Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Grand Rapids! There’s a lot to love about our community this week. Our city’s been showing its best self this week, with new murals being unveiled around the city in honor of Black History Month and a new parks & rec hub set to open in a little over a week. There’s a ton of great music to get into, crafts to explore, and romantic events of every kind. Whatever your passion, you’ll find it this week in Grand Rapids!

Let’s get into it! ❤️‍🔥 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🌆 MLK Park Community Hub Nears Opening: Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation recently unveiled the MLK Community Center — a 25,000 sq ft space in King Park that will open later this month with teen programs, community gatherings, and activities for all ages.

🎨 Murals Bring Color & Community Pride: New murals have been unveiled across Grand Rapids’ southeast side as part of a community‑led public art project — complete with celebrations, free food, haircuts, and art that reflects local cultural heritage and inspires neighborhood pride.

📚 Black History Month Celebration & Events: The Grand Rapids Public Library is hosting a series of free Black History Month programs - from interactive performances and storytimes to music and community learning events - bringing history, culture, and connection to families throughout February.

🏛️ Grand Rapids Public Museum: A Learning Hub: Local educators are using the Grand Rapids Public Museum as a dynamic classroom where students “wake up” history through guided programs that deepen understanding and curiosity about the past in an engaging, hands‑on way.

💰 Federal Support for Local Health Services: Cherry Street Services’ Heart of the City Health Center in Grand Rapids is receiving millions in federal funding to support affordable healthcare services — including primary care, dental, and behavioral health — for underserved residents.

⌨️ Just My Type!: Celebrating Valentine’s Day in a creative, nostalgic way, the West Michigan Avid Typewriters are hosting a Valentine’s Day Type-In at Muse GR on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Attendees can tap out love letters, poetry, and stories on vintage machines, enjoy on-demand poetry and flash fiction, try ribbon-replacement demos, and enter a typewriter raffle — all in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids’ vibrant arts district.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, February 11

The Offspring – Van Andel Arena – The tour celebrates the band’s latest SUPERCHARGED album, global milestones, and #1 hits across multiple rock charts. 7:30 PM / Price Varies

You’ve Got Mail – Wealthy Theatre – Movie screening: Romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Doors 6:30 PM / Movie 7:30 PM / $8.64

Galentine's Cake Soirée – Alma Mia – Instagram-worthy mini cake decorating event with curated treats and signature sips. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / $90

Crushed Glass Suncatchers – Spruced Studio – Make your own 6″ faux stained-glass suncatcher. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / $55

Thursday, February 12

Matteo Lane – DeVos Performance Hall – Stand-up comedy by the multifaceted performer with a new Hulu special. 7:30 PM / Price Varies

Opiuo – Ascension Seeker Tour – Elevation – With Tripp St., rSun, eRoy. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Ward Davis – The Stache at The Intersection – Live music performance, all ages. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $20+

Acrylic Heart Painting Workshop – Spruced Studio – Valentine’s & Galentine’s themed painting workshop. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / $55

Find Your Valentine: Lock & Key Singles Party – Atwater Brewery – Meet other singles via the famous lock & key system. 7:00 PM–9:00 PM / $16.78–$32.78

Sealed with a Kiss Cookie Decorating – The Honeysuckle Co. – Beginner-friendly sugar cookie decorating. 6:00 PM–7:30 PM / $59

Valentine's Mercadito 2026 – The 1530 Events – Indoor family-friendly market with DJ, photobooth, giveaways, and kids’ activities. 4:00 PM–7:00 PM / Free

Luminaria Walk with Friends – Huff Park – Moonlit lantern walk with complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / Free

Grand Rapids Community College Black History Month Keynote: Dr. Robert Shorty – GRCC – Hope-focused keynote. 11:30 AM–1:30 PM / Free

Grand Rapids Rise vs. San Diego Mojo – Van Andel Arena – Volleyball with live DJ and student discounts. 7:00 PM / $19–$45

Friday, February 13

Murder Mystery Co. Dinner Theater – Pietro's Italian Restaurant – Interactive three-course mystery dinner. 6:30 PM–9:00 PM

New Romantics <3 A Taylor Swift Themed Dance Party – The Mint at The Intersection – 18+ dance party. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices vary

Brad Williams – DeVos Performance Hall – Stand-up comedy. 7:00 PM / Price Varies

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons – Wealthy Theatre – Candlelight concert experience. 8:45 PM–10:00 PM / $24.50–$55.50

Free Show: Erin Monroe: Sierra Ferrell Trail of Flowers Tribute – Speciation Cellars – Americana album performance. 9:00 PM–11:00 PM / Free

My Bloody Valentine Silent Disco – JW Marriott Grand Rapids – Anti-Valentine’s silent disco. 7:00 PM–11:00 PM / $21–$44

