Meijer Gardens set to showcase Michigan music as part of October’s ‘Autumn Nights’

Less than a month after wrapping up its biggest summer concert series, Frederik Meijer Gardens &  Sculpture Park plans to launch more live music for visitors.

As part of its "Autumn Nights" series, which enhances Tuesday evenings with an illuminated “Pumpkin Walk,” artist-carved pumpkins, and lawn games, the amphitheater and Farm Garden will feature “stripped-down” music by eight different Michigan acts in October.

On Oct. 7, Grand Rapids-bred indie-rock band Pretoria (now based in Chicago) will perform on the amphitheater stage, with The Adler and Akansiima Jazz Duo in the farmhouse.

That’s followed on Oct. 14 by mid-Michigan indie-pop artist and Local Spins’ 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year Kanin Wren (amphitheater) and Caitlin Cusack (farmhouse), on Oct. 21 by Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Eric Engblade Band (amphitheater) and Celtic music’s Selkie (farmhouse), and finally on Oct. 28, by northern Michigan indie-rock’s Charlie Millard Band (amphitheater) and indie-folk’s Phil Stancil & Friends (farmhouse).

“We aim to extend the magic of autumn by offering guests a chance to enjoy live music outside in the crisp October air as a wind-down of our popular summer concert series,” said Meijer Gardens’ director of communications John VanderHaagen, referring to the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series that wrapped up Sept. 14 with a sold-out show by Rilo Kiley.

“Autumn Nights concerts at the amphitheater and Michigan’s Farm Garden bring a unique, unplugged atmosphere that complements our seasonal programming and highlights the beauty of fall across our grounds. With concessions available, guests can relax and savor stripped-down, acoustic performances in a setting that’s as intimate as it is beautiful, an experience unlike any other during this special time of year.”

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The special evenings will include children’s programming, seasonal refreshments, adult beverages, hot cider and illumination of the Gwen Frostic Shade Garden, which also will be lined with pumpkins carved by local artists Alynn Guerra, Rebecca Rodriguez and Tahlor Bultema. The DeVos Van Andel Piazza will feature lawn games.

Admission is the regular entry fee to Meijer Gardens: $22 adults, $17 senior citizens, $16 students, $11 children 3-13, free for those 2 and younger. Meijer Gardens members are admitted free. Meijer Gardens, at 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, is open late on Tuesdays until 9 p.m. Get more information online at meijergardens.org.

— Find more Michigan music news and concert listings at LocalSpins.com.