Name: Our Fall 2026 “Alpha in a Day” Where We’ll Explore Life, Faith, and Meaning.
Start: 2026-10-17
End: 2026-10-17

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.

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

Join us for an elegant, classic Afternoon Tea fine-dining experience.

High Tea GR

We're an epicenter for entertainment and fine dining with a casual feel. We offer signature drinks, food and drink specials, as well as banquet and VIP services to elevate the general sports bar appeal. Karaoke, College Night, Comedy Night, and much more!

Eastown Sports Bar

Brunch House GR is a modern brunch restaurant serving a wide range of breakfast and lunch favorites in a bright, welcoming setting. The menu blends classic brunch staples with more elevated options, offering everything from omelettes, pancakes, and French toast to breakfast bowls, handhelds, and shareable dishes. Guests can also enjoy a full lineup of beverages, including specialty coffee drinks, fresh juices, smoothies, and brunch cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys. With its upbeat atmosphere and diverse menu, Brunch House has quickly become a popular go-to for casual brunch outings, whether meeting friends or gathering with family.

Brunch House

Pauly's is a hybrid wine bar/wine shop/event space with a relaxed ambiance and outdoor seating area

Pauly's Wine Experience

Trailhead Cafe

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

“We all have big questions about life, but rarely have the space to actually talk about them.”  
  
We’re hosting a special Alpha in a Day event at Calvary Church (707 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) on Saturday, October 17, 9:00am-3:00pm – a relaxed, no-pressure environment where every question is welcome. Come and enjoy a continental breakfast, lunch, a few short videos, and honest conversations about life, faith, and other things that actually matter.

Our Fall 2026 “Alpha in a Day” Where We’ll Explore Life, Faith, and Meaning.

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