Community Calendar

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

The Sweet House Foundation invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special public event at the historic Sweet House on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour the historic mansion and learn more about Martin Sweet and his impact on the development of early Grand Rapids. A complimentary champagne toast in honor of America’s birthday will be offered to guests.
Doors open at 3:00 p.m., with the guided historical tour beginning promptly at 3:15 p.m. A purchase bar will also be available.
The event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s milestone anniversary while discovering the history of one of Grand Rapids treasured historic homes and the people who helped shape the city.

About The Sweet House Foundation
The objective of The Sweet House Foundation is to preserve, maintain, and share the historic home of Martin Sweet, located at 254 Fulton Street E in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Foundation is dedicated to educating the public about Martin Sweet’s extensive contributions to the development of early Grand Rapids, as well as the historical accomplishments of subsequent occupants of the house.

Praised for performances of remarkable depth and poise, Aristo Sham is one of the most exciting young pianists on today’s international stage. Winner of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Sham has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and other leading ensembles, collaborating with conductors including Simon Rattle and Marin Alsop. Critics have praised his performances as “noble” and “thorough, strong, and brilliant,” recognizing both his musical insight and commanding technique.

Sham first drew international attention as a young artist when he was featured in the 2009 Channel 4 documentary “The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies”. Since then, he has performed for royalty and dignitaries, including King Charles and the Queen of Belgium. In 2024, he recorded and hosted the complete solo piano music of Brahms for RTHK Radio 4, Classical Radio in Hong Kong.

A graduate of Harvard University, New England Conservatory, and The Juilliard School, Sham brings exceptional artistry and maturity to every performance.

Program
L.v. BEETHOVEN
Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1
S. RACHMANINOFF
Six Moments Musicaux, Op. 16
F. CHOPIN
4 Impromptus
L.v. Beethoven
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, (“Moonlight Sonata")

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.