Good Morning Grand Rapids!

SCHOOL’S OUT! That means for those of us with kids, the summer has officially begun. Not a moment too soon, as checking out all the interesting stuff happening around Grand Rapids is a full-time job!

A quick side note, as I know summer fills up fast. I added The Diemer 5K on June 13, 2026 to the list of this summer’s races and walks for the marathonners among us. 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

🥐 A Grand Rapids Tradition Lives On: Generations of bakers have kept Van’s Pastry Shoppe thriving on Fulton Street since the 1940s, with family ownership, traditional recipes, and community support helping the beloved bakery remain a local institution.

⚽ World Cup Fever Comes Downtown: Grand Rapids will host West Michigan’s official FIFA World Cup opening match watch party, bringing soccer fans together to celebrate the tournament’s kickoff on June 11.

🎲 700 Games and a Global Menu: A new board game café opening in the former Fat Boy location will feature more than 700 tabletop games alongside an internationally inspired food and drink menu.

🏢 Historic Tower, New Purpose: A downtown landmark is getting a second life as developers move forward with plans to transform a historic Grand Rapids office tower into residential housing, adding new apartments while preserving the building’s historic character.

🍎 Robinette’s Is Back for Summer: West Michigan favorite Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery has reopened for the 2026 season, welcoming visitors back for baked goods, cider, winery offerings, and family activities.

📽️ Outdoor Movie Nights Return: Studio Park has announced the summer lineup for its free Sunset Cinema series, featuring outdoor screenings of classics like Jurassic Park and newer hits such as Sinners on Saturday evenings throughout the season.

📚 Read Books, Earn Prizes: The Grand Rapids Public Library Summer Reading Challenge is underway, allowing readers of all ages to set their own reading goals and earn prizes all summer long—no library card required.

🤩 Tonight in Grand Rapids!

If you’re engaging in GRPL’s Summer Reading Challenge, you’re in luck. This week’s kicking off on a literary note, with a gathering of the Cozy Mystery Reading Club at the Van Belkum branch of the Public Library AND an author event featuring romance writers Karla Sorensen and Brittainy Cherry at Schuler Books.

Which one will you choose?

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, June 3

Wood Flower Arrangement Workshop - Spruced Studio - Create a custom wood flower arrangement with hand-painted blooms, greenery, and a complimentary glass of wine during evening classes. 6:00–7:30 PM / $10 deposit, arrangements $40–$55

2026 Grand Rapids Spring Parade of Homes - Grand Rapids Spring Parade of Homes - Come see the latest architecture, interior design trends, home technology, and landscaping inspiration across West Michigan with this self-guided tour. 1:00–9:00 PM / $10 presale, $15 during event, children 12 & under free

BETWEEN CHAOS & SILENCE: Work by Merima Smajlovic - AllArtWorks - Exhibition of contemporary artwork by Merima Smajlovic exploring themes of memory, identity, and emotional landscapes through mixed media. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

Comedy Night at the River City Saloon - River City Saloon - Weekly stand-up comedy showcase featuring local and regional comedians in an intimate bar setting. Starts at 12:00 AM / Cost not listed

Cozy Mystery Book Club - Grand Rapids Public Library – Van Belkum Branch - Discussion group for readers of cozy mystery novels, featuring conversation, recommendations, and community engagement. 9:00–10:00 PM / Free

Geeks Who Drink Trivia w/ PizzaMI Food Truck - Speciation Cellars - Weekly trivia night from Geeks Who Drink paired with pizza from the PizzaMI food truck and craft beverages. 10:00 PM–12:00 AM / Free to play

Head Over Heels with Karla Sorensen and Brittainy Cherry - Schuler Books - Author event featuring romance writers Karla Sorensen and Brittainy Cherry discussing Head Over Heels, writing, and reader Q&A. 9:30 PM / Cost not listed

Line Dancing with Cowboy Rob at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - Country line dancing night with instruction from Cowboy Rob, welcoming beginners and experienced dancers alike. Starts at 10:00 PM / Cost not listed

Thursday, June 4

Books & Blooms - Spruced Studio - Craft a decorative floral display using vintage books, wood flowers, botanicals, and moss. 6:00–8:00 PM / $55 per person

Moontricks - The Stache at The Intersection - Electronic-folk duo Moontricks performs an all-ages show blending organic instrumentation and dance music. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $28

Evening Hike with the Animals (Adults Only) - Blandford Nature Center Wildlife Experiences - Guided evening walk featuring close encounters with Blandford's ambassador animals. 6:00–7:15 PM / Non-Members $16, Members $12.80

A Fortune of Sand with Ruta Sepetys and Tirzah Price - Schuler Books - Historical fiction author Ruta Sepetys discusses her new Prohibition-era novel in conversation with Michigan author Tirzah Price. 6:30 PM / $35

Spring into Herbalism - Blandford Nature Center - Educational herbalism walk exploring medicinal plants, ecology, and wellness practices. 6:00–7:30 PM / Non-Members $30, Members $24

