Hockey, harvest and horror: What to do in West Michigan this weekend

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The autumn winds are returning to West Michigan and so are so many awesome events to check out this weekend.

Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Oct. 17:

Griffins Home Opener

Hockey is back in Grand Rapids this Friday as the Griffins play host to the Manitoba Moose for their season-opening game.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. and fans will also have a chance at some exclusive giveaways. Rally towels and magnet schedules will be handed to the first fans who walk through the doors. The two teams battle it out on the ice on Saturday night as well.

Tickets are on sale now. You can grab yours by clicking here.

Grand Rapids Marathon

The 22nd annual Grand Rapids Marathon is taking place this Saturday and you still have time to register.

But maybe you’re not trained for a 26.2-mile trek. Well, you’re in luck. The race also offers a half-marathon option, a marathon relay, 5K and 10K options.

Click here to sign up for a race.

2025 EGR Harvest Festival

On Saturday, East Grand Rapids is inviting the community to a full day of celebrating local breweries and the fall season.

The second annual EGR Harvest and Beer Festival is back and is expected to draw some 5,000 people. Attendees will get to shop, eat and drink and there are also several activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Click here to learn more.

Kent County Cup

The Kent Career Tech Center is set to host a Mario Kart Tournament this Saturday and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Esports tournament is open to those in ninth through twelfth grade who are looking for some bragging rights as the top Mario Kart player in the county.

For more information, click here.

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ at Four Winds Casino

Catching a showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” during the Halloween season is a must for many of us but this weekend you’ll have a unique chance to see the film at Four Winds Casino.

Not only will you get to see the film but the casino will also be bringing in some of the actors from the 1975 movie including Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Patricia Quinn.

Get your tickets by clicking here.

Downtown St. Joseph Spooktacular

St. Joseph is bringing in the spooky season with a brand new event that features all of the seasonal favorite activities.

The Downtown Spooktacular is taking place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature day-long fun from a costume parade to pumpkin carving demonstrations.

Click here for more details.

Kalamazoo Book Arts Center 20th anniversary

Saturday is your chance to celebrate an icon in the Kalamazoo community as the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center turns 20 years old.

The gallery is hosting an anniversary party from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will include demonstrations on how to make paper, a live performance by Willey Central and, of course, plenty of birthday cake to eat.

You can find more information by clicking here.

A Taste of Ireland in Benton Harbor

This weekend in Benton Harbor, you can get a real, authentic Irish experience without having to leave the state of Michigan.

A Taste of Ireland, the Off-Broadway show, is making a stop in West Michigan this Saturday night at the Jenkins Theatre. The show promises to provide plenty of Irish music and dancing.

Click here to learn more.