Good Morning Grand Rapids!

It’s a good thing we’re living through the longest days of the year, as there’s an intense amount of stuff to get into this week. Between Ocean Day, Disney Channel nostalgia, and fests galore, my wife and I’ll be lucky if we get any sleep at all!

Let’s get into it! ☀️ 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🏆 Grand Rapids Named Michigan’s Best-Managed City: Grand Rapids earned top honors in the state after being recognized as the best-managed city in Michigan in WalletHub’s 2026 rankings, highlighting the city’s performance in financial stability, public services, and overall governance.

💙 WOOD TV8 Owner Supports Children’s Advocacy Center: The owner of WOOD TV8 has donated $5,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, helping support services for children and families impacted by abuse and trauma.

👶 Rx Kids Expansion Brings Direct Support to Families: A new expansion of the Rx Kids program will provide financial assistance to more local households through cash support for Grand Rapids families, extending the initiative's efforts to improve maternal and infant well-being.

🏗️ City Weighs Incentives for Major Development Project: Grand Rapids officials are considering economic incentives tied to a proposed industrial facility and townhome development, a project that could bring both employment opportunities and new housing to the city.

⚓ Historic Grand Haven Lighthouse Opens After 151 Years: For the first time in its history, visitors will soon be able to explore the iconic structure as Grand Haven’s lighthouse prepares to open to the public, marking a major milestone for one of West Michigan’s most recognizable landmarks.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, June 24

The Babadook - Wealthy Theatre - Psychological horror film about a widowed mother and son haunted by a sinister presence from a mysterious children's book. Doors 6:30 PM / Movie 7:30 PM / $8–$10

MDRD X RC Caylan: An Intimate Love Affair - MDRD - Luxury dining and bridal fashion showcase featuring RC Caylan's latest couture collection. 6:30–10:30 PM / $375

Summer Blooms - Spruced Studio - Beginner-friendly floral arranging workshop where participants create and take home a summer-inspired bouquet. 6:00–7:15 PM / $90

Explore Eastown's Past: History Walking Tour Series - The New Yorker Menswear - Guided walking tour exploring Eastown's transformation into a thriving streetcar suburb and business district. 6:00–8:00 PM / $25

Music Bingo: 90s and 2000s - CitySen Lounge - Music bingo night featuring hits from the 1990s and 2000s alongside happy-hour specials. 4:30–5:30 PM / $2

Patio Pet Party at RSC! - Real Seafood Company - Pet-friendly patio fundraiser with cocktails, seafood bites, vendors, and animal rescue support. 6:00–10:00 PM / Free

Thursday, June 25

Dressed for Good Fashion Show - Mercantile Bank - Summer runway fundraiser benefiting In The Image and supporting neighbors in need. 5:30–8:30 PM / $35–$50

Darius Rucker – Songs of Summer Tour - Acrisure Amphitheater - Country superstar Darius Rucker performs with Lauren Alaina and Austin Williams. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

World Ocean Day - John Ball Zoo - Family-friendly celebration featuring aquatic-themed activities, animal encounters, and character appearances. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / $16.95–$21.95

Worship with the Weavers - The Local Church - Free community worship event featuring Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave. 7:00–8:30 PM / Free

King Buffalo - The Stache at The Intersection - Heavy psych rock trio known for expansive riffs and atmospheric jams. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $35.40

SUNNY RAVE: Grand Rapids w/ dj pressed - Elevation - Always Sunny-inspired rave featuring themed visuals, costumes, and dance music. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $22.15–$35.40

We're All In This Together: A Disney Channel Throwback Party - The Stache - Dance party celebrating Disney Channel favorites from the Hannah Montana and High School Musical era. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $22.15–$35.40

Friday, June 26

Drop-In & Design - Spruced Studio - Self-guided craft studio experience with multiple creative projects to choose from. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM / $15+

Locked Zoo: Secret Safari - John Ball Zoo - After-hours escape room-style adventure featuring puzzles and wildlife-themed mysteries. 6:00–9:00 PM / $35

