Looking for something different to do this holiday season and beyond?

There are plenty of options in greater West Michigan that may not be on your radar. Here, we’ve gathered some lesser-known attractions for you to explore—from galleries to performance venues to shops.

Fremont is just an hour’s drive from central Grand Rapids, and it’s home to two noteworthy sites. Dogwood Center for Performing Arts has been a fixture in the area for more than 20 years, fulfilling its mission “To be a creative force and community resource providing cultural experiences for Newaygo County and surrounding areas.” In addition to being a performance space for many popular acts, it also has a lobby gallery and quality programming that serves both residents and visitors.

NCCA-Artsplace, also in Fremont, offers the ability to engage with the arts through classes, exhibits, and art-involved contests and competitions. Through December 2024, they’re holding their Holiday Artist Market where shoppers can find handmade jewelry, pottery, ornaments, original paintings, sculptures, photography and more. If you miss that, don’t worry! They have a year-round Artist Market, featuring work of area artists, that draws people from near and far.

Lowell is also a destination with a variety of diversions for lovers of art and culture, all within a few steps of one another! Lowell Arts, which recently rebranded, is a gallery and performance space that also serves as an artistic and cultural hub for residents and out-of-towners craving a refreshing change of scenery. Located on West Main Street downtown, the 4,700-square-foot facility features rotating exhibits with free admission; a monthly concert series; theatre performances; art classes for youth, teens and adults; and an Artist Market with creations by Michigan artists.

Flat River Gallery & Framing is a cooperative with 26 member artists. In addition to fine art on display and for purchase, they also host special events throughout the year. Standouts include their Members’ Holiday Market, running through December 21, and Champagne & Chocolate, on February 15, 2025. Those interested in learning a new skill will be excited to participate in one of their unique classes.

Nestled in between the two on Lowell’s West Main is Ability Weavers, which focuses on “Weaving a Purpose.” They provide employment to those with autism and special needs, and they also sell many of the handwoven products they make, with 100% going back to weavers. It’s a great spot to shop for gifts, whether it’s rugs, towels, totes or custom rugs in your choice of size and color.

Also making a name in the arts scene is Muskegon, with its famed Frauenthal Center and adjacent The Block, as well as Muskegon Museum of Art. See a production of the West Michigan Symphony, a movie, a comedy show, a musical or live music at Frauenthal Center. Or, head across the street to The Block, a more intimate performance hall set within a restored 1890 building. Their 15-concert core series spans genres, from chamber music to folk to jazz to world music.

Muskegon Museum of Art, already known for its impressive permanent collection, is undergoing an $15 million expansion that will double the museum’s size. Opening in February 2025, part of the expansion will include a new collection of 150 works by 115 women artists from around the world, generously donated by Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melloti Schmidt. The Museum also offers events, classes, tours, concerts and talks, plus their Festival of Trees, running through January 5, 2025.

Celebrating their centennial in 2024—and 100 years of connecting people and art—is Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts. Aptly on display is the exhibition Legendary Voices: Art for the Next Century, which brings together works from a range of periods, artists and genres, and spotlights the breadth of their collection. Ongoing programs of interest are their Wonder Walks, aimed at young children, and their Gallery Gatherings conversations. Both are free with admission, but preregistration is recommended.

Now that you’ve headed north, south, east and west, why not seek out a treasure hidden right in your own backyard? Grand Rapids Ballet presents world-class talent, with dancers who come from across the globe to live and work in the city. 2024 is their 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker, with six dates in December. Also not to be missed on stage in February is Peter Pan—which will include flying! Both productions are family friendly and accompanied by the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.

This article originally appeared in the Dec ’24/Jan ’25 issue ofWest Michigan Woman.