Support Opera Grand Rapids at Opera Week

For the first time in the city, Grand Rapids presents Opera Week from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. Opera Grand Rapids is hosting the week long event that features discounts at local businesses for customers with the “Opera Signature Pass,” pop-up performances, trick or treating at The Betty and an Opera Education Day with Grand Rapids Public Schools. Opera Grand Rapids will also be putting on two performances of “The Mikado” at St. Cecilia Music Center.

An Opera Signature Pass will be given out to people who donate $10 or more to Opera Grand Rapids by Nov. 1. Love’s Ice cream, Aperitivo and Cakabakery are among the variety of Opera Out partners which will be offering discounts. As an incentive to participate in Opera Week, customers who visit three of the Opera Out partners and tag them on social media will have the opportunity to win free tickets to Opera Grand Rapids Production of “Turandot” in May.

Consume costumes and black lattes

Show off your spooky, quirky or creative costume at the Outdoor Coffee Company Halloween Party and Hocus Pocus Screening Halloween night from 5-9 p.m. The family friendly event is open to all ages and dogs are welcome. Hocus Pocus will begin at 7 p.m. The Outdoor Coffee Company will be serving Ghost Toast and Black Lattes the entirety of the night. 

Judging for the costume contests begin at 6 p.m.  A first, second and third prize winners will be chosen from the adult and kids categories and a first prize will be awarded to the best dog costume. Winners of the costume contest will receive Woosah and Outdoor Coffee Company prizes. The only rules of the costume contest is costumes must be “G” rated. 

Day of the Dead celebrated on campus

GVSU is celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Oct. 31 in the Niemeyer Honors Building Lobby. Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated in Mexico from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 as a time to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed.

In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is the time when ofrendas are set up on loved ones graves. Ofrendas are alters which honor the person’s life and they things they loved during their time on Earth. Typically these include pictures, candles, flowers, food and other objects that the person valued.

At the GVSU event, an ofrenda will be set up for students and faculty to bring a picture of their loved on to place on it. The event is a part of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Hispanic Heritage Celebration and will be open 6-8 p.m.