Grand Rapids News and Events Apr. 1 - Apr. 5

Grand Rapids News and Events for the week of April 1 - 5.

Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Easter weekend’s doing what it does best, bringing out the crowds, the candy, and a surprisingly stacked lineup around Grand Rapids. From egg hunts to live shows, there’s plenty going on if you’re looking to get out and enjoy the first real stretch of spring.

Let’s get into it! 🌷 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🌝 West Michigan on Moon Mission: Christina Koch from Sparta is among 4 astronauts that were chosen to be part of NASA’s Artemis II mission that took off yesterday!

🚔 Woman Who Wiggled: The woman who went viral for wiggling her way out of the back seat of a police cruiser has been officially charged. While the judge wasn’t amused, I sure was! 😄 

🏙️ Luxury Condos Face Market Questions: Concerns are emerging about demand for high-end housing as a new report questions whether buyers will support million-dollar condos and rising rents tied to the DeVos–Van Andel project, raising uncertainty about the development’s long-term viability.

🏥 Battle Creek VA Secures Major Upgrade Funding: Veterans in the region could soon see improved services as the Battle Creek VA has received $14.5 million for facility improvements, aimed at modernizing infrastructure and enhancing patient care.

🧩 Autism Support Center Opens in Cedar Springs: Families will have greater access to resources as a new center is opening to meet growing demand for autism support services in Cedar Springs, offering expanded care and community support.

🎨 Guided Paint Event Supports Kids’ Emotional Expression: A creative initiative is helping children process emotions in a healthy way through a guided art experience, as organizers host a paint event designed to help kids express their feelings.

👕 Carhartt’s New Gardening Line Gets Positive Buzz: A familiar workwear brand is branching into a new audience as Carhartt’s latest collection earns praise from enthusiasts, with its “Rooted in Work” series gaining traction among gardeners.

Our Property of the Week

This beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath in Wayland on Cobb lake is soon to be on the market… and, it’ll sell fast.

If you’re looking for 90 feet of waterfront living this summer, then contact Ryan to get more details and first dibs on this beauty.

Contact Ryan here.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Thursday, April 2

Bob Dylan - DeVos Performance Hall - Legendary singer-songwriter performing Rough and Rowdy Ways and classic hits. 8:00 PM / $83+

The Devil Wears Prada – Flowers Tour - The Intersection - Metalcore concert with special guests (All Ages). Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Easter Floral Arranging Class - Spruced Studio - Beginner-friendly spring floral arrangement workshop. 6:00 PM–7:30 PM / $90

Dirtwire – Universal Language Tour - Elevation - Genre-blending live music performance. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $35.40

FREE High Score Comedy - The Pyramid Scheme - Monthly stand-up comedy showcase featuring local comedians. 8:00 PM–11:00 PM / Free

Dino Terrariums with the Hot Glue Creux (21+) - Grand Rapids Public Museum - DIY dinosaur-themed succulent terrarium workshop. 7:00 PM–9:00 PM / $35–$40

Business Exchange Luncheon - The Rutledge - Professional networking event with facilitated connections. 10:00 AM–10:30 AM / $45–$65

Introduction to Podcasting – GRTV Certification Class - GRTV Studio - Hands-on class covering podcast production and storytelling. 6:00 PM / $40–$80

Friday, April 3

Bad Suns - Elevation - Indie rock concert performance (All Ages). Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $35.40

Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends - Wealthy Theatre - Candlelit concert featuring music of Queen and The Beatles. 6:30 PM–7:45 PM / $44

Sounds of Motown - Wealthy Theatre - Live Motown tribute performance. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $39

Spring Egg Hunt with Cats! - 1120 Knapp Street NE - Indoor egg hunt with adoptable cats and prizes. 2:30 PM–4:00 PM / Free (donation suggested)

Blacksmith Shop Open - Blandford Nature Center - Live blacksmith demonstrations at a historic forge. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Included with admission

Wyatt Flores - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Country/folk concert performance. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $21–$95+

The Bunny Garden Tea Experience - Alma Mia - Tea service with desserts, cookie decorating, and bunny adoption. 5:30 PM–7:00 PM / $70

Saturday, April 4

Buku - The Stache at The Intersection - Electronic bass music performance. Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices vary

Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party - Elevation - 2000s-themed dance party (18+). Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices vary

Third Day – 30th Anniversary Tour - Van Andel Arena - Christian rock reunion concert with special guest Zach Williams. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Herb Chat: Passionflower - Gathered Botanicals - Informal herbalism discussion and education session. 11:00 AM–12:00 PM / Free

Egg-stra Sweet Easter Cookie Class - Spruced Studio - Beginner-friendly Easter cookie decorating workshop. 2:00 PM–4:00 PM / $72

Paint a Birch Tree Landscape - Three Blue Brushes - Acrylic painting workshop creating a birch tree scene. 12:00 PM–3:00 PM / $36

The Big Fat Final Four - The BIG Room - Large-screen Final Four watch party experience. 5:00 PM / $10

Heavyweights Finals - The Intersection - Live music showcase featuring multiple bands (All Ages). Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $13.15

Madness on Madison - The 1530 Events - Final Four pre-game party with DJs and entertainment. 4:00 PM / $25

Daniel Tosh: My First Farewell Tour - DeVos Performance Hall - Stand-up comedy performance (two shows). 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM / Prices vary

Sunday, April 5

Brekky With D. Bunny - Wealthy Theatre - Family-friendly musical Easter brunch experience. ~1:00 PM / $5

Spotlight on Insanity - Wealthy Theatre - Stand-up and improv comedy showcase. 7:30 PM–9:30 PM / $23

Easter Brunch Buffet - Cork Wine & Grille - Holiday brunch buffet with carving stations and desserts. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM / $16–$39

🐇 Celebrating Easter!

Did you know that Easter was one of the biggest holidays of the year in Grand Rapids in the 1800s and early 1900s?

Easter Buffer. Credit: Grand Rapids Public Museum

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Tulip Time Festival 2026 – May 1–10 @ Holland Tulip Time – Classic Dutch heritage festival with millions of tulips in bloom, parades, cultural events, and family fun near Grand Rapids. – All day daily / Prices vary

Cider Week GR – May 8–16 @ Multiple Grand Rapids Locations – Nine days of cider tastings, orchard tours, pairing dinners, and celebrations of Michigan’s hard cider scene. – Various times / Prices vary

Michigan Cider Fest – May 16 @ Rosa Parks Circle – Outdoor festival featuring Michigan ciders, food trucks, music, and games in downtown Grand Rapids. – 3:00 PM–7:00 PM / Tickets required (21+ event)

Jelly Roll: The Little ASS Shed Tour – June 13 @ Acrisure Amphitheater – Grammy‑winning artist performs live with special guest Kashus Culpepper in a high‑energy summer concert. – 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Grand Rapids Asian‑Pacific Festival 2026 – June 12–13 @ Calder Plaza – Two days of cultural performances, art exhibits, cuisine, and family activities celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. – 11:00 AM–11:00 PM / Free (food & vendor costs vary)

🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!

Last year, 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.

Grand Rapids Road Mile on March 26

Amway River Bank Run on May 9, 2026

Walk MS: Grand Rapids on May 30, 2026

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