Good Morning Grand Rapids!

WOW! This might be the most jam-packed week of Grand Rapids events in 2025. There’s a lot going on, between the Juneteenth celebrations, Pride parades, and celebration of the official beginning of summer with the Summer Solstice. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find it in droves this week in Grand Rapids!

A special note - now that summer break is upon us, we’ve rejuvenated the section for family-friendly events. Make sure to keep an eye on the ‘Fun For The Family’ section this summer if you’re looking for interesting, inspiring, fun things to do with your family this summer.

Let’s get into it! ☀️ 

**For our #cashstash followers - here’s your hint: Expect a special drop on Thursday morning somewhere near Cherry street downtown - courtest of our friends at Grand Rapids Fit Fest.

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🏗️ Calder Plaza’s Getting An Update! Calder Plaza will receive a $1.8 million upgrade thanks to the Grand Rapids Community Development Committee.

🐠 The New Aquarium on a Landfill? Yep, you heard right. Grand Rapids is considering putting their $370 million dollar aquarium on an old landfill!

🎉 Asian-Pacific Festival Was a Huge Success: Grand Rapids’ Asian-Pacific Festival just keeps getting better and better.

⚾️ Whitecaps Heading To Playoffs: West Michigan Whitecaps are heading to the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

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

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, June 18

I Saw the TV Glow (Presented by GRTV): Experience the joy of finding yourself and ‘90s cult fandom with Jane Schoenbrun’s delightfully weird I Saw the TV Glow, one of the 2020s breakout horror films, at Wealthy Theatre. 7:30 PM. $6 - $8/Online, $8 - $10/Door.

Juneteenth Free Movie Night "The Six Triple Eight" (w/ Baxter United): Celebrate Juneteenth with a screening of Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight. Wealthy Theatre, 7 PM. Free.

Thursday, June 19

Beer City Winds Concert - Band Favorites: Hear some of your favorites in a whole new light when the Beer City Winds come to St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 - 9 PM. $10.

The Black Crowes: Get ready to shake your money maker when The Black Crowes come to GLC Live. 7:30 PM, $63.

Juneteenth Afro Gaga Parade and Celebration: Get ready for a day of unity, celebration, entertainment, and fun with a parade in celebration of Pan-African culture and identity. 12 AM - 7 PM. Free.

Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam: Celebrate black art, entertainment, culture, and experience with the 5th Annual Juneteenth Jam. Calder Plaza. 4 - 8 PM. Free.

Marshall Tucker Band: Country rock legends Marshall Tucker Band are playing DeVos Performance Hall. 6 PM. Price Varies.

Our Ancestors' Wildest Dreams Juneteenth Scholarship Gala: Here’s a chance to honor the next generation of Black genius, with a dinner honoring the recipients of the Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams scholarship. Grand Rapids Art Museum. 6 - 9 PM. $40.

Solstice Festival: Ring in the beginning of the summer in earnest with a special solstice celebration at Speciation Cellars. Also on June 21. 7 - 9 PM. Free.

Summer Nights: Experience John Ball Zoo in a whole new light with an evening of live music and late-night experiences. 6 - 9 PM. $16.95/kids and seniors. $21.95/Adults.

Friday, June 20

Chase Rice: Gravel-voiced country legend Chase Rice is coming to The Intersection. 7 PM, $37.50.

GR Lit Fest: Poetry Reading with the Grand River Poetry Collective: Grand Rapids’ Lit Fest continues with a poetry reading with the Grand River Poetry Collective. Wealthy Theatre. 6 - 8 PM. Free.

Margaux Garden Mixer: Savor the Solstice: Ring in the summer with an evening of botanical cocktails and garden-fresh delicacies. jdek at Margaux, 6:30 PM. Free.

Mats & Mimosas: Your visitors will never feel more welcome when you learn how to create your own welcome mat while sipping mimosas at Spruced Studio. 6 - 8 PM. $39 - $49.

Sal Vulcano: Everything's Fine Tour: Impractical Joker’s Sal Vulcano is bringing his comedy stylings to DeVos Performance Hall. 7 PM, Price Varies.

Summer Solstice: Tribute to the Queen of Disco at IDC: Summon the summer with the Queens of Disco. 4 PM, $10.

West Michigan Voices of Pride - Pride Concert: Celebrate Pride with the West Michigan Voices of Pride at St. Cecilia’s Music Center. 7 PM. $20/Advance, $25/Day Of Show.

World Refugee Day Block Party: Show your solidarity by supporting the dispossessed with an evening of food, dancing, and storytelling at Treetop Collective. 5 - 8 PM. Free.

Saturday, June 21

Adult Prom: Down the Rabbit Hole: Find your own Wonderland when the Down the Rabbit Hole Adult Prom comes to The BIG Room. 7 - 11 PM. $50.

Artist Market & Supply Sale: Explore the works of over 15 local makers, artists, and artisans and get some good deals on art supplies while you’re at it. Roeda Studio. 10 AM - 4 PM. Free.

Billy Corgan and The Machines of God: The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan is bringing his new band, The Machines of God, to The Intersection. 8 PM, $79 - $208.50.

Bridge St. Walking Tour: Experience Grand Rapids’ vibrant craft beer scene with a special guided tour from Grand Rapids Beer Tours. 12 - 3 PM. $50/drink included.

Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac: Your dreams are going to fly like a one-winged dove when the candlelight tribute to Fleetwood Mac lights up the Wealthy Theatre. 6:30 - 7:45 PM. $18.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles: Scaramouche, you can dance the fandango when this special candlelight tribute to Queen and The Beatles comes to the Wealthy Theatre. 8:45 - 10 PM. $18.

