GR PRIDE TOUR
It’s Pride Month!
And we’ve got a question for you: What do all these stories have in common?
A trans wedding in 1886.
A gay teacher ridiculed by a nation.
An underground lesbian coven.
If you answered that they all happened right here in Grand Rapids, you’d be correct!
Join host Eirann Betka-Pope as they walk you through the streets of downtown Grand Rapids and share the light-hearted and heavy-hitting stories of the LGBTQ+ history of our city.
The tour takes place within the Downtown Refreshment Areas, so participants may enjoy to-go beer, wine, and cocktails from approved establishments. (21+ only)
The walking tour will be two hours, and will cover about a mile and a half route. Don’t miss out on the history, the comedy, and the pride!
June 18
7:00pm
Grand Rapids Public Library and GR Crime Tours Present: GR Crime Tours
Grand Rapids Public Library and GR Crime Tours Present: GR Crime Tours
In collaboration with GRPL’s GR Reads summer programming, we are bringing you a FREE mini-tour!
Learn about some of the most infamous crimes in Grand Rapids on this 1 hour walking tour.
Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, explore the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. You will visit local sites known for their historical crime and lore.
Tours meet in the Main Library’s parking lot by the flagpole. Limit of 15 participants- first come first served.
Monday, June 21, 2021, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 7:00 pm
Thursday, August 19, 2021, 7:00 pm
Learn more about GR READS: GR CRIME TOURS
Grand Rapids Public Library and GR Crime Tours Present: GR Crime Tours for Teens
Grand Rapids Public Library and GR Crime Tours Present: GR Crime Tours for Teens
Join GRPL and GR Crime Tours for a fun and educational trip around the city. Explore downtown Grand Rapids and visit local sites infamous for historical crime and folklore. Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, this light-hearted and educational program is perfect for young true-crime enthusiasts. Light refreshments will be available before and after the tour.
Designed for ages 11–19. Please follow COVID safety practices. Registration is required. Tours meet in the Main Library’s parking lot by the flagpole.
Saturdays, June 12 and July 10 | 5:00 pm
Tuesdays, June 22, July 20, August 3 | 5:00 pm
More information can be found HERE!
OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE AND SAFETY MEASURES
We want to keep you safe from crime...and Covid.
We are dedicated to the safety of our guests and hosts, and are following the guidelines set out by the CDC.
- As of June 1st, masks will no longer be required on the tour for vaccinated guests.
- The entire tour will take place outdoors. (Some establishments that offer to-go drinks may have indoor ordering)
- We ask that if guests are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in extended contact with someone who has, that they refrain from joining the tour and reschedule with us at no extra charge.
MEET YOUR TOUR GUIDES
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
Beyond being a true-crime lover, Eirann Betka-Pope is a producer, director, performer, teacher, writer, improviser, artist and activist in Grand Rapids. They are the founder and president of Funny Girls and former owner of The Fuse Box, and represent one-half of Betka-Pope Productions. They teach classes at both The Comedy Project Training Center, and The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School for Theatre Arts. In their spare time, they enjoy travel, being outdoors, hunting for ghosts, and cooking. Eirann brings a passionate love for both history and dad jokes to each walking tour.
MIKE LOGAN (HE/HIM)
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
Mike Logan WAS a nationally touring comedian before the world went upside down, now he produces comedy shows all over Grand Rapids while being master of all social media with @Icecoldcomedian. He is co host of the popular movie review podcast called This Better Be Good with fellow Grand Rapids comedian Gerrit Elzinga. Mike has always been a huge fan of history and what better way to share that love than by putting a funny and unique spin on Grand Rapids rich, crime-filled past!
AMANDA WRIGHT (SHE/THEY)
EIRANN BETKA-POPE (THEY/THEM)
AMANDA WRIGHT (SHE/THEY)
Amanda Wright is an actress, teacher, choreographer, and lover of all things true-crime. Growing up in the Grand Rapids theatre scene, Amanda was a big fan of ghost stories and haunted histories early on. She is currently on staff as a Musical Theatre teacher at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and has her BFA from the University of Utah. Though usually residing in New York City, she is thrilled to be back in GR to share her love of crime with the best city ever. Amanda likes to spend her free time at happy hour, cooking dinner with her family, and falling asleep to her favorite podcast, Crime Junkie.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
"Amazing, amazing, amazing!
I booked a private tour for 4... I highly recommend GR Crime Tours. Customer service was perfect and the tour itself is an experience you don't want to miss."
-Rachel C.
"Walking around the city with your friends and a drinks while learning and laughing can’t be beat...
This is the BEST balance of laughter and thought-provoking (true) story-telling."
-Gabrielle S.
"This experience far exceeded our expectations....
... We cannot recommend GR Crime Tours enough! Book now!"
-Bethany S
"Do better. Your other reviews lead me to believe you are capable of it...
This was our third stop on our walking tour and we were already told no less then 3 times how white men were the cause of so many troubles in our community..."
-Steve M.