Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Summer is coming to Grand Rapids! There’s tons of fun and plenty of inspiration to be found!

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

 📰 This Week’s Grand Stories -

🤣 Nate Bargatze: My personal, favorite comedian is coming to Van Andel for two performances on June 5th and June 14th. There are still a few tickets available and if you’re wondering - he’s quite family friendly!

🎬 Sunset Cinema: Who else likes to watch FREE movies outside? They start this week at Studio Park!

📕 Summer Reading Challenge: The incredibly popular reading program for kids of all ages from last year, is back again this year! Get your children off of electronics and into books - with a chance to win prizes! 

✈️ Gerald R. Ford International Airport Hosts Annual GRR Runway 5k: Airplanes weren’t the only ones taxing on the tarmac this week, as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport hosted their annual 5k runway race.

🏳️‍🌈 Festival of the Arts: In it’s 55th year of celebration, this is a great event for the whole family. Not quite as big as Art Prize, but a good time nonetheless. 46 local artists, 23 food vendors, and tons of activities for all ages. June 7th-9th - go check it out!

🦄 Interesting Find -

🏀 Sports -

🏃‍♀️ SHE TRAINS Grand Rapids Info Night: Ready to begin your fitness journey? On June 6, SHE RUNS is coming to Gazelle Sports to share info on SHE TRAINS, an all-women training group for the SHE RUNS half-marathon.

🃏 Legends Monthly Card Show: There’s more to sports than just watching or playing. On June 8, join fellow collectors as they descent on the Sierra Trading Post for the monthly Legends Card Show, featuring over 70 vendors for every kind of trading cards you can imagine.

🎮️ Ultimate Endgamers League Endgame Championship: Putting balls in hoops isn’t the only kind of sport. On June 8, come out to DeVos Performance Man to root for your favorite Ultimate Endgamer League team as they compete for the title of global gaming champions.

🏃 Grand Rapids Triathlon: Come out and show your support when some of Grand Rapids top athletes come to Ada Township Park on June 8 - 9 for the triatholon competition.

🏌️ The John Shippen Women's Golf Invitational: Come out to Blythefield Country Club on June 4 - 5 to see some of Western Michigan’s finest Black women golfers compete to get into the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational.

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

🤠 Orville Peck: Kick off the summer in high style when the veiled cowboy himself, Orville Peck, descends on the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture park on June 5.

🎵 Cobb Collins Band - The Cobbs Collins Band will be bringing their one-of-a-kind blues-inflected rock ‘n roll to The Intersection on June 6.

🎸 Greensky Bluegrass - Greensky Bluegrass are bringing their adventurous progressive bluegrass Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater on June 9.

🎨 Festival of the Arts - This annual event in downtown Grand Rapids features a variety of local bands and musicians performing across multiple stages from June 7 to June 9. It's the perfect way to experience Grand Rapid’s vibrant local music scene and arts culture​.

🎶 The Soul Syndicate @ Wildwood Farms: Come for the music, stay for the food trucks and full bar when The Soul Syndicate come to Wildwood Farms on June 7.

🎵 Noah Gundersen - Catch this singer-songwriter at The Pyramid Scheme on June 8. Known for his introspective lyrics and emotive performances, this is a show not to miss​ 

🎡 The Steel Wheels - Performing at Midtown on June 8. This Americana band brings a blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock to the stage​.

Peter Svaleson - Enjoy this artist's music at The Listening Room on June 8. Known for his soulful voice and acoustic performances, it's a perfect event for those looking to unwind with some quality music​ 

🎤 Jadakiss - Performing at Elevation on June 9. Jadakiss, a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene, will bring his energetic performance to Grand Rapids​.

🎸 The War and Treaty - Performing at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater on June 10. This duo's soulful blend of rock, country, and gospel has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base​ 

⛴️ Yacht Rocket @ East Grand Rapids Collins Park: It’ll be nothing but good vibes when Yacht Rocket kick off the Concerts in the Park series at John Collins Park in East Grand Rapids on June 10.

🎵 Griffin House - Another great show at Midtown, happening on June 11. Griffin House is known for his heartfelt songwriting and engaging stage presence​.

🤖 Styx and John Waite - This classic rock concert will take place at Van Andel Arena on June 11. Expect a night of rock anthems and nostalgic hits​.

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 (good chance you’ll see my wife and I here!)

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.

🍎 Fun Fact

Janet Jackson eloped to Grand Rapids with her first husband, James DeBarge.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Stuff -

🌸 Lavender Harvest Celebration: Stroll through over 30 acres of beautiful lavender plants. Visit the bakery, checkout the boutique and take some AMAZING family pictures. Starts June 11th

🚗 Caledonia Township's 50’s Sock Hop & Car Show: Come re-live the greatest decade when Caledonia Township throws their third annual ‘50s sock hop and car show on June 7 at 9309 Dobber Wenger Memorial Dr,

🎥 Movies on Monroe: Family Movie Night - Head to Monroe Avenue on Friday June 7 for an outdoor movie experience perfect for the whole family. Bring your blankets and snacks to enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars. The event starts at dusk and offers a fun, communal atmosphere.

☀️ Kickoff to Summer Celebration: Summer is finally here! The entire family can celebrate at the Kentwood City Hall Lawn on Saturday June 8 with an afternoon with amazing food trucks, artist vendors, a beer tent, kid's activities, and live music throughout the day.

