Families

Communities across the Lakeshore are getting ready for Halloween, including many opportunities for trick-or-treating. A list of events — slated from Friday, Oct. 25, to Thursday, Oct. 31 — planned across West Michigan is at the bottom of thi

October things to do: Goose Fest, music, history, theater, pumpkins, Day of the Dead, and Halloween

Exhibitions, musical programs, comedy, a film festival, fall-themed events, a hike, and a couple of cemetery tours top this month’s jam-packed list of things to do along the Lakeshore.

Latest in Families
Pumpkin painting will be one of the many free activities available at the Harvest Festival at Benjamin's Hope this weekend.
Benjamin’s Hope free Harvest Festival offers fun for people of all abilities

The annual Harvest Festival at Benjamin's Hope invites members of the community of all abilities to enjoy the 52-acre farm this weekend with hayrides, music, food, games and more. The free event is 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.
Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Experience the sights and sounds of Civil War battles during the popular Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster, taking place Sept. 21-22 on the farm property in Holland.
September things to do: Labor Day, runs, climbs, history, film, music, and a Civil War muster

Highlights for this month include an Irish music festival, an international festival, tree-climbing championships, run/walks, and a symphony performance. There’s also art, movies, history, and craft shows.

Big Read Lakeshore explores identity, the American dream in this year’s book selections

The Big Read Lakeshore will feature a diverse book selection, over 150 events across three counties, and author visits by Pedro Martin and Yuyi Morales.

Naomi Timmerman’s journey from breastfeeding challenges to a bountiful supply is a testament to maternal resilience.
How support helps mom transform breastfeeding struggles into a success story

Throughout National Breastfeeding Month in August, Holland Hospital is emphasizing the crucial role support groups play in a mother’s breastfeeding journey.

Neighborhood Connector Lori Appeldoorn pauses at one of many welcoming stops along Central Avenue. This one, in front of JJ's on the corner of Central and 16th Street, includes yard games, lighting, and picnic benches for neighborhood gatherings.
Eastcore looks to artistic future with neighborhood improvements, mural festival

The Eastcore neighborhood in Holland's central city is undergoing a major shift thanks, primarily, to the combined efforts of neighbors and the nonprofit 3Sixty. The neighborhood's second annual mural festival next month will celebrate all those successes and add to them.

The Holland Symphony Orchestra's Music Moves Us kicks off with a sound bath and yoga at Kollen Park on Tuesday morning, Aug. 6.
August things to do: Festivals, shopping, Music Moves Us, history, movies, Wings Over Muskegon

Why stay home when you could catch the final street performers, check out dinosaur bones, see a play, discuss a book, try abstract painting, shop, and learn the polka?

Herrick District Library will host Summer Olympics-themed events through August.
Let the games begin: Olympic-inspired fun comes to HDL

Herrick District Library is having fun with the Olympics this summer in a way people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Holland Museum interns Back Row (L-R): Tori Lynch, Joseph Le, Daniel Dykstra, Bobby Dotson; Front Row (L-R): Cecelia Hooper, Grace Torrence, Maiya Mashack, Brianna Conway, Lilli Bruxvoort
LEDA legacy lives on in museum exhibit curated by interns

The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance closed its doors earlier this year, but the Holland Museum wanted to make sure LEDA's legacy lived on. A summer of work will culminate in a celebration and an exhibit opening next month.

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