Sale will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Priscilla’s Boutique and you can find Dutch-style outfits in all sizes from infant to adult.
Click here for more details.
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Kalamazoo Living History Show
Head on down to the Kalamazoo Expo Center this Saturday and Sunday for the annual Kalamazoo Living History Show.
The two-day event will bring over 10,000 historical reenactors, history buffs and more to one location to experience the 48th annual show. Think of it as a big re-enactment showcase from people across the Midwest. This year’s theme revolves around the Revolutionary War.
More information can be found by clicking here.
West Michigan St. Patrick’s Day events
On top of all of these events, there are also plenty of fun activities to do for St. Patrick’s Day this year.
We have created a list of all of the holiday-oriented events across West Michigan for you so you can make sure to celebrate in style.
The full list can be found here.
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