Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Is it too late to vote for another month of summer? Let’s make the most of August, either way!

Let’s get into it! ☀️ 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🏥 Cherry Health Hosting Health Fair in Grand Rapids: Cherry Health is hosting a community health fair in Grand Rapids Wednesday, offering health resources, screenings, and information for local residents.

🍗 Dave’s Hot Chicken Expanding in West Michigan: Fast-casual Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening two new West Michigan locations, with the first coming to 44th Street before the end of the year and another planned for 28th Street.

🥤 Throw It Back Dirty Soda Opens at Rivertown Crossings: What started as a mobile soda bar for events is becoming a permanent shop, with Throw It Back Dirty Soda holding its grand opening at Rivertown Crossings Mall on Saturday, August 15.

🎃 Spirit Halloween Returns to West Michigan: Halloween season is already underway, with Spirit Halloween’s Alpine location now open and stores on 28th Street and in Grandville opening soon.

🎒 Free School Supplies Available Across West Michigan: As families prepare for the upcoming school year, local organizations are hosting events to provide free shoes, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and other essentials.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, August 5

Men at Work + Toad the Wet Sprocket - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series continues with classic pop-rock favorites Men at Work and Toad the Wet Sprocket. 6:00 PM / $98 members, $103 non-members

Thursday, August 6

The Beach Boys - Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Legendary surf-rock band The Beach Boys bring their classic harmonies and timeless hits to the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Long Lake Park: Hike with a Naturalist - Blandford Nature Center - Explore Long Lake Park with a Blandford naturalist while learning about the area's plants, wildlife, and natural history. Time / Cost not listed

Hike with Goats - DreamGoats - Take a guided hike alongside friendly goats while enjoying a unique outdoor experience with DreamGoats. Time / Cost not listed

Friday, August 7

TJ – The Alien Everywhere Tour - Elevation - Haitian-born comedian TJ brings his stand-up tour featuring Darius Walker to Grand Rapids. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $28.40–41.90

AllArtWorks Do Nothing “Party” - AllArtWorks - Fundraising event encouraging guests to slow down and enjoy art, music, refreshments, and community while supporting free arts programs. 6:00–9:00 PM / $20–30

Jurassic Park (In Memory of Sam Neill) - Wealthy Theatre - Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur adventure classic screens in memory of actor Sam Neill. Doors 6:30 PM / Movie 7:30 PM / $10 ($8 members)

The Princess Concert - DeVos Performance Hall - Concert featuring beloved songs from Frozen, Wicked, Moana, and more. 3:30 PM / $38–107

Adult Summer Camp - Blandford Nature Center - Nostalgic summer camp experience for adults featuring capture the flag, tie-dye, crafts, s’mores, and outdoor activities. 6:30–9:00 PM / $16 members, $20 non-members

Free Show Friday: Cosmic Knot (Solo Acoustic) - Speciation Cellars - Acoustic performance from Cosmic Knot’s Tom, creator of “Florganoleptic Music,” blending nature and sound. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

Small Matters - Exhibition Opening Reception - Cocoon Art Space - Opening reception featuring miniature textile works and tiny-scale art from Michigan artists. 6:00–9:00 PM / Free

Genetic Drift - The Stache - Alternative rock band Genetic Drift performs an intimate show featuring original music and high-energy performances. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $18

Saturday, August 8

erry Seinfeld - Acrisure Amphitheater - Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld brings his signature observational humor and stand-up show to Grand Rapids. 8:15 PM / Prices vary

Celebrating a Decade of Drama - Martin Luther King Jr. Park - Consecrated King Productions celebrates ten years of community theater with music, drama, dance, and spoken word. 1:00–3:00 PM / $25

Floating in Harmony: An Aerial Hammock Sound Bath - Zeal Aerial Fitness - Relax in a silk hammock while experiencing a calming sound bath featuring crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments. 12:00–1:30 PM / $30–40

Frank Sinatra Tribute Band - Wealthy Theatre - Michael Dutra and the Strictly Sinatra Band perform a tribute to the legendary singer. 6:30 PM / $54

Grand Rapids Singles Social — Skip the Apps & Meet People in Real Life - Grand Celebration Center - Singles social and speed dating event focused on meeting people offline. 6:30–11:30 PM / Starting at $15

The Marathon - Vintage New Wave - The Stache at The Intersection - Vintage new wave performance featuring DJ Cat Dad. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $22.15

SEAS THE DAY: Under the Sea Cookie Decorating Class - Spruced Studio - Beginner-friendly cookie decorating class featuring ocean-themed designs. 1:00–3:00 PM / $72

Fused Glass Optic Dishes Workshop at Meijer Gardens - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Create two fused glass optic dishes with local artist Dave Rich of Daja Fuse. 1:00–3:00 PM / $130 non-members

Summer Music Series: Round Creek String Band - Vander Mill - Outdoor summer concert featuring live music from Round Creek String Band. 7:00–9:30 PM / Free

Sunday, August 9

Michael Dutra & The Strictly Sinatra Band - Wealthy Theatre - Michael Dutra performs his acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute show with the Strictly Sinatra Band. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $54

Yoga and Chihuly | Yin Yoga at Meijer Gardens - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Morning yin yoga session surrounded by Chihuly sculptures in the English Perennial Garden. 9:30–11:00 AM / $25 members, $35 non-members

🚢 Honoring La Grande Vitesse

Did you know that La Grande Vitesse, our iconic public sculpture, was built in 1969?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Breakaway Music Festival Michigan 2026 – Grand Rapids Area – Touring EDM and hip-hop festival bringing nationally known DJs and live acts, large-scale stage production, and nightlife-oriented programming to West Michigan. – Summer 2026 / Dates & pricing 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.

Paws in the Park on August 6, 2026