News & Updates

Among the landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the John W. Blodgett Estate, also known as Brookby, which stands as a testament to Grand Rapids' own Gatsby-esque era. This coming June, the Grand Rapids Symphony Women's Committee will transform the grounds of the estate with an enchanting event centered around a fun gardening trend: fairy houses. 

Over 25 fairy houses were created for this family friendly event. Guests can explore the gardens, view works by impressionist painter and Grand Rapids native Mathias Alten in the Brookby House rooms, and enjoy music provided by Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. Fairy house maps will be available for children to discover fairy houses, along with fairy wings and wands in the gift shop. 

Brookby Enchanted is the Women's Committee's annual fundraiser that will benefit the education programs of the Grand Rapids Symphony. The committee has a long history of supporting the Grand Rapids Symphony, starting with its founding in 1941 during World War II when it was an important key to growth for the orchestra. Today, the committee organizes several projects and fundraisers, including the Encore Cookbook, a recipe collection celebrating Grand Rapids' cultural and culinary life. 

Brookby Enchanted kicks off on Thursday, June 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a VIP preview party (sold out). Guests will be first to stroll through the fairy gardens while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and jazz. Then, the estate opens to the public 1:00-6:00 p.m. on June 5-7 and June 11-13, and from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on June 14. Tickets are $5 for children and $12 for adults and can be purchased at BrookbyEnchantedTickets.eventbrite.com.