This weekend in Ottawa County, MI

At Creekside Middle School, the Zeeland West Craft Show brings together a broad mix of crafters and vendors. The event also features a bake sale, raffle baskets, and food trucks.

Kick off Fall Fest at The Bookman with a storytime for children. Guest reader Nickora Carmichael of Sunflower Speech Haven will share the book Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? After the reading, look for more activities around Centertown, and enjoy a hayride that loops between Centertown and Downtown.

Downtown and Centertown Grand Haven host a family friendly fall celebration featuring treats at participating businesses, seasonal shopping, and community activities for all ages. Highlights include storytime at The Bookman, pumpkin decorating at The GH Tribune, activities spread across Centertown and Downtown, the Bones About Town winners announced by WAWL Radio in the third block, temporary tattoos at Glik’s and Silverfire Gallery, a sensory friendly haunted house at The Elks, and touch a truck opportunities with Brenneman Lea and the City of Grand Haven DPW, with more festive fun throughout the district. Participation is limited to DDA businesses, and outside vendor solicitations are not part of this event.

Doug Einfeld, a Christian pastor and the author of In the Shadow of the Most High: Uncovering My Jewish Ancestors’ Perilous Journey Through History, leads a relaxed coffee conversation about family heritage and identity. He shares how he discovered his paternal Jewish ancestry and traces a historical journey from the ancient Near East through medieval Europe, following generations shaped by survival, persecution, faith, and resilience. Drawing on both pastoral experience and historical research, he explores connections between Jewish and Christian history and the family stories that can remain hidden for years. The format includes time to listen and ask questions, encouraging reflection on how the past informs the values and choices carried forward. This program is well suited for those interested in genealogy, history, religious history, or the complex narratives that shape who we are.

Al-Van Humane Society hosts a relaxed meet and greet at Chow Hound Pet Supplies in Holland that highlights several dogs available for adoption. Attendees can learn about the adoption process and spend time with the dogs, adding a bit of extra excitement to a future trip to Chow Hound.

Football fans can score savings during every Michigan, Michigan State, and Lions game with bar-only specials. Take two dollars off drafts, seltzers, and Tito's, and save three dollars on specialty drinks, appetizers, and wine by the glass while the action unfolds. These offers are available to dine-in guests in the bar area and cannot be combined with other discounts. Settle into a seat, choose your team, and enjoy the game with a deal in hand.

As the holiday season approaches, this gathering at Bluestocking centers on the complex ties of family and the poems they inspire. Michigan poet Marissa LaPorte, author of Dead Grandmas Are Universal, leads an afternoon that begins with a beginner friendly workshop using gentle writing prompts to explore memories, relationships, identity, and the mix of joy, hurt, humor, and baggage that often comes with the people in our lives. After the workshop, she offers a short reading that includes selections from her collection, followed by a conversation about the themes and inspirations behind her work. There is time afterward to meet the poet, chat about writing, and have a copy signed. No prior experience is required, sharing is optional, and the atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and low pressure... a chance to put complicated feelings on the page as the season of togetherness nears.

This Trunk-or-Treat event offers popcorn and cider at the welcome table while supplies last. Free pumpkins will be available to take home from several crates, limited to one per child and also while supplies last.

Michael Solo returns to Sandy Point Beach House for an evening with food, drinks, and music. The setting has a lively, welcoming vibe.

Enjoy a feel-good mat Pilates session that builds strength and tone while boosting energy. The class guides you through a full-body flow centered on core engagement, intentional movement, and controlled exercises. Variations are offered so you can tailor each sequence to your needs. No prior Pilates experience is required. Please bring a mat and be ready to move.

Back for the festive season, this dog-centric portrait session brings a pumpkin patch theme to Holland, Michigan. Appointment-based time slots are available for capturing autumn photos of your pup.

Andelcrag Baronial Archery Practice takes place at West Walker Sportsmans Club, using an indoor range that makes year-round training possible. Upon arrival, continue down the driveway to the final building. Participants should bring their own bows, as loaner bows are not available at this time, though a limited number of arrows can be borrowed. Please treat the facility with care and respect. Questions can be directed to the Baronial Archery Marshal, Forestière Geneviefve Jaquline de Gris (Megan Lou Woodman), or the Barony SMO. This practice is hosted and managed by the Barony of Andelcrag, a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and serves as an official communication of the group. Any external links associated with this event do not imply endorsement.

Trunk or Treat at Coopersville Reformed Church features decorated trunks with plenty of candy, free hot dogs and snacks, and fun activities for children. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome. Costumes are encouraged, and the celebration offers a simple way to enjoy time with friends, neighbors, and family.

A contemplative experience invites a journey through breath, honey, and remembrance. It opens with Melipona honey, a revered medicine made by the tiny stingless Melipona bee and brought from Peru, rooted in the healing traditions of the Amazon. As part of the opening ritual, participants may taste the honey or, if they feel called, choose an optional ceremonial application to the eyes. The gathering then turns toward conscious breathing, supported by sound, intention, and the steady rhythm of the earth. This guided practice encourages a shift from busy thoughts to the body’s wisdom, creating space to release what feels heavy, awaken what has been quiet, and reconnect with a deeper sense of self. Arrive as you are with room to breathe, soften, listen, and remember. Facilitated by Carey Burns.