Friday, June 5

Free Show Friday: Ascension & Strange Skin - Speciation Cellars - Free industrial, post-punk, and shoegaze showcase featuring Strange Skin and Ascension. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

2026 Around the World — A Taste of Italy - Van Andel Institute Graduate School - Italian-themed summer fundraiser featuring food, wine, entertainment, and support for educational programs. 6:00–10:00 PM / $100 per person

Arankai: The Portrait Tour - The Stache at The Intersection - Rising artist Arankai performs with support from Buffalo Farm and additional guests. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 6:30 PM / Prices vary

Shrek Rave - Elevation - Shrek-inspired dance party featuring DJs, costumes, themed visuals, and rave energy. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $25.90–$76.40

SOURCE Film Premiere - Wealthy Theatre - Michigan premiere of the short film SOURCE, following a woman's surreal search for meaning and connection. Doors 6:30 PM / Film 7:30 PM / $11.80

Forks without Borders - Paul Rigney Field - International street food festival celebrating Grand Rapids' culinary diversity through food trucks and vendors. 11:00 AM–9:00 PM / $20

Nathan Walton and the Remedy Live at The Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - Blues-rock and soul performance from one of West Michigan's most popular live bands. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

Taylor Swift Yoga! - Rebel Nell - Taylor Swift-inspired yoga class blending themed poses, music, and mindfulness. 6:15–7:30 PM / $25 or Pay What You Can

Ain’t Nothing Like Family - Part 2 - Wealthy Theatre - Faith-based comedy stage play exploring family, resilience, and life's unexpected twists. Doors 6:00 PM / Curtains 7:00 PM / $35.56–$44.20

Up North - Cocoon Art Space - Opening reception for Tedd Smith's mixed-media exhibition reflecting on Michigan memories and landscapes. 6:00–9:00 PM / Free

Community Climb at Highland Park - Highland Park - Introductory rock climbing event with instruction, equipment, and refreshments for all ages. 6:00–9:00 PM / Free

Saturday, June 6

Deadhead Disco - The Stache at The Intersection - Grateful Dead-inspired dance party blending jam-band culture with nightclub energy. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices vary

Outdoor Planters - Eastern Floral - Hands-on workshop creating colorful outdoor planters with blooming annual flowers. 10:00–11:00 AM / $65

Emo Nite - Elevation - Dance party dedicated to emo, pop-punk, and alternative favorites. Doors 9:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices vary

Free Show: Silvis with Emma Bieniewicz - Speciation Cellars - Free indie music showcase featuring Columbus-based Silvis and Grand Rapids artist Emma Bieniewicz. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

B93 Presents: Parker McCollum - Acrisure Amphitheater - Country star Parker McCollum headlines with special guests Max McNown and Kassi Ashton. 7:30 PM / $25–$133+

City Built Block Party 2026 - City Built Brewing Co. - Ninth-anniversary block party featuring live music, food trucks, outdoor bars, and community celebration. 3:00–10:00 PM / Free

Gathered Botanicals Native Plant Sale - Gathered Botanicals - Native plant sale and gardening event hosted by conservation specialist Alysia of The Garden Guru. 11:00 AM–2:00 PM / Free

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

42nd Women Lawyers vs. Judges Charity Softball Game - LMCU Ballpark - Annual charity softball game supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 4:00–10:00 PM / $13.96

Grand Rapids Queer Prom - Fountain Street Church - Pride-themed dance party featuring DJs, drag performances, and prom court festivities. 7:00 PM–1:00 AM / $20–$30

Japanese Gardening Techniques Workshop - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Learn traditional Japanese pruning methods through lectures, guided tours, and live demonstrations. 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / $45

6th Anniversary "Family Reunion" - Malamiah Juice Bar & Eatery - Community celebration marking six years of serving the neighborhood with food and festivities. 11:00 AM / Free

Sunday, June 7

The Wallflowers - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - The Wallflowers perform as part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series. 7:00 PM / Members $53, Non-Members $58

FREE High Score Comedy at The Pyramid Scheme - The Pyramid Scheme - Free monthly stand-up comedy showcase featuring established and emerging West Michigan comedians. 8:00–10:00 PM / Free

Mike Sherm - Elevation - Comedian and paranormal investigator Mike Sherm brings his live show to Grand Rapids. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / Prices vary

Iration – Where It All Began Summer Tour 2026 - The Intersection - Reggae-rock favorites Iration perform with special guests Tribal Seeds. Doors 5:00 PM / Show 6:00 PM / $48.15

BAMFEST26: RECLAMATION - Wealthy Theatre - Day-long festival celebrating Black artistry, culture, and heritage with performances, exhibitions, and community programming. 10:00 AM–8:00 PM / Free

☀️ Bright, Sunshiney Days

Did you know that Grand Rapids gets an average of 16 hours of sunshine a day in June?

📅 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.

Lung Legacy Run, Walk on June 3, 2026

The Diemer 5K on June 13, 2026

K9K Race on June 13, 2026

Treat Trot Grand Rapids on June 20, 2026