Smells Like Nirvana – The Stache at The Intersection – Live Nirvana tribute. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / Price varies

Be My Galentine Market – Gal's Night Out – The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar – Female-owned pop-ups, cocktails, crafts, and giveaways. 6:00 PM–9:00 PM / Free

GALENTINE'S COOKIE SOIRÉE – Alma Mia – Cookie decorating experience with Sweet Details GR. 5:30 PM–7:00 PM / $65

Galentine’s Candle & Flower Bar – Treetops Collective – Build-your-own candles and flowers. 6:30 PM–8:30 PM / $65

Heart & Happiness Hour: Yoga + Herbal Mocktails – Gathered Botanicals – Yoga + herbal wellness class. 4:00 PM–5:00 PM / $30

Luv'n Lunch at World of Winter – Rosa Parks Circle – Ice skating, live music, roses, and treats. 12:00 PM–1:30 PM / Free

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating Class – 1809 Philadelphia Ave SE – Learn to decorate Valentine’s cookies. 7:00 PM–8:30 PM / $68

Galentine's Day Event – Courage & Soar – Shopping, snacks, permanent jewelry pop-up. 3:00 PM–6:00 PM / Free

Art, Love, and Chocolate Tour – Grand Rapids Art Museum – Valentine’s guided tour plus chocolate treats. 10:30 AM–12:00 PM / $7 Adult, $5 MembersSaturday, February 14

Free Show Friday: Billy Gunther (Acoustic Country) – Speciation Cellars – Intimate acoustic set blending southern rock and country. 9:00 PM–11:00 PM / FREE // 21+

Kent Philharmonic Orchestra Valentine’s Special Concert – St. Cecilia Music Center – Romantic classics and love duets with reception and flowers. 7:30 PM–9:00 PM / $14 Adults // $7 Students/Seniors/Active Military

General Wood Shop Presents: Valentine’s Cabaret – General Wood Shop – A night of performances and laughs. 9:00 PM–11:00 PM / $5

Valentine’s Luminary Night Hike – 1715 Hillburn Ave NW – Lantern‑lit winter hike with fireplace wraps, cider, and chocolates. 5:00 PM–8:30 PM / $16 Members // $20 Non‑members

The Fab Four: Tribute to the Beatles & Hits – DeVos Performance Hall – Beatles tribute band performing classic songs. 7:30 PM / Tickets available

Saturday, February 14

The Fab Four – DeVos Performance Hall – Ultimate Beatles tribute live show. 7:30 PM / Prices vary

An Evening in Red – Valentine’s Ball – Social Dance Studio – Romantic Valentine’s Ball with dance lessons and VIP upgrades. 7:00 PM / $20 per person ($30 VIP add-on)

Shane Smith & the Saints – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Live music. 7:00 PM / $36+

A Pink Tie Affair Gala – Embassy Suites Downtown Grand Rapids – Celebrate breast cancer survivors. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Cacao for the Heart Class – Gathered Botanicals – Cacao tasting and wellness class. 10:30 AM–11:45 AM / $35

Cacao Pop Up with Cacao de Luca – Gathered Botanicals – Heart-opening cacao pop-up. 12:00 PM–2:00 PM / Free

Grimsby Hollow Villaintine's Dark Academia Party – Grimsby Hollow Meadery – Dark Academia Valentine’s party and RPG experience. 5:30 PM–9:30 PM / $20

For the Love of TypeWriters – Muse GR – Valentine’s Day typewriter creative event. 12:00 PM–5:00 PM / Free

Sunday, February 15

2026 Grand Rapids Boat Show (Day 5) – DeVos Place – Final day of the show. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM/$12 adults//$5 kids 6‑14

Badfish (Sublime Tribute) – Elevation at The Intersection – Tribute band performance. 8:00 PM/Tickets vary

Legends Of Laughter: Featuring Sommore, Earthquake, and Lavell Crawford – DeVos Performance Hall – Stand-up comedy show featuring top comedians Sommore, Earthquake, and Lavell Crawford. 7:00 PM/ Tickets on sale now

💘 Vintage Valentines

Did you know that various Grand Rapids’ archives host all manner of lovey, romantic memorabilia suitable for Valentine’s Day?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Winter Beer Festival – February 28 @ LMCU Ballpark – Outdoor beer tasting event with hundreds of Michigan craft beers, local entertainment, ice carvings, and fire pits. – Various times / Prices vary

Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition – February 28 @ Sixth Street Park – Traditional snow snake sport competition with competitors sliding handcrafted “snakes” down icy tracks. – Various times / Free/Prices vary

Noodle Fest – March 1 @ Calder Plaza – Part of the World of Winter festivities featuring noodle dishes from local restaurants where attendees vote for their favorites. – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM / Free (food prices 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.

Riverside parkrun on February 14

Grand Rapids Road Mile on March 26