Community updates: Tuesday, Sept. 15

Grand Rapids Public Library celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with virtual events

The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) is launching an online series of free educational and entertainment events this month celebrating Hispanic heritage and Grand Rapids’ Latinx community.

The events coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month – happening Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 – and end around Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead – happening Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

Featured in the events are Hispanic and Latin-based music, Zumba classes, and children’s book readings, as well as discussions and Q&As about Latinx identities and mental health.

"GRPL patrons and community members are encouraged to tune-in to a series of dynamic programming in collaboration with local organizations, community members, and businesses on the GRPL’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel," the GRPL said of the events.

Kicking off the series is a performance by West Michigan-based Latin rock group Cabildo, streaming Sept. 17 on the library’s Facebook page. Following the performance, the Latin-infused Zumba classes will occur on Mondays for the next four weeks, and bilingual storytime readings the next four Tuesdays. The discussions and Q&As will take place on various days of the week.

In addition to online programs, the GRPL is offering "educational altar-kits" for local teachers, parents, and caregivers to share the traditions of Día de los Muertos at home or in the classroom.

A full list of events related to the GRPL’s Hispanic Heritage celebration is available on its website.

Circle Theatre, Wealthy Theatre teaming up for outdoor Halloween movie nights

Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre are joining forces for the hosting of outdoor Halloween movie nights next month.

Taking place on the lawn of Circle Theatre, the theaters will be screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hocus Pocus.

Screenings for The Rocky Horror Picture Show will occur Oct. 1, 2, and 3. Hocus Pocus screenings will happen the following week on Oct. 8, 9, and 10.

"Get in the Halloween spirit – bring your picnic baskets, blankets and beach chairs, favorite costumes, friends and family, and join Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre for a spooky night of Halloween fun on the lawn at the Performing Arts Center," Circle Theatre said in a statement.

"Social distancing between groups and masks when not seated are required, so feel free to spread out and enjoy a perfect fall night!"

Tickets are $15, with all proceeds directly supporting Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre. Both theaters’ in-door events have been paused since March due to the pandemic.

All screenings will feature activities themed with the movies, such as prop bags to act along with them and costume contests. More details about the Halloween movie nights are available on Circle and Wealthy Theatres’ websites.

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