Good Morning Grand Rapids!

How’s your summer going? Mine’s been pretty magnificent so far, ‘specially now that some nice weather’s made it possible for us to get out with the kids for some early summer shenanigans. It’s a good thing, too, as it’s let us warm up a bit for the mad amount of goodness goin’ on around town this week! Hopefully we won’t get washed out by the storms they’re threatening later this week.

A quick reminder, The Diemer 5K is happening this week on June 13, 2026 so there are still a few days left to register. If you’re planning on racing, you can use the discount code GrandRapidsNewsletter to get $5 off registration!

Let’s get into it! ☀️ 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🍲 Soup Kitchen Seeks Community Support: Grand Rapids-based God’s Kitchen is getting creative in its effort to replace a failing commercial oven, launching a fundraising campaign to ensure it can continue serving thousands of meals to those in need.

⚽ Downtown Scavenger Hunt Celebrates the World Cup: A new World Cup-themed scavenger hunt will send participants across downtown Grand Rapids this summer, combining soccer excitement with local landmarks and businesses ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

🎆 Grand Rapids Fireworks Get a New Home: The city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show will move to a new viewing location this year, giving residents a different vantage point for one of the region’s largest Independence Day celebrations.

🎨 ArtPrize Brings Back Preview Week: Organizers of ArtPrize have announced the return of Preview Week, giving visitors an early opportunity to explore many of the installations across downtown Grand Rapids from September 12–17 before voting and the official competition begin on September 18.

👗 New Boutique Opens in Uptown: A new women’s fashion destination has arrived in the neighborhood with the opening of Uptown’s newest clothing and accessories boutique, offering a mix of new and carefully curated pre-loved apparel and accessories.

☕ Native-Owned Coffee Shop Coming to Creston: A long-vacant building on Plainfield Avenue is being transformed into a new Native-owned coffee shop, bringing fresh investment and a new gathering space to the Creston neighborhood near Frosty Boy.

🤩 Tonight in Grand Rapids!

Wow, talk about spoiled for choice! There’s a wild amount of stuff happening for a Wednesday this week. Music lovers get the top pick, as the OG O.C.’s Phantom Planet are playing Elevation, Five for Fighting are at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, and New Zealand indie poppers The Beths are taking over The Pyramid Scheme’s Big Room.

It’s not all grooves and tunes, though. Movie lovers looking to beat the heat have a chance to catch Luc Besson’s under-appreciated The Fifth Element at the Wealthy Theatre.

Which one will you choose?

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, June 10

Augustana & Phantom Planet – All The Stars and Boulevards 20th Anniversary Tour - Elevation - Co-headlining anniversary tour featuring Augustana and Phantom Planet performing fan favorites and career-spanning hits. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / Prices vary

The Beths - The BIG Room - Acclaimed New Zealand indie-rock band The Beths brings their energetic live show to Grand Rapids. 8:00 PM / $38

Wildlife Care Apprentices (Ages 10–15) - Blandford Nature Center Wildlife Experiences - Hands-on wildlife care program where participants help feed and enrich Blandford's ambassador animals before heading out on a wildlife adventure. 12:00–3:00 PM / $60 Members, $75 Non-Members

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts: Five for Fighting & Edwin McCain - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Summer concert series performance featuring Five for Fighting and Edwin McCain in an outdoor garden setting. 6:45 PM / $72 Members, $77 Non-Members

The Fifth Element - Wealthy Theatre - Screening of Luc Besson's sci-fi classic following Korben Dallas and Leeloo's mission to save Earth. Doors 6:30 PM / Movie 7:30 PM / $8–$10

Late Night DJ Bingo Wednesdays - Tin Can Bar - Music-themed bingo night where players identify songs for chances to win prizes. 8:00–9:30 PM / Free

Thursday, June 11

Farm to Table: Strawberry Dinner - Ed Dunneback & Girl's Farm Market - Seasonal farm dinner featuring fresh local ingredients and craft beverages in a relaxed outdoor setting. 6:00–8:00 PM / $49.92

Guided Shinrin-Yoku: Rest & Reconnect in Nature - Blandford Nature Center Wildlife Experiences - Guided forest bathing experience focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and connecting with nature. 6:00–8:00 PM / $24 Members, $30 Non-Members

Warchild ft. Scott Pryor - The Stache at The Intersection - All-ages rock performance featuring Warchild with support from Scott Pryor. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $16

