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Wonderade Punch List
Grand Rapids Weekend
Friday, Oct 16
Saturday is cloudy and cool after a near-freezing start, and Sunday turns sunny and a bit warmer, so bring jackets and plan outside time for midday. Saturday brings the Heart String Circus and the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon final stretch, and The Great Pumpkin Train runs both days.
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The weather read
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Saturday
53° / 35°
Cloudy, 0% rain.
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Sunday
61° / 42°
Sunny, 0% rain.
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Punch List rule this weekend: Chilly morning: save outdoor plans for the warm middle of the day.
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Saturday plan |
 Morning |
A spooky circus spectacle of swinging delights at the Four Star Theatre, indoors and away from the chill. Book ahead and check the showtime.
Four Star Theatre · Price not listed · Indoors · Book ahead
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 Afternoon |
Kids running the final stretch of their own marathon is a proud finish worth cheering. Book ahead and check the time, since the listing gives none.
David D. Hunting YMCA · Price not listed · Indoors · Book ahead
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 Afternoon |
A West Michigan fall tradition that kids and grown-ups both love. It sells out quickly, so get tickets now and bring jackets for the ride.
Coopersville and Marne Railway Company · Price not listed · Outdoors, open sun · Book now, limited spots
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Sunday plan |
Cool day: bring a jacket and plan the outdoor stuff for midday, when it's warmest.
| Morning |
A ride on the Great Pumpkin Train is a classic family fall outing. Tickets go fast, so book early and confirm hours before you head out.
Coopersville and Marne Railway Company · Price not listed · Outdoors, open sun · Book now, limited spots
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Heads up: 2026 Thrive Gala presented by Buist takes over DeVos Place Convention Center Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Grand Rapids Marathon takes over David D. Hunting YMCA Sunday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens takes over Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Mums at Meijer Gardens 2026 takes over Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Autumn Family Activities in Michigan’s Farm Garden at Meijer Gardens takes over Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Harvest Beer Garden & Live Music at Meijer Gardens Amphitheater takes over Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Heads up: Zoo Goes Boo takes over John Ball Zoo Saturday. Expect crowds and traffic nearby, so route around it.
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Dinner, sorted · ALDI
Pork Night
Protein value: about 26 g protein per $
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At ALDI, the boneless half pork butt roast works out to about 26 g protein per $, the best protein for the money in this week's ads. One roast feeds the whole table for a slow, easy weekend dinner, and Gala apples make a crunchy side. |
| Fresh Boneless Half Pork Butt Roast |
$2.99 Per Lb. |
| Pennsylvania Gala Apples 3-lb. Bag |
$1.99 |
| Chef's Cupboard Chicken Pot Pie or Steak & Potato Soup 18 oz. |
$1.99 |
Ad prices good through Tuesday, Oct 20.
How to cook it: Season the roast well, then cook it low and slow, covered, until it pulls apart with a fork. Shred it for sandwiches or tacos and set out sliced apples on the side.
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Runner-up dinner · ALDI
Burger Night
ALDI's organic grass-fed ground beef family pack still brings a lot of protein for the money, at about 16 g protein per $. Burgers let everyone build their own plate, and avocados from the same ad make an easy topping. Fresh Family Pack 93% Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef ($5.99 Per Lb., about 16 g protein per $), Avocados (55¢ Each).
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The weekend bonus
Pick up a jack-o'-lantern pumpkin, a bag of SweeTango apples or a jug of apple cider from the Meijer deal and make an afternoon of it: carving, an apple taste test and cider when you come back inside.
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Quick grocery wins |
| Fresh Family Pack Ground Chicken 48 oz. ALDI · about 30 g protein per $ |
$7.99 |
| Fresh Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops ALDI · about 24 g protein per $ |
$3.99 Per Lb. |
| Skippy Peanut Butter 16.3 oz. Meijer · about 52 g protein per $ |
$1.99 ea |
| Jennie-O Ground Turkey 3 lbs. 93% lean Meijer · about 17 g protein per $ |
$14.99 |
Ads run Oct 14 to Oct 20. Prices can vary by store, so check your local ad. Protein figures use USDA values and the weight stated in the ad.
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Know a great family spot?
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