Take an ‘awesomely autumn’ class at the Downtown Market this October

Fall is just around the corner, and you know what that means: Time to celebrate the season with classes at the Downtown Market!

By:Downtown Market

Writer/Director Amy Heckerling offers sound, no-nonsense advice for West Michigan filmmakers

The overarching theme in Heckerling’s Q&A presentation was that of perseverance and believing in yourself and your talent. And sometimes you have to swallow an ‘atta boy’ sandwich.

By:Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Brewery Vivant’s 6th Annual Wood-Aged Beer Festival celebrates art of craft brewing

Showcasing over 20 wood and wild beers, Brewery Vivant will take over its parking lot once again with tents, taps and two sessions.

By:West Michigan Tourist Association

“Art at the Market” will showcase local artists and WMCAT art activities

Coinciding with ArtPrize, the Southeast Area Farmer’s Market hosts Art at the Market featuring several artists and an opportunity to make your own button.

By:Stella Slootmaker

Latin Grammy nominee, Mariachi Flor de Toloache performs Sept. 15 in Holland, Mich.

El 15 de Septiembre, 2016 en la noche, Tulipanes presenta el grupo nominado por un Grammy Latino, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, el primer y único conjunto Mariachi de mujeres exclusivamente fundado en Nueva York, EU, en 2008.

By:Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts

Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con: The Big Bang Theory, creative costumes, and a camp out

Comic-Con is littered with fun and creative costumes along with in-depth information straight from the mouths of writers and actors alike. This year I did something new, I camped out to get into the Mecca of Comic-Con… Hall H.

By:Katelyn Kohane

Residents have until Sunday to visit ‘The Robot Zoo’ at the Public Museum

The popular traveling exhibit “The Robot Zoo” will be closing this Sunday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Area residents have until then to come check it out.

By:Kate Moore

Saugatuck Center for the Arts puts the call out for submissions to its annual film competition

WKTV once again partners with Saugatuck Center for the Arts to showcase some of the top films from the Saugatuck Short film festival. Deadline for submission is Oct. 14.

By:Angela Peavey

WKTV and Global Force Productions are going on a safari

The West Michigan-based production company is teaming up with WKTV to present a new television show, “Jake’s Safari.” The show will air on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

By:WKTV Staff

You don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish Theatre

Though the productions may have Jewish themes, they are always universal in appeal. The goal is to enrich the Jewish experience in West Michigan, while informing, educating and engaging patrons. It’s live theatre to learn, love and laugh with.

By:Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids

Reserve your seats now for the 2016-2017 Van Singel Fine Arts Center season

Van Singel Fine Arts Center, at 84th and Burlingame SW in Byron Center, has an impressive line-up of performances for its 2016-2017 season. For more information, go to the website at vsfac.com.

By:WKTV Staff

The art of traveling solo

When you travel by yourself, oftentimes your senses are heightened since you don’t have a travel companion to distract you. You notice little things you might otherwise miss.

By:Lynn Strough, Travelynn Tales

Fall is almost here: Explore Traverse City’s backwoods on the North Country Trail

Even some of Traverse City’s most enthusiastic fans don’t know that the area includes an iconic stretch of the nation’s newest (and longest) hiking pathway — the 4,600-mile North Country Trail (NCT), which runs through seven states and 12 national forests from New York to North Dakota.

By:Mike Norton

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts and AWARE feature acclaimed documentary

The upcoming event is a screening of “Tab Hunter: Confidential,” which follows the movie star as he tries to hide his sexuality. The event is set for Sept. 17.

By:Angela Peavey

Seven Wyoming and Kentwood artists featured in ArtPrize Eight

Seven artists with ties to Wyoming and Kentwood, Michigan have artwork in this year’s ArtPrize Eight. Learn about the artists, their work and where to see their entries.

By:Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Four local authors discuss writing and publishing at Schuler Books

From fiction to travel guides, four local authors discuss the highs and lows of being an author and the publishing industry at a panel discussion set for Thursday, Sept. 8.

By:Whitney Spotts, Schuler Books & Music

Cinderella Story: a cautionary tale

There are Travel Angels out there who are life’s blessings, and there are tricksters who would put on a smiling face, and then take as much advantage of you as you allow them to.

By:Lynn Strough

Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con: Her Universe Fashion Show 2016

Each of the past three years, Her Universe has put on an annual fashion show at Comic-Con. For the second straight year, I was fortunate enough to attend the fashion show while in San Diego.

By:Katelyn Kohane

Robinette’s to host ‘Peanuts’-themed maze during fall season

Peanuts Worldwide and Robinette’s are preparing a once-in-a-lifetime celebration: the creation of a unique corn maze, custom-designed to feature Peanuts themes. The maze, which will feature The Red Baron Scene, will cover 6.5 acres on the farm’s lot.

By:Kerrie Van Eck

Forget Pokemon — see and touch real animals at Michigan zoos and wildlife centers

West Michigan is gifted with an array of indigenous wildlife and zoos that provide guests a glimpse into a greater world. Here are some places to see, touch and learn about a variety of animals.

By:Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

New York Times bestselling author Wade Rouse reads excerpts from ‘The Charm Bracelet’

“New York Times” bestselling author Wade Rouse will appear at a private cocktail fundraiser hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver, Sept. 8. The event is being held in support of the SCA’s free educational programs.

By:Angela Peavey

Cruising through DreamWheels!

With Metro Cruise upon us and WKTV’s DreamWheels! set to film on Saturday, we take a look back on the stories of the people and cars who make the cruise such a large attraction.

By:WKTV Staff

Don’t miss Yassou! Grand Rapids Greek Cultural Festival Aug. 26-28

From a great live band and dance demonstrations, to wine tastings and cooking classes, there is something for everyone at Yassou!

By:Victoria Mullen

Saugatuck Center for the Art’s newest exhibition takes on a vibrant and playful atmosphere

The work of Pam Kravetz and Jillian Dickson is featured in the exhibition “Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys” through Oct. 7 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

By:Angela Peavey

Amy Heckerling, award-winning writer and director, to present at WMFVA’s 2016 Visiting Film Artist Series

WMFVA’s two-day Visiting Film Artist Series seminar and workshop with Amy Heckerling is scheduled for September 9 & 10 at venue partner Celebration! Cinema North in Grand Rapids. Space is limited.

By:Victoria Mullen