A papal history talk at the Pump House. A beading class for the bird-lovers. A hard rock show and a one-night comedian at Park Theatre. And "Once" is closing out its run at Saugatuck Center for the Arts — last chance is now.

Farmers market, live music, and trivia all week — same as always, still worth it.

Hey Holland! We packed this one full — there's genuinely something happening nearly every single night this week, from quiet nature walks to a legit hard rock show. Grab your calendar, this one's long. 👇

⛪ Speaker Series: The Holland Connection to Pope Leo XIV — Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7–8:30 p.m. @ Historic Ottawa Beach Pump House Museum. Elizabeth McEwen, executive director of Felt Mansion, shares how the grounds near Felt Mansion — once home to St. Augustine Seminary High School, where the man who became Pope Leo XIV graduated in 1973 — are becoming part of a pilgrimage site. Doors at 6 p.m., free. 👉 More info

🐦 Women in Nature: Beaded Bird Wing Earrings — Thursday, Aug. 27, 6–7:30 p.m. @ The Hangar An advanced beading class making fringe earrings patterned after your favorite bird's feathers. $5 (discounted from $12 thanks to Park Township). Ages 14+, registration required. 👉 Register here

🎤 Comedian Jerry Wayne Longmire — Friday, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. @ Park Theatre. One night only — stand-up, storytelling, and internet-famous humor. $20+. 👉 More info

🤘 WANTED, WideOpen & Savetta — Saturday, Aug. 29, 8–11 p.m. @ Park Theatre. Hard N Heavy at the Park brings original hard rock and metal to the historic Park Theatre stage. $15. 👉 Details here

🎨 Art History Series: Delft Pottery — Friday, Aug. 28, 6–7:30 p.m. @ Holland Area Arts Council. A talk on the origins and craftsmanship of Dutch Delftware — the iconic blue-and-white pottery that became a symbol of Dutch culture. Presented alongside the Blue & White Invitational exhibition. $15. 👉 More info

Banquet for the Birds — Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.–noon @ Outdoor Discovery Center. Watch a naturalist feed the resident raptors and learn about their habitats and adaptations. Free, all ages, no registration needed. 👉 Learn more

Knee-high Naturalists — Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.–noon @ Dragonflies Discovery Preschool. Hands-on nature learning for the preschool set — crafts, live animals, and outdoor exploration. Ages 3–6, $10/child ($5 for members), registration required. 👉 More details

Landverhuizers: Dutch Migration — Thursday, Aug. 27, 7–9 p.m. Free documentary screening tracing the story of Dutch immigrants who built new lives across North and South America — a fitting watch for a town built on that very history. 👉 Learn more

Holland Farmers Market — Wednesday & Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. @ Civic Center Place. Still going strong — get there early for the good stuff.
👉 Learn more

Big Red Racing Series (sailboat races) — Wednesday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m., watch from Holland State Park. The largest Wednesday-night sailboat racing fleet on this side of Lake Michigan — free to watch, colorful spinnakers and all. 👉 More details

Yoga in the Park — Saturday, 8–9 a.m. @ Kollen Park bandshell. All-level outdoor yoga on the edge of Lake Macatawa. $10/class, bring your own mat. 👉 Sign up

🎭 Last Chance: "Once" — Runs nightly through Sunday, Aug. 30 @ Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The Tony Award-winning musical about a Dublin street musician wraps its run this week. If it's been on your list all month, this is the week to finally go. 👉 Tickets here

We're heading into the last stretch of summer, and next week's issue will have a few surprises worth sticking around for. If this week's lineup gave you a reason to get out of the house, do us a favor and forward this to a neighbor. See you back here next Wednesday.

See you around town, Holland. 🌷

— Tyler and The Holland Happenings Team