Name: Friends of Korea K-Connect Networking Event
Start: 2026-10-17
End: 2026-10-17

Paragon Bowling Center and Sports Bar

See exciting pro hockey action in downtown GR’s Van Andel Arena! The Griffins are a development affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, giving you the chance to catch tomorrow’s NHL superstars today. Playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Griffins have won two league championships and sent 200+ players to the National Hockey League. The team plays from October-April, offering a wide range of family-friendly promotions, community programs and food & drink specials throughout each season. Go Griffs! Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for ticket information.

Grand Rapids Griffins

Use this link to have the service fees waived on each ticket!

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional ice hockey team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They compete in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing their home games at Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup champions

The Beltline Bar was opened in 1953 by George Wilkinson. The Beltline Bar was a fitting name considering 28th Street was commonly referred to by Grand Rapidians as "The Beltline." When Tony Rutkowski acquired the restaurant in 1964, the establishment only seated 42 people in a single 60' x 30' room. At this time, a total of 3 employees served beer, wine, popcorn & chili dogs, which were the house specialty. In 1966, a liquor license was acquired and Tony's son Jerry developed recipes for a number of Mexican specialties, including the WORLD FAMOUS WET BURRITO. The same secret spice recipe is still used today.

Beltline Bar

Mexican restaurant is a popular destination for authentic tacos and more.

La Vencedora

Real Food Café on Alger is a relaxed neighborhood breakfast spot in Grand Rapids where locals start their mornings over fresh coffee and scratch-made food. Known for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere, this Alger café focuses on quality and consistency—serving breakfast favorites made with real ingredients and careful preparation. From fresh-cracked eggs to house-made classics, everything is prepared daily by a small team that takes pride in doing things the right way. It’s an easygoing, reliable stop for breakfast and coffee in the Alger area.

Real Food Cafe - Alger Heights

We make worthy treats for every body. Finding treats you can trust can be frustrating and lonely. Our intentionally-sourced ingredients, made from scratch ice cream, dairy-free gelato (vegan), low net carb gelato (also vegan) and an array of fine chocolate confections give everyone a seat at the table. Enjoy a relaxing time with friends or family in our 45-seat dining room.

Located inside the Downtown Market.

Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate

Craft ice cream maker and chocolatier. Meticulously made from scratch from intentionally sourced ingredients. Aside from classic creations we have dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options.

JB's Pizza was founded in October of 1998 by Jeff and Sherita, and their five daughters, with the idea that they would bring a quality gourmet pizza shop to Alger Heights. We had no idea what we were in for. But we've come a long way since those hidden in the back parking lot days. It was almost like you had to know someone who knew someone who knew JB's was there, but find us you did!

We believe that was because of our commitment to excellence, quality food, and our down home Mom and Pop ambiance. Thanks to the neighborhoods love of great food, and their support of local community businesses, we've been able to grow and flourish here. So we invite you to come join us and experience something new, (or what some people would say is too crazy to put on a pizza) and we hope to provide you with something to talk about. It's what keeps us going!

Mangia Bene Piasons,  
JB

JB's Pizza Parlour

Creative cuisine mirrors the modern artistic environment of this family-friendly eatery in the heart of the Alger Heights neighborhood.

The Old Goat

Brass Ring Brewing joins a spirit of fierce independence with a love for the making of true craft beer and community. Our beer is made from four natural ingredients: water, malted barley, hops and yeast. All natural, no chemicals, no preservatives, unfiltered. Brass Ring strives for style-specific perfection offering traditional pub ales, porters, and stouts. All our beer is made in-house, served-in house, for you and our neighbors. It is with great pride that we serve you our small-batch craft brews. Tours available Saturdays at 2:00 PM ($6.00). No advance sign up required. Price includes tour, 8 oz novelty Brass Ring Logo Glass, and a pour of your choice to enjoy on the tour. Enjoy…

Brass Ring Brewing Company

Brass Ring Brewing joins a spirit of fierce independence with a love for the making of true craft beer and community. Our beer is made from four natural ingredients: water, malted barley, hops and yeast. All natural, no chemicals, no preservatives, unfiltered.

Brass Ring strives for style-specific perfection offering traditional pub ales, porters, and stouts. All our beer is made in-house, served-in house, for you and our neighbors. It is with great pride that we serve you our small-batch craft brews. Tours available Saturdays at 2:00 PM ($6.00). No advance sign up required. Price includes tour, 8 oz novelty Brass Ring Logo Glass, and a pour of your choice to enjoy on the tour. Enjoy…

Brass Ring Brewing Company Facility Tour

Whether you're a curious first-timer or a seasoned aficionado, the brewery's spacious taproom provides the perfect setting to savor each unique brew. The welcoming atmosphere attracts a varied crowd, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and socializing. Music lovers can revel in the regular live performances that add an exciting and lively dimension to any visit, enhancing the overall experience.

We have been lucky to evolve into one of the highest-recognized breweries in the United States. We’ve been ranked among the top breweries in the world by Ratebeer.com since 2006, and we have several beers listed in the top 100 beers of the world on Beeradvocate.com. We’re now among the top ten largest craft breweries in the country.

Founders Brewing Co

The unique offering of specialty beers and delicious deli options has helped to make our taproom a staple in the Grand Rapids community.

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

Save the date: October 17, 2026, for networking, live performances, and presentations on Korean culture and Korean War veterans. There will be cultural activities celebrating Hanbok Day and much more.  
Sponsored by Friends of Korea, Korean Connection, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago.  
KROC Center, 2500 Division Ave, GR, MI 49507  
1:00-3:00pm

Friends of Korea K-Connect Networking Event

Four days of championship foosball in Grand Rapids. Juniors and touring professionals play at the same tables. Every dollar raised helps put free foosball tables in schools.

The Great Lakes Classic

Gear up for the 2026 University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon, a thrilling all-ages multi-sport event set to energize the vibrant streets of Grand Rapids on October 18, 2026!  Traverse the scenic landscapes of Michigan's second-largest city as you race towards triumph amidst the community's cheers. 

University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon

The 2026 Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, presented by Fusion Medical, is a Grand Rapids Thunder home tournament taking place October 24–25, 2026, at MSA Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This six-team Division II–III wheelchair rugby competition welcomes athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials, with lunch and a tournament T-shirt provided to participants. Tournament schedules will be emailed after rosters are received, with roster submissions due October 13.

Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

The 2nd annual Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament is taking place in West Michigan in November 2026! Teams throughout the nation will compete for the gold medal in a thrilling 4-day experience.

Special Olympics North America Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament

The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.



Friends of Korea K-Connect Networking Event

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