As a 49 year old tradition in Grand Rapids, I feel that tug to return every year. I agree with…read moresome of the comments I have seen regarding the level of the arts presentations the last few years. The live performance art is well covered but I wonder if because of Art Prize we won't see the amount of art exhibits that we were used to in the past. I do miss that. The food this year was good. Seems to be a lot of the crowd favorites and that is good. Maybe a little more variety and maybe more food booths could be added? I don't think that the food is overpriced since some the organizations make this their largest fund raiser during the year. Cannot wait until next year to celebrate the 50th!

I will be honest, I am completely biased about Festival. I love it. It's family; some of my…read moreearliest memories are volunteering at Festival and my family's involvement had a monumental impact on my life. I've lived away from GR for a number of years now and wasn't able to attend a few Festivals - being away has made me appreciate it even more. The accessibility to art is unprecedented (this includes performance and visual art) and all of the food booths are run by local non-profits. This thing we simply call, "Festival" is no doubt part of what puts GR and West MI on the map. Oh, and if you were the least bit curious... this is one of the largest all-volunteer run events in the country and occurs the first full weekend of every June.

I wanted something fun to do on my birthday weekend, so Nate and I got tickets to the Best of the…read moreBest improv show at The Comedy Project. I think it was $17 per ticket and you just check in at the podium near the bar when you arrive. They explained they system to us - give them a credit card to start a tab, then you can write your drink/food order on a paper and they'll come around throughout the show to grab your paper. Then they cash you out at your table right after the show. It was a quick and efficient system! They have canned beverage (alcohol and N/A) and some snacks - we enjoyed the Pop Corners and "Taste of Italy," which is a small plate of pizza rolls and mozzarella sticks. The show itself was SO funny! They did several fun skits, many of which involved audience suggestions. There were only a couple that didn't make me laugh as hard, but I was cracking up most of the show. It's incredible how the cast members can come up with things on the spot like that. One note, if you're a couple or group smaller than six people, you'll likely be seated at a table with others. We had fun chatting with our table mates but it would be a great group outing. I'm so glad we finally went back to The Comedy Project and am looking forward to seeing more shows! We went to the 7 pm show and they told us if we wanted to stay for the 9 pm show, you can get tickets for half off.

Great show, very funny. Good time and drinks were reasonable. If u want a laugh this will not…read moredisappoint you.

Cute, intimate theater associated with GRCC. I've seen two or three productions here, most recently…read moreGreen Day's American Idiot. I've been impressed with the quality of the work, especially since actors appear to be students and new up and comers to theater. Ticket prices are very reasonable. Parking is not so reasonable, so plan on getting there early to find a spot.

There are things I can't un-see from this show. Fortunately, I think the cast would feel that is…read morethe equivalent of a 5 star review and it is. I've been meaning to write this since I saw their "Art Prize- The Musical" act a few years ago. I loved it - stand up and cheer, couldn't stop talking about it, loved it! It poked fun at every local stereotype, popular public figures, and especially Grand Rapids' beloved, Art Prize. It was witty and subversive, all while having clever accompanying music. Then this Grand Rapids-based vaudeville/burlesque act really pushed some Midwest buttons when I saw them again around Thanksgiving. Complete with songs, dance, and a full band, the show was much more R rated, showcasing several skits with tasseled girls and at one point, a large man wearing nothing but a diaper. The performance closed with a bearded female Jesus in glittery panties doing acrobatic tricks on a cross. I can't even make that up. If you are looking for a shock-value laden, goofy and outrageous, boundary-pushing good time with plenty of laughs, check them out! You won't be disappointed.

For my money, this is the absolute BEST entertainment/theatre in west Michigan. The most…read moreinteresting, the most edgy, the most engaging. While every show is different, and some have misses instead of hits, the fact that the work is risky, current, political, and beautiful. The music and orchestra, originals by Mr. Happy Pants usually, is amazing. He is an MC worthy of the title. And the sketches and audience interactions are inviting and can be squirm-worthy. "Artprize: The Musical" was the best thing I have ever seen, satirizing everything that is wrong and right with the arts in Grand Rapids. And Ms. Finan as Jesus is sublime. We go every time we can and take friends. If it makes them uncomfortable, yea! Art isn't supposed to appease--it is supposed to provoke. You want pablum? Check out Circle Theatre. You want real theatre? Super Happy Funtime.

