Community Calendar

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

MIOCA is proud to present our annual Shake Your Teal Feathers awareness event!

Join us during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at The Meadows at Millennium Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Bring the whole family to participate in our 1-mile run/walk and enjoy an ice cream at the finish. While you have your ice cream, browse our silent auction and raffle.

Come together to raise awareness, show support for those affected by ovarian cancer, and enjoy a sweet treat.

Survivor registration is free!

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.

Join us on Saturday, October 4 at 8:30 am for the 18th Annual Bee Brave 5K Run/Walk.

Choose from 3 registration options:

Run (Timed)
Walk (Not timed)
Virtual 5K
The cost to register is $30 and includes the official 2025 Bee Brave 5K t-shirt. To be guaranteed this year’s race shirt, you must register by Sunday, September 21.

Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Late registration for the 5K Run and Walk will be available online after Sunday, Sept. 28 for $40.
Sign up for the race by clicking the “Registration” button above.
About Bee Brave
Bee Brave is more than just a few events throughout the year to raise money for local breast cancer research. Throughout the last 18 years, it has grown to become a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about raising breast cancer awareness, supporting fighters and honoring those whose battle has ended. Bee Brave is a haven of hope for those who need it, a home in which to share their courageous stories, as well as a place to celebrate the victories and triumphs over breast cancer.

Since 2016, Bee Brave has raised more than $860,000 to support breakthrough breast cancer research in the lab of Dr. Matt Steensma at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.

Bee Brave is different because all of the money raised stays in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

100% of Bee Brave events are organized by volunteers and supported by local business sponsors who are dedicated to finding a cure.
100% of race registration goes directly to breast cancer research at Van Andel Institute.

This Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Labor Day. There is no charge.

Get ready to be amazed at our newest interactive exhibit! From the smallest bees to fluttering butterflies and beyond, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with larger-than-life animatronic pollinators that reveal the secrets of nature’s hardest-working heroes. Explore the critical role these creatures play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that plants, flowers, and crops thrive. Join us to celebrate their incredible impact! Over 20 animatronic pollinators will be on display, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and the very important Poweshiek Skipperling, which is the star of one of the Zoo's most successful conservation programs.