Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Happy Fourth of July, Grand Rapids! Obviously, Independence Day is the biggest news of the week, as there’s fireworks for literal days both leading up to the holiday and afterwards. There’s a long weekend, too, so there’s all manner of ways to beat the summer heat and all the time in the world to explore.

Let’s get into it! ☀️ 

**For our #cashstash followers - here’s your hint: Have your notifications on during the biggest fireworks show of the weekend!

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🏊️ Richmond Park Pool’s Bringing Relief: Richmond Park Pool is finally re-opening after experiencing a chlorine pump failure at the beginning of the month.

🦆Save The Ducks!: Last weekend, local volunteers and the Grandville Fire Department convened to save the lives of six newborn ducklings.

🐶Pup Truck: Rebekah White, of Pink Paw Patisserie, has opened a food truck specifically for pets.

🎆Preserve Your Peace: MLive published a list of State Parks that don’t allow fireworks for anyone looking to get away from the flashbangs this weekend.

Hot Event Alert: Jim Gaffigan is coming to Van Andel on July 17th

Hot Event Alert:  Hamilton Broadway is coming to DeVos Hall on July 23rd

🎆 Let’s Celebrate Our Independence!

Brush Studio Paint Night - Red, White, & Bloom: Elevate your Independence day decor by painting your own red, white, and blue-themed art at Brush Studio. 6:30 PM. $30.

World’s Largest Bounce House is coming to Grand Rapids outside of Woodland Mall on July 4th weekend.

Firecracker BBQ Buffet & Fireworks: Come to FireRock Grill in Caledonia on July 3 to get a jumpstart on the holiday with an evening of food, games, live music, and fireworks! 5 - 10:30 PM. Free - $29.

Hollyhock Lane Parade: Hollyhock Lane Parade is Western Michigan’s longest-running Fourth of July parade. July 4. 1000 Calvin Ave SE. 8 - 10:30 AM. Free.

Fireworks on the Jdek: Experience the Grand Rapids fireworks in high style at the Jdek with skyline views, smoky flavors, and front-row seats to the fireworks. July 5, 5 - 11:30 PM. $80.

Grand Rapids Fireworks the Stillhouse Way: Celebrate the Grand Rapids fireworks the Stillhouse Way! Rapid River Stillhouse, July 5, 8 PM. $75.

Chispa y Sabor "Spark and Flavor": Experience the fireworks in a whole new way with a bird’s eye view from MDRD’s 27th floor. 6 - 11 PM. $125.

Grand Rapids Fireworks: Celebrate Grand Rapids’ official fireworks show at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 5 - 11 PM. Free.

Red, White, and Exclusive: Get away from the crowds with an exclusive getaway on JW Marriott Grand Rapids’ 23rd floor. 6 - 10:30 PM. $171.06.

Sips & Sparks: Fireworks Pre-Party: Kickstart your Fourth of July weekend in high style at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids on July 5 with an evening of free pizza, cold brew coffee, gelato, as well as a full bar and live music. 6 - 10 PM.

Toast to Independence: Patio at Puck Fireworks Celebration: Raise your glass to freedom at Wolfgang Puck’s The Kitchen on July 5. 7 - 11 PM.

Living in Freedom: Celebrate freedom in all of its forms with a special sermon followed by carnival games, food, live music, show cars, face-painting, and so much more! New Chapel Church, July 6, 8:30 AM - 2 PM, Free.

📆 Other Grand Events (Not Tied to the 4th)

Wednesday, July 2

Friday: Even if you’ve got a job and have things to do, you won’t want to miss Friday at Wealthy Theatre. 7:30. $6/Members, $8/Non-Members.

Thursday, July 3

Return of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary Screening: Here’s a chance to see the second-greatest Fourth of July horror of all time, The Return of the Living Dead, at the Wealthy Theatre. 8 - 10 PM. $8/Members, $10/Non-Members.

Friday, July 4

The Extreme Tour: The only thing better than a music festival coming to Grand Rapids is a music festival coming to Grand Rapids for free! John Collins Park, 12 PM. Free.

Saturday, July 5

Free Show: The French Irish Coalition & Bourbon Man (Blues Punk): Blues punk is a rare enough treat all on its own… now you have a chance to hear French Irish blues punk at a special free show at Speciation Cellars. 9 - 11 PM. Free.

Social Distortion: SoCal punk rock legends Social Distortion will decimate GLC Live at 20 Monroe along with openers Plague Vendor. 8 PM. $52.50.

Boston Square Fair: Come to Boston Square Fair on July 5 from 12 - 8 PM for an afternoon of family-friendly fun, food, and entertainment. Free.