Cirque Amongus Live!: Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages! Cirque Amongus is coming to the Yankee Clipper branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library. 1:30 - 2:15 PM. Free.

Emo Nite: Scene’s about to be alive and well when Emo Nite comes to The Intersection. 9 PM, $16.75/Advances, $23/Day of Show.

GR Lit Fest: Poetry in the Park at Burton Woods: Experience poetry in the brightness and freshness of nature with this special nature walk and poetry reading in Burton Woods as part of GR Lit Fest. 9 - 10 AM. Free.

GR Lit Fest: Silent Book Club (Park Edition): Here’s a chance to enjoy community and an afternoon of quiet reading when the Silent Book Club comes to Wilcox Park as part of GR Lit Fest. 1 - 4 PM. Free.

Grand Rapids Gran Fondo: This year’s “Big Ride” is going to be even bigger than last year’s epic race. Van Andel Arena. 8 AM - 4 PM. $85.

Grand Rapids Record & CD Show: Calling all music lovers! Here’s a chance to build your physical media collection, when the next installment of the Grand Rapids Record Show comes to town. American Legion Post 179, 2327 Wilson Ave SW. 9 AM - 4 PM. Free.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival Saturday Headliner: Tunde Olaniran: Saturday’s Pride Parade is being headlined by Tunde Olaniran. Calder Plaza, 12 - 8 PM. Free.

Holistic Shop Hop: Let Gathered Botanicals introduce you to Grand Rapids’ vibrant health and wellness scene, leading you on a guided tour through local wellness-based businesses and health-inspired workshops. 11 AM - 4 PM. $50.

How To Be an Exceptional Public Speaker: Elevate your career and learn how to win friends and influence people with this public speaking workshop at Wealthy Theatre. 3 - 5 PM. $5/refundable deposit.

Pride After Party at General Wood Shop: Come to General Wood Shop for a party you’ll never forget, with a world-class Pride after party featuring Miss Moscato and DJ Ether. 9 PM - 2 AM. $20.

R&B Night: Get ready to dance ‘til you drop with an evening of smooth r&b beats by DJ Dre and DJ Michael Page Jr. Social Dance Studio, 7 PM - 12 AM. $15.

Sunday, June 22

Grand Rapids Pride Festival Sunday Headliner: Aly & AJ: Aly and AJ are headlining Sunday’s Pride Parade. Calder Plaza, 12 - 8 PM. Free.

Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series: Gary Clark Jr.: Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series continues with a special performance by Gary Clark Jr. 6:30 PM, $118/Members, $120/General.

Monday, June 23  

GRFS Presents: Bottoms at Wealthy Theatre: You’ll be laughing until your sore when the female Fight Club, Bottoms, has a special Pride screening at Wealthy Theatre. 8 - 10 PM. $8/Members, $10/Non-members.

Let's Play Golf Outing: Grand Rapids’ Children Museum are excited to host the next Let’s Play Golf competition, featuring contests, awards, raffles, and prizes. The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe. 11 AM - 5 PM. $700/Team of 4.

No Other Land: Wealthy Theatre are taking their traveling movie screen to the First Lutheran Church of Muskegon to show the powerful documentary about the war in Palestine, No Other Land. 2 - 5 PM. $11.80.

Tuesday, June 24

Golden Hour Clay Earring Workshop: Learn how to make your own gorgeous clay earrings at Spruced Studio. 6 - 8 PM. $50.

The Mummy at Wealthy Theatre: Prepare yourself for swashbuckling and daring do when Brender Frazer’s camp classic, The Mummy, comes to the Wealthy Theatre. 7:30 - 9:30 PM. $6 - 8.

Grand Rapids Showing UP

Not a political post, but in my opinion, a great photo displaying our awesome citizens coming together in peaceful protest - (no kings day)

📅 Add to Your Calendar

🏘️ Cascade Community Block Party has something FUN for the whole family - four legged friends included! Grab some friends and come join us for this FREE event Saturday, June 21, 10:00-2:00!

🍝 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 Pride Festival is back for it’s 37th year. With 150+ vendors, a beer garden, sensory space, this event has something for everyone. June 21st from 12pm-8pm

🏃 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.

Caledonia Kilt Klassic 5k: Proceeds go to Caledonia high school cross country and track teams. On June 28 in Caledonia. Use 15% off code: GRNewsletter

🎈Fun For The Family

With school out of session for the summer, there’s no end of fun and interesting things to get into this summer for you and your whole family.

Fiesta Burton Heights: Experience the vibrance of Grand Rapids’ Latino community with this new summer street festival on June 21 at Burton Heights. 12 - 8 PM. Free.

Cascade East Block Party: There’s something for everybody, literally everybody, including your four-legged friends on June 21 at the Cascade East Block Party. 6439 28th Street SE. 10 AM - 2 PM. Free.

Explore Your Parks: Bouldering Workshop: Experience the best that your parks can bring with this free rock-climbing workshop on June 21 at Highland Park. 9 - 11 AM. Free.

Rep Yo City 616 Ryders Annual Picnic: Rep Yo City are hosting their annual picnic with a day full of music, food, fun, and activities. There will even be bounce houses! MacKay-Jaycees Park, 1 - 6 PM. Free.

🏷️ 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.

Fika, a gluten-free, plant-based restaurant, has opened a new location at 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE.

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!

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