Great venue for a comedy show. I went on Friday night to Brad Williams. Tickets were easy to buy…read moreonline ($36) and I just showed my mobile ticket entry. There are parking garages nearby- I walked. There are metal detectors as you enter. Security watches you go through and bam -you're at the bar! I got a local beer ($12) and headed for the stairs. Apparently there is an elevator for those who cannot or do not want to take the stairs. People were filing in. I heard the bell to take your seat so I hustled all the way to the top. I had a seat in the very last row- row L. L for Last lol. Seat 24 so kinda in the middle. I would say I could see the stage without anyone blocking my view. It's steep up there. There were ushers on each level, assisting people to their seats. Those nosebleed seats did not have beer holders. Oh well. The sound was good- I heard everything. The seat was comfortable. After the show i used the restroom- plenty of stalls- no line, clean, easy signage to tell you where it is. Exiting was easy. So I'd say this is an easy in and out experience. I was comfortable. I could see and hear everything. No big TVs so you really need good vision. They don't take your phone away. Not a bad Friday night.

Beautiful space with great acoustics! I came for the symphony and it did not disappoint! Super…read morehelpful attendants with clean facilities. Can't wait to return for another event!

Saw a great drama called "Lungs" and it was in the intimate room! Such a great experience to have a…read moregreat experience!

AWESOME local theater featuring AMAZING talent at a GREAT convenient location!…read more Thank you for for welcoming me to Grand Rapids DST (extra tear in my eye to Joe) ...it's been a heavy and hard transition from Hollywood and you gave me an opportunity TO BE entertained during my complaints of boredom living here and TO entertain in my wacky 'east meets west' "Love vs. Arranged Marriage" show. Hey you folks living in or visiting Grand Rapids, this venue is a must go if you haven't been already, why? * Inexpensive dates: shows range from only $5-$12 ($15 for special events). * Convenient: located bang downtown, but not near "hard to park" busy downtown and there are bars and restaurants to grab a bite (woof) and drink before and after. * Variety: there are shows almost every single day suited for all audiences from Shakespeare to Second City style improv fans....and if there is not one for you, hell you can put on your own show here! (theater friendly). * Venue: LaughFest and other community-wide festivals have hosted some fantastic shows at DST and if you are a business, you can even host your own classes and workshops here at VERY affordable rates. P.S. It's a non-profit organization so update your Rockstar status by donating whenever you can even $5 to support and keep this local gem going and businesses can become a sponsor and get lots of cross-promotion and free swag. A big waggy tailed WOOF to Dog Story!

this is the exact kind of small blackbox theatre venue an established city needs. It is right…read moredowntown and sports a 70 seat house at full capacity. This place tends to have stand-up and sketch comedy as their go to (every Monday night), however Pigeon Creek Shakespear performs here as part of their tour for every show. As a performer or company coming in for production, they have a decent backstage with a medium-sized changing room and clothing racks for costumes. I also like that it has the capability of a backstage crossing for right or left entry points to the stage. The stage measures roughly 16'WX10'D, and is elevated off the ground around 2' so everyone in the audience at ground level five rows back can get a great seat and see the action onstage. This venue is great to see any performance, providing the performance is worth seeing. The intimacy, acoustics, and friendliness of the staff makes this venue worth checking out for at least a performance or two.

Circle Theatre is such a little gem in our community. I recently attended Girls' Weekend, which was…read morea super fun comedy. There are no bad seats as it's in the round, and when I ordered my tickets online there was plenty of availability. When we arrived, we were greeted at a podium and just had to give my name. We got a cute brochure with our seat numbers written on it and then got in line for concessions. They serve alcohol at select performances, and ours was one of them, so we got a couple drinks and some snacks. I was hoping for popcorn, but they didn't have any so we got Cheez its and some candy. All the employees we encountered (I think mostly students) were very friendly and polite. Once the doors opened, friendly ushers helped us find our seats. The theatre was comfortable and the rows were short, which is nice so you don't have to climb over too many people to get to your spot. The play itself was hilarious and so much fun. I'm looking forward to seeing more shows at Circle Theatre in the future.

We visited the Circle theater to see the play "A Few Good Men". We loved the atmosphere and the set…read moreup of the theater. Anywhere you sit in the theater has a great view. And the local actors did a phenomenal job! We decided that we would definitely be back!