Grand Rapids

Van Andel Arena

130 west fulton, 616-742-6600, (http://www.vanandelarena.com/).

Blackbox theatre that rents space to different acting troupes, so there's always something fresh going on! Comedy on Monday nights.

Circle Theatre continues to produce a season of main stage and Magic Circle productions during the summer months of May through September. The rest of the calendar year is focused on the academic theatre programs of Aquinas College and the Catholic high schools.

Actors' Theatre is committed to bring West Michigan the best in entertaining, innovative, challenging and thought-provoking theatre.

Grand Rapids Symphony

Devos performance hall, 616 454-9451, (http://www.grsymphony.org).

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre [GRCT] is the largest community theatre in Grand Rapids and one of the largest in the entire United States, with over 3,000 season ticket holders annually. We reach over 90,000 people during a single season: 110 performances of the six main stage productions; twenty performances of the two productions for children; and a varying number of special events. GRCT is one of the oldest community theatres in Michigan and in the United States. GRCT has a history of continuity and is one of the more self-sufficient arts organizations in our cultural community.

Grand Rapids Ballet

616-454-4771, (http://www.grballet.com). michigan's only professional ballet company.

Opera Grand Rapids

616-451-2741, (http://www.operagr.com/). one of two opera companies in the state michigan opera theater in detroit being the other, opera gr is michigan's longest running professional company.

Grand Rapids Griffins

(http://www.griffinshockey.com/). ahl hockey. affiliate of the detroit red wings.

Festival of the Arts

(http://www.festivalofthea...) - commonly known as simply festival, this summer weekend event is the nation's largest all-volunteer arts festival. chosen by the library of congress as a local legacy. this event generally occurs in the first full weekend of june.

ArtPrize

(http://www.artprize.org/) - after a hugely successful inaugural event in 2009 and increased attendance in 2010, artprize will be returning in 2011. downtown grand rapids and in 2011 some of the adjoining neighborhoods is transformed into one giant arts showcase, as competing artists place their sculptures, paintings, murals, performances, etc., throughout the urban landscape, vying for the world's largest cash prize for art first prize: $250,000. winner is decided by public vote, enhancing the dialogue between artists and the public, both expert and casual observer alike. 2010 dates are sep. 21—oct. 9.

Fulton Street Artisan's Market

(http://www.grartmarket.com/) - an open-air market, full of arts and crafts from all skill levels. booth space is fairly cheap. open june 14th to september 17th in 2009, sundays from 11-3. on the corner of fulton and fuller streets.

Blues on the Mall

(http://www.wlav.com/) - live blues performances every wednesday at rosa parks circle in the summer. usually the best time to take in downtown nightlife during the week.