Good Afternoon Grand Rapids!

DId you know West Michigan has an Olympian competing in the discus? Or that you could ride a scooter downtown for free? Lots of interesting stuff going on this week. So…

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

Free college for recent graduates? Yep, Whitmer announced free in-county community college for 2023 high school graduates.

🛴 Lime offering free daily rides in GR - Ever wanted a chance to try out one of those cool green glowing scooters? Here’s your chance! Lime is offering an opportunity to try out their e-scooters and e-bikes for free as a part of their new Lime Access program.

⚓️ Anchors Aweigh: Coast Guard Fest turns 100!: This week, Grand Haven will celebrate its centennial with a full week of food, festivities, and fun for the whole family! Running from July 26 - August 4.

🎽 Kalamazoo celebrates Olympian before departure for Paris: One of West Michigan’s own is headed off to Paris to take part in the discus throwing competition at the next olympics. Celebrants will send them off in high style, as only West Michiganders can.

🐉 Dragonboat Racing? This should be some serious fun for the whole family this weekend at Canal Park. You can watch on Saturday, and then try it yourself on Sunday! Live music, food and artisans.

Governor Whitmer announced she would serve as co-chair of Harris’ campaign but said she would not be running for Vice President. 2028?

Michigan is getting $129 million from the federal government to fund solar projects. Poor birds.

Developers are estimating that the new soccer stadium and ampitheater will bring $1.2 Billion to the Grand Rapids Area (and over 1200 jobs)!

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

🥞 Tiny Breakfast Improv Show!: Here’s your chance to start your day off with some laughs, when a well-seasoned group of improv comedians bring their controlled chaos to Spectation Cellars on July 25.

🎺 Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra at Golden Age: Nothing says cool, suave sophistication like a night of Big Band jazz. Except maybe when it’s a chance to hear 40 year veterans for only $5! Creston Brewery, 7:30 to 9:30 July 25 .

👯 Brena at Sound of Summer Cutlerville: Come to Sound Of Summer Cutlerville on July 26 to hear one of West Michigan’s most popular party bands!

📽️ Gremlins 2: The New Batch (Summer of Sequels): Come to the Wealthy Theater on July 30 for a chance to see possibly the best sequel since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze.

🏍️ Hot Rod: Experience death-defying theater with Hot Rod, the story of a young daredevil who’s scheduled to jump 15 busses to raise funds for his abusive step-father. Wealthy Theater, July 31

🏄‍♂️Daniel Seavey: Why Don’t We’s Daniel Seavey is bringing his triumphant blue-eyed pop to Elevation on July 31.

🍎 Fun Fact

Grand Rapids has a rollerblading wizard!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun -

🧚 Children's Fairy Garden Design Class: Bring some magic into your little one’s life with an afternoon of whimsical, fantastical faerie gardens. Eastern Floral July 25 2 - 4 PM

🤣 Comedy Magic with Cameron Zvara: Comedy magic will bring together all the best things in life - comedy, magic, music, and fun - with an afternoon of dancing, laughter, and wonder at the Grand Rapids Public Library- West Leonard Branch on July 25.

📆 Freedom of Speeches: History will come alive this Saturday, July 27 when some of Grand Rapids’ most talented actors recreate some of the most famous, influential speeches from throughout history.

🧒 Day of Play Celebration: It’s hard to believe that the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum could become more magical and full of wonder, yet somehow they’ll manage to surpass all expectations on July 28 from 11 AM - 4 PM.

Get your kids to theater camp where they’ll learn backbackstage tech, scenic build, costumes and acting, singing and dancing. Next session starts on July 29th. Ages 6-12

⚡️ Comic Book Fans at the Grand Rapids Public Library: Here’s a chance for comic book lovers to beat the late-summer doldrums with an afternoon of super fun! July 27, 1 - 5 PM

If you like Crystal Mountain - they just opened a new alpine slide. Highly recommend.

🍕 Food & Drink

🌮 Gran Fiesta de Independencia Colombiana 2024: Here’s your chance to celebrate Columbian independence with a day of food, fun, drinks, and music! 44 Ionia SW, July 27, Noon - 10 PM

🥘Indian restaurant coming to Grand Rapids Downtown Market: Thai food isn’t the only international cuisine coming to Grand Rapids in the next few months. Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine will be bringing delicious traditional dishes like tikka masala and butter chicken to the downtown market in the next few months.

🌮 Grand Rapids Taco & Tequila Fest: The Gran Fiesta isn’t the only place in town to get tacos this Saturday, July 27. The Grand Rapids Taco & Tequila Fest is your chance to take some of Grand Rapids’ most delectable tacos out for a test drive along with some top shelf tequila.

🧨 Block Party at Vandermill Cider: The block party so nice they had to throw it twice. On July 27, there will be tacos, taco bowls, and live music. There’ll be something for everybody so don’t miss out! All ages.

😎 Ongoing Stuff That’s Pretty Cool

• This “Michigan Bundle” for Cedar Point is STILL a GREAT DEAL.

• Westside Ultimate Frisbee: Every Wednesday and Friday, John Ball Park and Playground

• Barre on The Blue Bridge: Explore the popular new low-impact fitness trend every Tuesday through August 20

• Free Mat Yoga at First Church: Every Tuesday at 227 Fulton St E

• Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt: Come find some interactive fun in downtown Grand Rapids. Happening daily through 2025.

• Mosaic: Meijer Garden: floral show runs through August 31

• Summer Reading Challenge: Every week, the Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting weekly reading challenges through September 7.

🎵 Music

• Tuesday Evening Music Club: Every Tuesday at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, through August 27, 2024

• Relax to some free jazz music on Sunday at SpeakEZ Lounge - 6-9pm

• Listen to live music on Fridays & Saturdays throughout the summer at FireRock Grille from 5-8pm

• Pyramid Scheme, as usual, has a show every night this upcoming week. Tickets are typically $10 and many of the shows are for all ages.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

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Cookie Cutters - 50% OFF a “Kids Cut” for First Time Customers
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👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

A new spot for laser tag, bowling and more is set to open at Woodland Mall on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (it’s also supposed to bring 160 jobs to the area)

Daydreamer Domes is a fun, new business model coming to the South Haven area. Go check out their Gold Disco Domes, heated pool, float tanks, curated bodega, and elevated dining experiences. Mention the GR Newsletter and get a free drink at the pool.

The nostalgic Rocket Fizz candy store just opened a new location over at the Tanger Outlets. Go give them some love and make your kiddos happy.

Cottage Inn Pizza is now in GR! This was one of my favorites as a child on the east side of the state, and they are now open at 533 Wealthy St SE