The Format: Boycott Heaven Tour '26 – Unplugged! - Elevation - Acoustic reunion performance from indie-pop favorites The Format. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $43

TRAPPED ON MARS - Rapid River Stillhouse - Local band performing an energetic blend of rock, funk, pop, punk, and more. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons - Wealthy Theatre - String quartet tribute concert performed under candlelight. 8:45–10:00 PM / $18.50

Saturday, June 27

Foraged Botanical Incense Making - Gathered Botanicals - Hands-on workshop creating botanical incense using foraged materials and aromatic resins. 10:30–11:30 AM / $28

Goldfinger – Ska The Lot - The Intersection - Veteran ska-punk band Goldfinger headlines an afternoon of high-energy live music. Doors 3:00 PM / Show 4:00 PM / Prices vary

Literary Pastry Pop-Up with Pollen & Crumb - Schuler Books - Book-themed pastry pop-up from local micro-bakery Pollen & Crumb. 10:00 AM / Free

R&B Night - The Grand Celebration Center - Dance party featuring classic and contemporary R&B favorites. 7:00 PM–12:00 AM / $10

Grand Rapids Taco, Tequila, and Margarita Fest - Riverside Park - Outdoor festival featuring tacos, tequila tastings, margaritas, live music, and vendors. 4:00–8:00 PM / $20+

Steve Hofstetter: Begin Again - Wealthy Theatre - Stand-up comedy performance from the popular touring comedian and online personality. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $28–$163

Summer Music Series: Block Party with Megan Stark Band & Troy Page - Vander Mill – Grand Rapids - Family-friendly outdoor block party with live music, food, and activities. 4:00–10:00 PM / Free

Summer Saturdays: Celebrating the Grand River Watershed and USA at 250 - Grand Rapids Public Museum - Educational family event focused on local waterways and Michigan history. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM / General admission

Basket Weaving Class - Three Blue Brushes - Beginner fiber arts workshop creating a handwoven macramé basket. 11:00 AM–2:00 PM / $39

Humane Society of West Michigan's 143rd Birthday Party - Humane Society of West Michigan - Carnival-style celebration with family activities, pets, and fundraising. 12:00–3:00 PM / $10–$20

Sunday, June 28

Little Feat – The Last Farewell Tour - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Legendary Southern rock band Little Feat brings its farewell tour to Grand Rapids as part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Legally Blonde - Circle Theatre - Musical adaptation of the hit comedy following Elle Woods as she tackles Harvard Law School and discovers her own strengths. Times vary / Prices vary

Ballroom Social Social - Social Dance Studio - Weekly social ballroom dance event welcoming dancers of all skill levels for an evening of partner dancing and community. 7:00–10:00 PM / Prices vary

Beer City Open Prep Tournament - Dinks & Dingers Social Club - Competitive pickleball tournament designed to help players prepare for the upcoming Beer City Open. Times vary / Prices vary

DJ Bingo Sundays - Perrin Brewing Company - Weekly music bingo night featuring song clips, prizes, and craft beer. 8:30–10:00 PM / Free

Drop-In & Design - Spruced Studio - Self-guided crafting session with a variety of DIY projects available throughout the afternoon and evening. 3:00–7:00 PM / $15+

🌍️ Yay Ocean Day!

Did you know that the world is over 97% water?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Latvian Song & Dance Festival 2026 – July 1–5 @ Downtown Grand Rapids Venues – Grand Rapids hosts the Latvian Song & Dance Festival for the first time, featuring massive choral and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and community events across multiple downtown venues, including a 500-voice choir and 750-member dance ensemble. – July 1–5 / Schedule varies / Free–ticketed events

The Guess Who – Acrisure Amphitheater – Legendary rock band The Guess Who performs live as part of their 2026 tour, bringing classic hits and high-energy live performance to downtown Grand Rapids. – Date & time vary / Prices vary

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.

KeyBank Gran Fondo on June 27, 2026

myTEAM TRIUMPH West MI – GR Gran Fondo on June 27, 2026