📗 Storytime at the Grand Rapids Public Library - Come to the Grand Rapids Public Library on Wednesday June 5 for a morning of stories, songs, and crafts designed for young children. This free event encourages early literacy and a love for books in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Open Play at Rebounderz - Monday, June 4, 2024 Rebounderz offers a fun and safe indoor trampoline park where kids can jump, play, and explore various activities. It's a great spot for kids to burn off energy and enjoy some physical activity.

🛍️ Eastern & Alger Popup Market: There’s going to be something for every shopping lover at the Eastern & Alger Popup Market on June 8.

🦁The Wizard of Oz: Come out to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz when The Wizard of Oz comes to the Wealthy Theater on June 10.

🏮 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival: Grand Rapids residents have a chance to experience the magic of Asian culture at John Ball Zoo with the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, which runs through June 16.

Mosaic: Meijer Garden: Here’s a chance to luxuriate in some gorgeous early summer weather in one of Western Michigan’s most stunningly beautiful settings. The Mosaic: Meijer Garden floral show runs through August 31

📷️ Snapshot Quest: Have a lil scavenger in your life? Snapshot Quest is one part scavenger hunt, one part photography challenge, and 10 parts fun! Running through September 2024.

📚️ Summer Reading Challenge: Summer is officially upon us! That means it’s time for Summer Reads. Every week, the Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting weekly reading challenges through September 7.

🤖 Wimee’s Dreams at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Got a little science lover in your midst? You will after visiting Wimee’s Dreams at the Grand Rapids Children Museum, where children of all ages can explore the magic of green screen technology, investigate a distant star, dress up in costumes and play with zebras and cupcakes! Running through September.

🥇 Golden Years

Senior Expo USA - The Senior Expo USA will be held on June 5 at the DeVos Place, featuring various exhibitors showcasing products and services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Attendees can enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks while exploring industry networking opportunities and learning about the latest health and wellness products​.

👯 Zumba Gold® for Seniors - On June 6, Northview Senior Citizens will host a Zumba Gold® class designed specifically for seniors. This class focuses on low-impact, easy-to-follow dance routines that improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. It's a great way for seniors to stay active while having fun in a supportive environment​ 

🍽️ Grand Rapids Senior Center Monthly Luncheon - The Grand Rapids Senior Center is hosting its monthly luncheon on June 7. This event includes a delicious meal followed by entertainment or a guest speaker. It's an excellent opportunity for seniors to socialize, enjoy good food, and participate in engaging activities​.

👻 Grand Rapid Ghost Tours: History lovers and ghost hunters alike will love the Grand Rapid Ghost Tours, where you take a walking tour through some of Grand Rapids’ most iconic buildings. Happening daily through January 2025.

🏊️Aqua Stretch and Tone: This Spring and Summer, the KROC Center in Grand Rapids is hosting a series of low-impact, low-intensity workouts for toning, strengthening, and relaxing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

🏠️Meyer May House Tours: Here’s a chance to tour one of Frank Lloyd’s Wright’s greatest triumphs right here in Grand Rapids. Tours are available every Tuesday and Thursday, but tickets often sell out ahead of time, so make sure to reserve your spot early!

🥘 Senior Meals at 121 Franklin SE: Every Monday through Friday at noon, join the 60+ community for fun, friendship, and delicious Latin American food!

🌽 Farmer’s Markets

🍒 Kentwood Farmers Market: Kentwood Farmers Market kicks off their 10th season this Thursday, June 6, with a full day of fun activities and delicious eats!

🍎 Fulton Street Market: The Fulton Street Farmers Market will be happening every Saturday through October.

🥕 Deep Roots 2024 Season Opening: Deep Roots Produce are launching their 2024 season in high style, announcing their daily farmer’s market with a petting zoo and market barn.

😎 Other Cool Stuff

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

Get your kids to these two theater camps where they’ll learn backbackstage tech, scenic build, costumes and acting, singing and dancing. First session starts June 3rd with the next starting July 29th. Ages 6-12

Swing Dance at Rosa Parks Circle: Get ready to jump, jive, and wail as the weekly swing dance night comes to Rosa Parks Circle this Tuesday, June 4.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

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)

Travy C's Recycling - Free Estimate & $100 OFF
Got old auto or hvac materials? Need scrap or junk removed? For GR Newsletter subscribers, you get $100 off your first removal and recycling job!
Text "Junk" to 231-758-4899 to get your free quote.

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.

Delight in Designs - Want a FREE Dishwasher?
If you’re considering a new kitchen remodel, then you’re in luck. Delight in Designs is offering a free dishwasher to all GR Newsletter subscribers with a new remodeling job.
Text “Dishwasher” 616-729-4301 to get your free consultation 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

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.

There’s a new steakhouse in town. Gin Gin’s, a steakhouse and cocktail bar, just opened a few days ago in Grand Rapids!

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.

An Italian restaurant, Rossana’s Table, expects to open in early June at 107 E. Main St. SE in Caledonia, the former location of Fricano’s Pizza.

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

The Taqueria Chilango food truck opened a few weeks and here’s what Brad H has to say on Yelp.
“The owners are very friendly and the food was delicious.”

If you like brunch, juice and smoothies, check out the new Brunch House location off Forest Hill ave. Gabe B is digging it.
“Best breakfast in GR hands down. Been waiting for this place to open up their second location and it didn't disappoint. Atmosphere is beautiful reminds me a a Chicago brunch spot. Service is great too!”

Thanks for being a Good, Great, Grand Rapidian.