Name: Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens
Start: 2026-10-24
End: 2026-10-24

JW's Coffee House

Welcome to John Ball Zoo, a vibrant animal kingdom nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Located at the scenic John Ball Park Ballroom, this enchanting zoo offers visitors an unforgettable journey into the world of wildlife, making it an essential stop for families and animal enthusiasts. Known for its diverse collection of animals, the zoo brings you face-to-face with over 1,000 creatures, ranging from majestic tigers to playful penguins, ensuring there's something captivating for everyone to see.

John Ball Zoo is renowned for its engaging experiences, including interactive exhibits and educational programs that are sure to delight and inform visitors of all ages. The zoo's dedication to wildlife conservation and education is evident in its thoughtfully curated habitats and knowledgeable staff, who are eager to share fascinating insights about the animal kingdom.

Ideal for families and group outings, the zoo offers a range of activities that make for a full day of fun and exploration. Youngsters will particularly enjoy the engaging experiences, including the opportunity to feed some of the animals and the thrilling zip-line adventure that offers a bird's-eye view of the zoo's beautiful landscape.

John Ball Zoo

Home to over 2000 animals, John Ball Zoo offers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.

Sip Organic Juice Bar is committed to using the highest quality, most local, sustainable ingredients available to them. They compost, recycle, and produce very little trash. They offer a 3-day and 5-day raw food detox, weekly. Stop in or check out their calendar for details!

Sip Organic Juice Bar- Grand Rapids

Trailhead Cafe

Voted in the top 5 pizza places in Michigan by Mlive, artfully crafted cocktails, artisanal fresh food, and outstanding unique and delicious beers brewed by us with love and gratitude.

Harmony Brewing Company - Eastown

Eastown hangout features a full list of grab-and-go brewed coffees and craft espressos alongside creative takes on breakfast sandwiches, salads and soups.

That Early Bird

Welcome to Uptown – Grand Rapids' premier destination for local shopping, dining, exploring, and more. While here you'll enjoy discovering four thriving businesses districts (East Hills, East Fulton, Wealthy Street, and Eastown); nearly 400 small and independently owned boutiques, restaurants, galleries, pubs, and specialty shops; plus cozy historic neighborhoods, our famous brick-laid streets, and more. Uptown has endless opportunities to surprise and delight. Come on UP!

Uptown Grand Rapids

"Inspired, handcrafted foods that nurture both body and community" - made with the freshest, health-filled ingredients from the region's most dedicated growers. Reservations can be made at https://www.exploretock.com/terragr/

Terra GR

Within the Local Epicurean, you will find "The Local - Grand Rapids" the newly opened restaurant and bar featuring our hand made pasta, salads, numerous appetizers for sharing and a large selection of pastry that is a perfect compliment to our locally roasted organic coffee and teas.

The Local Epicurean

Each guest is taught to make Pasta in the ancient Roman style.   
Our pasta chef will make enough fresh pasta or ravioli for you take home to prepare and is enough for pasta for four dinners. Sauce for the pasta is not included but a wide variety is available for purchase. Private group classes are available and may be as large as 40 guests. Reservations are required.  
  
Bottled non-alcoholic beverages and a cheese tray are included.

The Local Epicurean Private Cooking Class

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

Our entirely new and expanded Autumn Weekends programming on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays adds live music, seasonal food and beverage offerings, and daytime activities that encourage guests to gather, explore, and make memories together.  
  
Celebrate the richness of the harvest season at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where autumn weekends are filled with hands-on discovery, seasonal flavors, and opportunities to gather. Inspired by the traditions of the fall harvest, this series invites guests of all ages to explore, play and connect across the campus. You’ll find a variety of activities—for a variety of ages and activity levels!— throughout our grounds. Attend one event, all events or as many events as you like, as part of your autumn fun.

Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens

Business Type

Has Promotions Available

Special Features