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Party - Studio Park - Official opening celebration for the FIFA World Cup featuring a public viewing of Mexico vs. South Africa and community festivities. 2:00–7:00 PM / Free

Friday, June 12

RendeZoo - John Ball Zoo - Adults-only evening fundraiser featuring animal encounters, food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the zoo. 7:00–10:30 PM / $100

Dolly Dagger at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - High-energy rock performance featuring loud guitars and classic live-music atmosphere. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

Loving Day Celebration - Grand Rapids Children's Museum - Family-focused celebration of diversity and family through hands-on activities, planting projects, and interactive play. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM / $12

Last Call Comedy: The Dirty Show - Tellers Lounge - Stand-up comedy showcase featuring touring comedians sharing their most outrageous material. 9:00–10:30 PM / $20

Brian Vander Ark - Midtown at Studio Park - Solo performance from The Verve Pipe frontman featuring songs from across his career. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $30–$40

Asian-Pacific Festival 2026 - Calder Plaza - Multi-day cultural festival celebrating Asian-Pacific heritage through food, performances, art, and community activities. 11:00 AM–11:00 PM / Free

Saturday, June 13

Jelly Roll – The Little Ass Shed Tour - Acrisure Amphitheater - Country-rap superstar Jelly Roll performs with special guest Kashus Culpepper. 7:00 PM / $119–$573+

CANDID ANTICS (Jazz) - Speciation Cellars - Live jazz showcase featuring some of Grand Rapids' top musicians. Doors 8:30 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $10

Miles Balley - The Stache at The Intersection - All-ages concert performance by Miles Balley. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / Prices vary

One Direction Night - Elevation - Fan-focused dance party celebrating the music of One Direction. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $24.65–$30.65

Pattie Gonia: SAVE HER! featuring Sequoia and VERA - The BIG Room - Climate-focused drag spectacular combining comedy, activism, performance, and community engagement. 8:00 PM / $44.50–$145

Foraged Green Powders Workshop - Gathered Botanicals - Learn to identify, harvest, dry, and blend local plants into nutritious homemade green powders. 10:30 AM–12:30 PM / $45

Mark Lavengood Live at The Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - Americana and roots performance from award-winning dobro player and songwriter Mark Lavengood. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

OPTIMISM: Work by Dorelle Henri - AllArtWorks - Exhibition featuring abstract works inspired by iconic animated pop-culture imagery. 6:00–8:00 PM / Free

Big Ole Rainbow Party Theme Night - SILVA - Colorful Pride-themed celebration encouraging guests to embrace bold and vibrant self-expression. 4:00–11:00 PM / Free

Summer Outdoor Yoga at Blandford - Blandford Nature Center - Outdoor yoga session combining movement, breathwork, and meditation in a natural environment. 9:30–10:30 AM / $12–$15

Public Riverfront Opening Celebration - Grand Rapids Public Museum - Community celebration marking the opening of the museum's new public riverfront space with family-friendly activities. 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Free riverfront activities

Asian-Pacific Festival 2026 - Calder Plaza - Multi-day cultural festival celebrating Asian-Pacific heritage through food, performances, art, and community activities. 11:00 AM–11:00 PM / Free

Sunday, June 14

Journey – Final Frontier Tour - Van Andel Arena - Legendary rock band Journey brings its farewell-style Final Frontier Tour to Grand Rapids. 7:30 PM / Price varies

Trillium Ballet Presents: Robin Hood - Wealthy Theatre - Original contemporary ballet adaptation of the Robin Hood legend featuring new choreography and storytelling. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM / $23.68 online, $25 at door

Yoga and Chihuly | Slow Vinyasa - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Yoga class paired with a guided tour of Chihuly sculptures throughout the gardens. 9:30–11:00 AM / $25 Members, $35 Non-Members

BIG TIME BOXING PRESENTS CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT OF BOXING - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Championship boxing card headlined by hometown champion Joshua "JJ" Pagan and a stacked lineup of professional fighters. 1:00–10:00 PM / $65.90–$230.50

🐲 That’s So Grand

Did you know that a public art installation of the Loch Ness Monster helped bring ArtPrize to national attention?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

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.

The Diemer 5K on June 13, 2026

K9K Race on June 13, 2026

Treat Trot Grand Rapids on June 20, 2026