Grand Rapids News and Events May 7 - 14
Grand Rapids News and Events for the week of May 7 - 14
Good Afternoon Grand Rapids!
Obviously Memorial Day Weekend is this week’s big news, as the official beginning of summer, with all of the fun a long weekend entails. There’s a lot of delicious food, great music, inspiring arts and crafts, and interesting movies leading up to the main event.
Let’s get into it! ☀️
📰 This Week’s Grand Stories
🐟5 Year Aquarium Plan: That’s right. It looks like GR might finally be getting an aquarium!
🦊 Foxtail Is Coming! Foxtail Coffee is opening their newest location at 1200 Wealthy Street SE.
😂Taylor Tomlinson’s Netflix Special: Taylor Tomlinson is filming her next Netflix special at Wealthy Theatre on December 13.
🐠Release Your Salmons! 59 Grand Rapids students have released the salmon they’ve raised in captivity into the wild.
🏠️Zackary’s Looking For His Forever Home. Zackary, a 17-year-old gamer in the foster care system, is looking for his forever family.
🏅Memorial Day’s Coming: Gerald R. Ford International Airport is expecting over 40,000 travelers this Memorial Day Weekend, despite economic concerns.
🎵 HOT CONCERT ALERT: Barry Manilow is coming to Van Andel on June 4th
🎵 HOT CONCERT ALERT: Kevin Hart is coming to DeVos Hall on June 7th
📆 This Week’s Grand Events
Wednesday, May 21
Ellis Bullard - Grand Rapids, MI - Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Austin hellraiser Ellis Bullard is coming to Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill. 7:00 - 10:30 PM. $15.
Thursday, May 22
Agave Dinner: Experience the best of both Mexican and Spanish cuisine with a gourmet four-course dinner paired with special agave spirits. MDRD. 7 - 9 PM. $120.
In Full Bloom Sugar Cookie Decorating Class: The only thing sweeter than learning to decorate your own sugar cookies is the memories you’ll make with your own sweeties! The Honeysuckle Co. 6 - 7:30 PM. $59.
Rye & Dine: Whiskey Pairing Dinner: Experience deliciousness on a whole ‘nother level when Ruth’s Chris Steak House Lead Server, Kurt, treats you to five courses, each with its own specially-selected rye whiskey. Lumber Baron Bar. 6 - 8 PM. $135.
Stillhouse Sessions: Bluegrass Night - Featuring Brian and Eric of Full Cord Bluegrass: Experience the best that Americana music has to offer with an evening of blistering bluegrass music courtesy of Brian and Eric of Full Cord Bluegrass. Rapid River Stillhouse. 7 - 10 PM. Free.
The Vintage Parlor Orchestra at Wealthy Theatre: Experience the triumphant ascent of the Vintage Parlor Orchestra when they finally take to the Wealthy Theatre for the first time. 7 PM. $21.
Friday, May 23
Free Show Friday: A Night of Irish Music, Old & New, w/ Tony Halchak & Friends: The next installment of Speciation Cellar’s Free Show Friday will feature an evening of Irish music of all ages from Tony Holchak. 9 - 11 PM. Free.
Kyle Jennings Live at the Stillhouse: Kyle Jennings is bringing his authentic, roots-driven Americana to The Rapid River Stillhouse. 8 - 11 PM. Free.
Saturday, May 24
Neko Taiyaki FOOD TRUCK Launch Party (Plus trivia!): One of Grand Rapids’ most beloved pop-ups are getting their own food truck. Come celebrate the event at Speciation Cellars with a day full of good food and good fun. There will even be trivia! 12 - 6 PM. Free.
Sunday, May 25
General Wood Shop Presents: Chappell Roan vs. Sabrina Carpenter: Calling all Carpenters! General Wood Shop is hosting a Sabrina Carpenter/Chappell Roan-themed drag show! 6:30 - 10 PM. $10.
Nature Book Fair w/ Books & Mortar: Books & Mortar is hosting a special nature-themed book fair at Speciation Cellars. 2 - 6 PM. Free.
Monday, May 26
The Big Room Unveiled: Live with Valerie June: The Big Room at SILVA’s starting off with a BANG! with a FREE performance from the magical Valerie June, one of the most distinctive and original voices working in contemporary Americana. 8 PM. Free.
Six String Revival Live at the Stillhouse: Get ready for a night of blazing country music when the Six String Revival comes to the Rapid River Stilthouse. 8 - 11 PM. $5.
Tuesday, May 27
Free Show Tuesday! Folias Duo (classical guitar + flute): Prepare to have your cares transported away with an evening of flute music and classical guitar. Speciation Cellars. 7 - 9 PM. Free.
Wealthy Theatre Presents: Hook: Bangarang! Hook is playing at Wealthy Theatre! 7:30 - 10 PM. $8/members, $10/non-members.
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🎖️ Thank You For Your Service
Veterans Memorial Park, where many of Grand Rapids’ Memorial Day activities take place, was dedicated on November 11, 1926.
🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!
Last month, 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.
🏃♂️➡️Run for the Children’s Miracle Network: The run/walk will take place on the river walk behind the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place. You are free to run or walk whatever distance and pace, 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, we got you covered! ! Volunteers will be help you navigate the course! 7:30am on June 6th
☕️ Run For Coffee Lovers: You can even participate virtually as anyone, anywhere can participate in this Virtual 5K/10K/13.1 taking place at Millennium Park on June 7.
💬 Have You Joined The New Community?
At your request, we’ve started a Facebook group to connect our subscribers with more events, news and discounts!
No spam allowed - only good stuff.
😎 Ongoing Stuff That’s Pretty Cool
On Fridays, Rebounderz Park is hosting their Parents Night series, where parents can enjoy a night on the town with a night of fun and affordable childcare.
🎵 Music
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.
Turnstiles hosts an open mic every Thursday except the last.
Fulton Street Pub hosts karaoke every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with shows every Sunday and Wednesday.
Speciation Cellars hosts a free show every Friday!
There’s jazz at Noto’s every Saturday.
🏷️ 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
Silva, a new restaurant and event space, opened in NW Grand Rapids earlier this month.
Zeal Aerial Fitness just opened a brand new home location.
Cellar Bird Books has opened at 415 Bridge St. near US-131.
Big Mini Putt Club just opened their first Grand Rapids location.
The Main Event, a family event center with everything from billiards to bowling alleys, has opened at Woodland Mall in Kentwood.
We Rock The Spectrum, a sensory-friendly gym for kids on the spectrum, had their grand opening recently.
🎶 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!
Barry Manilow is coming to Van Andel on June 4th
Kevin Hart is coming to DeVos Hall on June 7th
Chris Stapleton is coming to Van Andel on June 12th and 13th
WWE Smackdown is coming to Van Andel on June 20th
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
Thanks for reading, I’m Brandon.
& this is my lil ginger squad. I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life and in West Michigan since GVSU in ‘99. I’m a real person behind this, and if you ever have any suggestions, just reply to this email or shoot me a friend request on Facebook!
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