Sunday, July 6

Summer Tour: Send-Off Concert & Dinner: Send off the Embellish Handbells Ensemble on their tour to Wichita, Kansas with a delicious pasta dinner and an evening of magical, peaceful handbell music. Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 6 - 8 PM. $15 - $220.

Tuesday, July 8

Dirty Dancing at Wealthy Theatre: Here’s a chance to see one of the ultimate summer movies, Dirty Dancing, on the big screen! Wealthy Theatre, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. $6 - $8.

🎆 Arch de Triumph

Did you know that Grand Rapids celebrated its 50th birthday by building an enormous wooden arch?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

🍝 Get Ready For West Michigan Italian Festival: Mark your calendars now. West Michigan Italian Festival is coming to the Tanger Outlets for a weekend of fabulous food, delicious drinks, local artisans, and live music on July 25 - 27.

Grand Rapids FitFest Returns: One $20 ticket gets you access to unlimited classes at 30+ studios and gyms all over the city during FitFest week (July 28th-Aug 2nd) and the official Recovery Day on August 2nd!

🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!

Earlier this year, one of our readers wrote in asking about running and walking events happening around Grand Rapids. We aim to please! Here are a few running and walking events happening in the next few weeks and months, so you can start warming up now.

Reeds Lake Trail Blazer Run: Celebrate freedom with a 5K run around Reeds Lake. July 4. 6:30 - 10 AM. $25 - 40.

Kentwood 4th of July 5k: On Tuesday, July 4th, there will be a pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, live music, food trucks, and of course a firework display. The race will start and finish next to Kentwood City Hall and Fire Station #1.

Run the Riverwalk in Lowell: On Saturday, July 12th run the Riverwalk in Downtown Lowell in this family friendly event.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

Harmonic Egg - BOGO!
The Harmonic Egg in GR is now open & is offering a special BOGO discount when you and a friend visit for the first time! Experience the healing power of sacred geometry, light, color and sound.
Just text “GRNEWS” to 616-970-9186 to claim and make your appt!

Hydrowash Solutions - 50% OFF
Your home looking a little dirty or green this spring? Get 50% off your home's first pressure wash (up to 1500 sq ft). Only $300 for GR Newsletter subscribers.
Text "Wash" to 616-730-3949 get on the calendar. (First 10 homes only)

Let The Good Times Roll - $150 OFF
Need a bartender for your special day? Whether it's a wedding, backyard bbq, or any other special occassion - I am your certified and insured bartender and food handler. $150 off any event for GR News subscribers!
Text "Bartender" to 847-924-2447 to claim your discount!

JDPotter Lawn Care - First Grass Mowing is FREE!
I’m a bit biased, as Jackson has been cutting my lawn for several years. He’s a great young man with a thriving business. He’ll cut up to two acres for free, for first-time customers. And, you’ll love it so much, he’ll be your lawn guy for life.
Text “Free Mow” to 616-818-8805 to get scheduled. (First 15 lawns only)

Miss Clean It All - 40% OFF
Get your first cleaning job on the books at 40% off! Two hours of deep cleaning for only $40! Servicing residential & commercial customers.
Text "First Cleaning" to 616-433-5497 to get scheduled.

Cookie Cutters - 50% OFF a “Kids Cut” for First Time Customers
Voted #1 for 4 years in a row for the best place for kids' haircuts in Grand Rapids by GRkids.com families! All three of our GR locations feature amazing stylists, an indoor play set, fun fantasy cars, and personal TVs, in our kid-centric salons! Click here to book your appointment and mention the GR Newsletter when you visit.

👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

Gimmes Par and Grill is new and open to some well-deserved fan fare. With 4.8 Stars and over 100 Reviews on Google… the food is great, the golf simulators are above par and the drinks are always swingin.

Playa Bowls just opened on East Beltline offering acai bowls, juices and smoothies.

 🎶 Plan Ahead for Big Concerts & Shows!

Quite a few readers have said they’d like a little more advance notice on upcoming concerts and shows - so here ya go! Whilst this isn’t everything - it’s a lot of the big names coming to town!

Jim Gaffigan is coming to Van Andel on July 17th

Hamilton Broadway Production is coming to DeVos Hall on July 23rd

Dude Perfect is coming to Van Andel on July 30th

Louis CK is coming to DeVos Hall on Aug 26th and 27th

Jason Aldean is coming to Van Andel on Sept 4th

John Crist is coming to DeVos Hall on Sept 19th

The Lumineers are coming to Van Andel on Oct 1st 

Brandon Lake is coming to Van Andel on Oct 11th 

Matt Rife is coming to Van Andel on Nov 9th

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th