Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Nature is officialy lit this week, between the firefly walk at Blandford Nature Center and Flamingo Day at John Ball Zoo. Let’s make the most of it!

Let’s get into it! 🔥 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

📚 Grand Rapids Public Library Wants Your Input on Branch Hours: The Grand Rapids Public Library has launched a public survey through July 25 to gather feedback on operating hours at all eight branches as part of its new five-year strategic plan.

🍦 Kilwins Ice Cream Social to Benefit Special Olympics: Kilwins in Big Rapids will donate 20% of sales during its July 16 Ice Cream Social to Special Olympics Michigan Area 5, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

🎶 Free Summer Concerts Continue Across West Michigan: Communities throughout the region are hosting a variety of free outdoor concerts from July 15–18, featuring bluegrass, jazz, country, Americana, and pop performances.

🎬 Grand Rapids Film Festival Accepting Cans as Admission: This year's Grand Rapids Film Festival is asking attendees to bring recyclable cans instead of a traditional admission fee, with proceeds supporting local artists and creative programming.

💿 Vinyl & Antiques Market Returning to Four Star Theatre: Collectors can once again browse records, vintage treasures, antiques, and collectibles when the Vinyl & Antiques Market returns to Four Star Theatre later this month.

🏢 GVSU Expands Downtown Campus with Consumers Energy Purchase: Grand Valley State University has purchased Consumers Energy's John G. Russell Leadership Center on Front Street, adding another major property to its expanding Pew Campus footprint.

🥙 Zeytin Turkish Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years in Ada: Beloved local favorite Zeytin Turkish Restaurant is celebrating two decades of serving authentic Turkish cuisine in Ada, marking the milestone with recognition from the local business community.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, July 15

MeXo University: Agave 101 - MeXo - An immersive introduction to agave spirits covering cultivation, production, regional styles, tastings, and food pairings led by MeXo's beverage director with hors d'oeuvres from Executive Chef Oscar Moreno. 6:30–8:30 PM / $65

Firefly Family Evening - Blandford Nature Center - Enjoy a guided firefly hike followed by glow-themed crafts, family activities, and optional glow-in-the-dark screen printing. 6:30–7:30 PM / $10 non-members, $8 members (children 0–24 months free)

Kid's Night at The Score - The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar - Family night featuring $2.99 kids' meals, beach activities, and a special appearance by Crash, the West Michigan Whitecaps mascot. 6:00–9:00 PM / Free admission ($2.99 kids' meals)

Thursday, July 16

Beer City Winds: Celebrating America's Beauty - St. Cecilia Music Center - Beer City Winds performs favorite concert band repertoire followed by a post-concert reception. 7:30–9:00 PM / $10

Brad Sativa - Dr. Grins Comedy Club - Nashville comedian Brad Sativa headlines a weekend of stand-up with performances running July 16–18. 7:15 PM & 8:00 PM / $10–$20

Friday, July 17

Pink Flamingo Day - John Ball Zoo - Celebrate flamingos with animal chats, themed crafts, live music, salsa dancing, and family activities throughout the day. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / $24.95 adults, $18.95 youth & seniors

FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Watch Party - Arvon Brewing Co. - Watch the World Cup semifinal alongside Grand Rapids Soccer Society with drinks and fellow soccer fans. 3:00–7:00 PM / Free admission

S'mores and Hike with the Animals: Family Edition - Blandford Nature Center - Roast s'mores around the campfire before taking a guided walk with Blandford's wildlife ambassadors. 5:00–6:15 PM / $16 non-members, $12.80 members

Jimmy Buffett Night - The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar - Tropical-themed evening with live music, frozen cocktails, and ticket giveaways for the Coral Reefer Band. 5:00–9:00 PM / Free

Soma - Spectrum Theater - CPR Dance: Inhale Movement presents an evening-length contemporary dance performance exploring connection and humanity. 7:00–9:00 PM / $25

Zac Brown Band - Van Andel Arena - Multi-platinum country-rock stars Zac Brown Band bring their Love & Fear tour to Grand Rapids. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Sarah McLachlan - Acrisure Amphitheater - Sarah McLachlan performs an evening of beloved songs at Grand Rapids' new riverside amphitheater. 7:30 PM / Prices vary

Northbound - The Mint at The Intersection - Velvet Fox Presents hosts Northbound with Fredde, Gallo, Hubb, Lenoir, and special guest Carto. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $18

Pleasure Towne Live - Rapid River Stillhouse - Genre-hopping cover band Pleasure Towne delivers a high-energy late-night performance. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

Saturday, July 18

Creston Garden Tour - Creston Neighborhood Association - Self-guided tour of 10–12 beautiful neighborhood gardens with hosts sharing gardening tips and inspiration. 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / $10–15

Hope Co Resale Pop Up - Rowster Coffee – Wealthy Street - Browse hundreds of curated clothing, accessories, vintage jewelry, and home décor items while enjoying coffee. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Free

Sunflowers & Citrus Floral Workshop - Eastern Floral - Create a bright seasonal floral arrangement featuring sunflowers, citrus, and summer accents. 10:00–11:00 AM / $65

Comic Geek Out - Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Library - Annual comics celebration featuring crafts, free books, snacks, posters, and family-friendly fandom activities. 12:00–5:00 PM / Free

Blacksmith 101 - Blandford Nature Center - Learn forge safety and blacksmithing fundamentals while creating your own decorative metal project. 12:00–4:00 PM / $100 members, $120 non-members

Bluegrass Revue - Fountain Street Church - West Michigan bluegrass showcase featuring Red Thyme, Futuretime Stringband, Ben Traverse and Sequoia Rose. 7:00 PM / Free (suggested $10–20 donation)

Hank Williams Jr. - Acrisure Amphitheater - Hank Williams Jr. performs live with special guest Sammy Kershaw. 6:30 PM / Prices vary

Upheaval After Show: Memphis May Fire - The Intersection - Official Upheaval after show featuring Memphis May Fire with local support. Doors 10:00 PM / Show 11:00 PM / Prices vary

Brad Sativa - Dr. Grins Comedy Club - Nashville comedian Brad Sativa continues his weekend stand-up performances. 7:15 PM & 8:00 PM / $10–$20

Sunday, July 19

Hope Co Resale Pop Up - Rowster Coffee – Wealthy Street - Final day to shop curated clothing, accessories, vintage finds, and home décor. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Free

IDB | I Do Brunch at IDC - IDC - High-energy brunch featuring brunch favorites, mimosa and Bloody Mary bars, espresso martinis, and live DJs. 11:00 AM–2:30 PM / $35

Hat Trick Watch Experience – Championship Game - Dave & Buster's - Watch the FIFA World Cup Final with all-you-can-eat wings and fries, unlimited arcade games, and big-screen viewing. 3:00–6:00 PM / $31.74

FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party - Arvon Brewing Co. - Join Grand Rapids Soccer Society to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final with fellow fans. 3:00–6:00 PM / Free admission (food & drinks available for purchase)

🎆 Happy Flamingo Day!

Did you know that flamingos are born grey, not pink?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Upheaval Festival 2026 – Belknap Park – Multi-day rock and metal festival featuring national touring acts, local performers, and immersive festival experiences in one of Grand Rapids’ largest summer music events. – July dates vary / Multi-day / Ticketed

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.

Cross Country Team Challenge on July 21, 2026