March Events in West Michigan

Ahhh, March! The first glimmer of springtime here in West Michigan. We can hear birds chirping, see the ice melting, and actually watch the sunset later than 5:30! But what is the best part about March, you ask? Well, that would have to be all the awesome events happening around the region!

For starters, March marks the month of laughter in West Michigans largest city, Grand Rapids. Laughfest kicks off this Thursday and runs through March 17. Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, is quickly earning a reputation for being one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and artists. The 10-day festival features stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. This year you can see acts such as Wayne Brady, Lewis Black, Brian Regan, and Joel McHale. The event kicks off every year by setting a Guinness Book World Record. In 2011, Laughfest set the record for the Largest Rubber Chicken Toss, and last years record was set for the Most People Wearing Animal Noses. This year, Laughfest will try to set the World Record for most people wearing a fake mustache! You can join in on this fun on Thursday, March 7 at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.


Other events that are famous to March in Grand Rapids are the opening of the John Ball Zoo and the Butterflies are Blooming event at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Both of which are family friendly and perfect excuses to get out and enjoy some of the sunshine we are starting to see again!




Other notable events this month include: 

Festivals, Events, and Expos
MARVAC Battle Creek Camper & RV Show | Battle Creek | March 7-10
West Michigan Women's Expo | Grand Rapids | March 8-10
Southwest Michigan Golf Show | Kalamazoo | March 8-10
Brew-Ski Festival | Harbor Springs | March 9
St. Patrick's Day Parade | Muskegon | March 16
Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show | Traverse City | March 22-24

Arts, Culture, and Food
Butterflies are Blooming | Grand Rapids | Now through April 30
Super Saturday Family Program | St. Joseph | Saturdays in March
Titanic Adventures | Grand Rapids | March 10
Artful Retreat | Suttons Bay | March 10
Easter Brunch | Shelbyville | March 31

Outdoor Recreation
Treetops Amazing Race | Gaylord | March 8-10

For more events and happenings around West Michigan, please visit our events calendar.