Good Morning Grand Rapids!

April’s finally settling in, and Grand Rapids is hitting that sweet spot where spring energy meets a packed calendar. You’ve got everything this week—live music, hands-on workshops, late-night dance parties, and plenty of low-key community events if that’s more your speed. Whether you’re trying to get out of the house, learn something new, or just find a good crowd, there’s a lot to put a spring into your step this week.

Let’s get into it! 🌷

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🎶 Michigan Music Industry Summit Returns: The state’s music community is coming together as the Michigan Music Alliance prepares to host its annual industry summit in Grand Rapids, featuring panels, networking, and discussions on strengthening the local music ecosystem.

☕ Veteran Behind Wimee’s World Café: A unique Grand Rapids coffee shop has a deeper story, as one veteran connects creativity and community through Wimee’s World and its unexpected local roots.

🚀 Apollo 1 Documentary Screening: History and space exploration come together as the Grand Rapids Public Museum will host a free screening of an Apollo 1 documentary, honoring the legacy of the ill-fated mission.

🎤 Thousands Gather for “No Kings” Protest: A large crowd filled downtown Grand Rapids in a powerful show of civic expression, as thousands joined a “No Kings” protest and sing-along event focused on unity and activism.

🎓 GRPS Senior Earns Ivy League Sweep: One local student is making headlines after achieving an extraordinary milestone, gaining acceptance into five prestigious schools as detailed in this story on a GRPS senior’s rare Ivy League admissions success.

🪑 New Antique Store Seeks Vendors: A new business opportunity is opening up in the city, as a recently launched shop is actively seeking vendors for a Grand Rapids antique store.

🚲 Upcycle Bikes Expands Access: A local nonprofit is helping more residents get around by repairing and redistributing bicycles, giving back through its mission to provide affordable transportation via Upcycle Bikes.

🏫 Grand Rapids Public Schools Updates: The district continues to highlight student achievements and initiatives, with ongoing announcements and stories available through the official GRPS district news page

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Thursday, April 9

Show Me the Public Money: A Community Conversation - Trinity Reformed Church - Civic event discussing local tax spending with dinner and childcare included. 6:00 PM / Free

Embroidery for Beginners - Spruced Studio - Beginner-friendly embroidery class covering basic stitching techniques. 6:00–8:00 PM / $69

The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence - Grand Valley State University - Talk exploring the balance between liberty and national security. 6:00–7:30 PM / Free

Josh Garrels with special guest Taylor Armstrong - Elevation at The Intersection - Folk/indie concert with reflective, acoustic-driven sound. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $57–$60

Friday, April 10

Jason Harrod / St. Sinner Orchestra - Midtown - Intimate folk/Americana performance with storytelling and symphonic elements. 7:00–9:00 PM / $25

Broadway Rave – A Musical Theater Dance Party - The Stache at The Intersection - High-energy musical theater dance party (All Ages). Doors 7:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $24.65–$28.40

Hunter Hayes: The Evergreen Tour - Elevation at The Intersection - Country/pop concert from multi-platinum artist. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $48.15–$205.15

Emo Night Karaoke - The Pyramid Scheme - Live band karaoke featuring emo hits with full production. 8:30 PM / $15–$25

Blue Jay Bridge Live - Rapid River Stillhouse - High-energy cover band playing pop, rock, country, and 90s hits. 7:00 PM / $5

Kidz Night Out: Game On (Mario Edition) - Bricks & Minifigs - LEGO building and Mario-themed kids’ event. 5:30–7:30 PM / $35

Saturday, April 11

Calvin Knightathon - Calvin University - Fundraising event with games, competitions, and dancing. 5:00–10:00 PM / $5

Grand River Folk Arts Society Concert - Wealthy Theatre - Community folk music concert featuring regional artists. 7:00–9:00 PM / $10–$15

Bingo Loco: Name That Song (Late Show) - The Intersection - Interactive music bingo party (21+). Doors 7:30 PM / Show 8:30 PM / Prices vary

Late Night Karaoke: Pop Queens - Harmony Brewing Company - Diva-themed karaoke night celebrating iconic female artists. 9:00 PM–12:00 AM / Free

Pilates & Dinks - Dinks & Dingers Social Club - Pilates session followed by pickleball and brunch. 9:00 AM–12:00 PM / $40–$50

April Showers (Blue Cocktails) - Spruced Studio - Cocktail-making class featuring blue-themed drinks (21+). 7:00–8:15 PM / $65

Blankets & Bellinis - Spruced Studio - Hand-knit blanket workshop with drinks included. 10:00 AM–1:00 PM / $85

Botanical Incense Making - Gathered Botanicals - Workshop creating handmade incense with natural materials. 1:30–2:30 PM / $25

Stavros Halkias: The Dreamboat Tour - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Stand-up comedy performance. 7:00 PM / $64+

A Man For All Seasons (60th Anniversary) - Wealthy Theatre - Classic film screening celebrating its anniversary. Doors 6:00 PM / 7:00–10:00 PM / $7.48–$13.96

Mommy & Me Bag Charm Workshop - Three Blue Brushes - Craft workshop designing custom bag charms. 1:00–3:00 PM / $45+

Michigan Music Econ Summit - Bamboo Grand Rapids - Music industry conference with panels and networking. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / $10–$50

CHVRCH: A Dark Dance Experience - The Pyramid Scheme - Goth-themed dance night with immersive atmosphere. Doors 7:00 PM / Starts 8:00 PM / $35–$41+

Drop-In LEGO MOC Build Competition - Bricks & Minifigs - All-ages LEGO building competition. 11:00 AM–5:00 PM / Free

Sunday, April 12

Grand Rapids Rise vs. Columbus Fury - Van Andel Arena - Pro volleyball game with themed entertainment. 7:00 PM / $19–$45

Americana Sundays: Darcy Wilkin - ArtRat Gallery - Acoustic Americana performance. 3:00–5:00 PM / $25

New Beginnings Sound Bath - So Hum Yoga Studio - Reiki-infused sound healing experience. 12:30–2:00 PM / $55

SILVA Sound Bath - The BIG Room - Immersive meditative sound experience. 6:00 PM / $45

Worry Stone Workshop - Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts - Craft workshop painting personalized worry stones. 1:00–3:00 PM / $15

Disney’s The Lion King (Touring) - DeVos Performance Hall - Broadway touring production of the classic musical. 1:00 PM / $55–$375+

Vinyl: First Pressing - The Pyramid Scheme - Record swap and vinyl marketplace event. 4:00–8:00 PM / $40

🐇 Celebrating Grand Rapids Music!

Did you know that there were more town bands in the early 1900s than at any other time in American history, before or since?

📅 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.

Amway River Bank Run on May 9, 2026

Walk MS: Grand Rapids on May 30, 2026