Good Afternoon Grand Rapids!

GR! We’re freeeeeeee! So let’s celebrate our independence with a newsletter packed full of great stuff!

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🎆 FIREWORKS! - If you’re a lover of bright lights and loud noises, then head over to Ah Nab Awen Park in downtown GR on July 6th. It’s sponsored by Soaring Eagle, and we know they have cash to spend 😄 - should be a great show!

🎤Annie… Are You Okay?! - MJ the Musical is coming to Devos from July 9th-14th and there are still a few tickets available - act fast if you want to feel like a beauty queen from a movie scene.

💰️ Need a New Friend? This week, a woman in Grand Rapids won the $1 million Powerball prize. If you need a new friend, this woman might be a good choice.

💲 Mayor Bliss Goes to Washington: Grand Rapidians must be good with money, as this week it was announced that Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee.

🐻Watch Out for Yogi: There’s been a rise in Black Bear sightings in Lower Michigan this year. Stay safe out there!

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

Like to Laugh? Catch some affordable, local comedy at the Ambrosia theater on July 6th. It’s a hidden-gem of a local venue. 

Do you like drinking swampwater? Don’t knock it til you try it. Speciation Cellars is releasing their new sour swampwater ale on July 6th AND the Bootstrap Boys will be their playing some amazing country music.

Top Gun - Maverick is playing at Studio Park on July 6th. Bring your lawnchair and your love for Tom Cruise’s stunt work. Get there early!

🎸 Tuesday Bluegrass Jam: Tonight’s the night for the weekly bluegrass jam at 2166 Plainfield Ave NE

Ayers Basement Systems 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 (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

Grand Rapids was already hosting public fireworks displays in 1876.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun -

Build a LEGO Aquarium: Drop-in at Bricks n Minifigs on July 6th and create plants and structures for the in-store aquarium.

Like Outdoor Concerts? There’s another coming up on July 13th at Wildwood Family Farms - and they are awesome. Pets and kids free.

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

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

📚️ 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.

🏀 Sports & Hobbies-

♥️ Eastown Euchre Tournament: Tuesday, July 9 · 6:30 - 8:30pm EDT, Wolfgang's Restaurant, 1530 Wealthy Street Southeast Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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

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

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

🍕 Food & Drink

🍷 INT'L CAFE at Brewery Vivant: Experience some of Grand Rapids vibrant international community over a delicious glass of wine on Wednesday, July 3 at Brewery Vivant

🍎Cocktail Series at Cider Tap Takeover: Experience 10 ciders on tap on Wednesday, July 3 at Thornapple Brewing Company

😋 Grand Rapids Foodie Fest: Experience all that Grand Rapids’ gourmet foodie scene has to offer over the course of an entire weekend! July 5 - 7

🎆 The Fourth of July….

Firecracker BBQ Buffet & Fireworks: July 3, FireRock Grille at 5pm

Allendale Annual 4th of July Celebration: 6676 Lake Michigan Drive, 11 AM - 2 PM

Kentwood Summer Concert Series: 4900 Breton SE, 7 PM - 8:30 PM

Grand Rapids Annual 4th of July Fireworks: July 6 Ah-Nab-Awen Park

4th of July Celebration: MDRD, July 6 7 PM - 11 PM

Fireworks on the Jdek: July 6, Jdek at Margaux 5 PM - 11:30 PM

Red, White, and Boozy: White Party at IDC: July 6, 87 Monroe Ave. NW, 4 PM - Midnight

Toast to Independence: July 6, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, 7 PM - 11 PM

International Taste Fest: Come to Grace For the Nations Church on Sunday July 7 to sample a smorgasbord of Grand Rapids’ incredible international cuisine!

😎 Other Cool Stuff

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

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

🏷️ 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)

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.

👨‍💼 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.

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

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.

We’re always looking for discounts at new businesses and for worthy sponsors - if that’s you - go here.