Good Morning Grand Rapids!

We’re experiencing a window between the thunder storms and the next heat wave. Make sure you get out there and make the most of it!

Let’s get into it! 🔥 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🌸 Wisteria and Sunshine Bringing Enchanted April Charm to Cherry Street: Inspired by the film Enchanted April, boutique Wisteria and Sunshine is teasing the upcoming opening of its Cherry Street storefront, bringing a whimsical new shopping destination to the neighborhood.

🍽️ Watusi Prepares for Brick-and-Mortar Opening: While waiting for its permanent restaurant space to open, Watusi is inviting diners to sample its menu through upcoming pop-ups and preview events.

📚 Teen Graphic Novel Contest Returns to Kent District Library: Young artists and writers can once again participate in the annual teen graphic novel contest hosted by Kent District Library branches, giving aspiring creators a chance to showcase their storytelling and illustration skills.

🚐 New Shuttle Service Aims to Ease Amphitheater Crowds: A local entrepreneur has launched a new shuttle service designed to help concertgoers get to and from Grand Rapids’ amphitheater events more easily, offering a transportation option for large concert crowds at Acrisure Amphitheater.

🏓 1,200 Pickleball Players Descend on Michigan for Major Tournament: More than 1,200 athletes are coming to Michigan for one of the sport’s biggest competitions, bringing pickleball fans and competitors together for a major tournament. Read more about the event in MLive’s coverage of the tournament.

🍎 Free Summer Meals Available for Kids and Teens: Select Kent District Library branches are offering free summer meals for children and teens through September 1, helping families access nutritious food while school is out.

🥫 Free Food Boxes Available for Kent County Residents: The Grand Rapids Community Action Team will distribute boxes of pantry staples to eligible Kent County residents on Thursday, July 9, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Learn more about eligibility and distribution details through Kent County Community Action.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, July 8

Dave Matthews Band - Acrisure Amphitheater - Dave Matthews Band brings an unforgettable night of iconic songs, fan favorites, and high-energy live performance under the summer sky. 7:30 PM / $162–$805+

Thursday, July 9

Mini Garden Making with Hot Glue Creux - Grand Rapids Public Library – Madison Square Branch - Create your own miniature or fairy garden with Hot Glue Creux during this hands-on crafting event. All materials provided; designed for ages 6–18. 5:00–6:30 PM / Free

Poetry & Conversation: Colleen Alles and Eric Greinke - Fountain Street Church - The Grand River Poetry Collective celebrates new books from local poets Colleen Alles and Eric Greinke with an evening of readings and conversation. 5:30–8:00 PM / Free

Summer Ikebana-Inspired Floral Design Workshop - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Learn the principles of ikebana-inspired floral design with Meijer Gardens horticulturist Mandi Stade and create your own nature-inspired arrangement. 1:00–3:00 PM / $125 members, $135 non-members

Poetry and Conversation with Eric Greinke and Colleen Alles - Fountain Street Church - Grand River Poetry Collective hosts its first 2nd Thursday Poetry Night at the Chapel, celebrating new works from two acclaimed Grand Rapids poets. 5:30–8:00 PM / Free

A Light On The Lake - Wealthy Theatre - Documentary film commemorating the 200th anniversary of Michigan Freemasonry through interviews, history, and rare archival photographs. Doors 6:00 PM / Film 6:45–9:00 PM / $5.32

Friday, July 10

Broadway Rave - The Stache at The Intersection - A Broadway-themed dance party celebrating show tunes, musical theatre favorites, costumes, and surprise guests. Doors 7:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $24.65–$28.40

Camp Teo Presents Summer Love: R&B + Summer Jams - Elevation - Camp Teo presents a summer night of R&B and summer jams featuring Simmy, Dogfgood, and Wranger. 9:00 PM / $15.90–$28.40

Chef Oscar Presents: Noche de Friducha - MeXo - A five-course Prehispanic chef-inspired dinner experience celebrating Frida Kahlo’s birthday with cocktail pairings. 6:00–9:00 PM / $160

Jason Eller and the Distraction at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - High-energy live music night featuring great songs, strong musicianship, and a full-band performance in the Stillhouse atmosphere. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

John Mellencamp – Dancing Words Tour: The Greatest Hits - Acrisure Amphitheater - John Mellencamp brings his greatest hits and decades of Americana rock classics to Grand Rapids. 8:00 PM / $50+

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens: Ziggy Marley - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Ziggy Marley performs as part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series with a night of reggae and global sounds. 6:30 PM / $95 members, $100 non-members

Opening Night – Hazy Lazy Summer Days! Group Art Show - Cocoon Art Space - Opening reception for a summer group exhibition featuring artwork by Michigan artists in various mediums. 6:00–9:00 PM / Free

Raise Your Voice! Change The World! Ocean and the Universe! - Wealthy Theatre - Concert experience combining music, community, and social awareness featuring Ocean and The Universe, CIAO, and the Grand Rapids Community Jazz Orchestra. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $17

SkinnyFATdude Presents: LaughMasters - 2RST - Stand-up comedy showcase featuring headliner Ricarlo Winston and Michigan comedy talent. 8:00–9:30 PM / $15

Saturday, July 11

Daylily 101 at Meijer Gardens - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Learn about daylily care, varieties, and gardening techniques with Ginny Pearse in this beginner-friendly adult class. 1:00–2:00 PM / $35 (members receive 10% off)

Christmas in July Theme Night - SILVA - A summer holiday mashup featuring festive outfits, nostalgia, and a Christmas-meets-summer celebration. 4:00–11:00 PM / Free

Summer Saturdays: Birds of the Great Lakes - Grand Rapids Public Museum - Learn about Great Lakes birds with the Grand Rapids Audubon Club through conservation activities and bird watching tours. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM / General admission

OFF CAMPUS – Internet Romance Dance Party - The Stache at The Intersection - Dance party inspired by romance, college chaos, and the soundtrack of the Off Campus universe with themed visuals and fan favorites. Doors 7:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $24.65–$28.40

Mid-West Groove Festival - Rosa Parks Circle - Free family-friendly festival featuring smooth grooves, funky beats, and musicians from across the Midwest. 12:00–9:00 PM / Free

Cozy Worldwide - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Global nightlife experience featuring DJ sets blending hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, dancehall, and international sounds. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $21–$48

The Art of the Daylily: Illustration and Gouache - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Artist Nancy Hart leads a hands-on botanical illustration workshop combining sketching, watercolor, and observation of the natural world. 3:00–6:00 PM / $80 non-members

party iconic. Presents – Off Campus Dance Party - The Stache at The Intersection - Themed dance party featuring pop favorites, soundtrack hits, and visuals inspired by the Off Campus series. 7:30–9:30 PM / $28

Sunday, July 12

The Muppet Movie - Wealthy Theatre - Family Film Series screening of the beloved Muppet classic following Kermit’s journey from the swamp to Hollywood. Doors 1:00 PM / Movie 2:00 PM / $10 general admission, $8 CMC & Wealthy Theatre members

🎆 Happy Summer!

Did you know that Grand Rapids developed our elaborate streetcar system to connect our parks and neighborhoods?

📅 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.

Magic of the Mile on July 9, 2026

The Good Race on July 11, 2026

Cross Country Team Challenge on July 21, 2026