Good Morning Grand Rapids!

We hope you survived last Tuesday night’s hail storm okay! Things’re really heating up, now that we’ve sprung forward and things are starting to thaw. There’s a lot to get into this week, between early St. Patty’s day festivities and some movie goodness to pair with the Oscars. Culture lovers are especially in for a treat, between all the fabulous classical music, opera, and visual arts.

Let’s get into it! ☘️ 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

👗 Fashion for a Cause: A recent runway event helped raise funds and awareness for mental health care in West Michigan as a fashion show fundraiser supported a Grand Rapids mental health clinic while bringing the community together for an evening of style and support.

🚢 Great Lakes Shipping Season: Shipping traffic on the Great Lakes is set to resume soon after the U.S. Army Corps announced the opening date for the Poe Lock, a key gateway that allows massive freighters to move iron ore and other materials between Lake Superior and the lower lakes.

📚 Libraries as Community Hubs: Grand Rapids libraries are evolving beyond books as the system rolls out a new strategy that will transform the Grand Rapids Public Library into a community hub with expanded programming, gathering spaces, and neighborhood resources.

🌲 Protecting Michigan Forests: Land managers are planning proactive wildfire prevention this year after the U.S. Forest Service announced plans for 100 prescribed fires in the Huron-Manistee National Forest to improve forest health and reduce the risk of larger uncontrolled fires.

🚧 Heads Up for Drivers: Commuters in the city should plan ahead as the US-131 bridge closure in Grand Rapids is expected to bring detours and traffic changes while crews complete important infrastructure work.

🩰 Oz Comes to the Stage: More than 50 young performers are preparing to take audiences somewhere over the rainbow as local dancers bring The Wizard of Oz to life in Grand Rapids with a colorful stage production later this month.

🥚 Community Prepares for Easter Tradition: Neighbors are invited to lend a hand stuffing thousands of eggs ahead of a local spring celebration at the Cascade Township Easter Egg Stuffing Party, helping prepare for the township’s annual egg hunt.

🌷 Spring Flower Show Returns: The arrival of warmer weather means colorful displays are back at Frederik Meijer Gardens as the annual Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit returns with thousands of tropical butterflies filling the conservatory.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Thursday, March 12

Laughfest Presents: Michigan Mashup Variety Show - Midtown at Studio Park - Comedy showcase featuring top comedians from across West Michigan. 7:00 PM / $25

Bailey Zimmerman – Different Night Same Rodeo Tour - Van Andel Arena - Multi-platinum country star Bailey Zimmerman performs with Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten. 7:15 PM / Prices Vary

Comprehensive Therapy Center Legacy Dinner - Fountain Street Church - Fundraising dinner supporting therapy programs for children with developmental disabilities. 6:00 PM–9:00 PM / $125

Opera is Lit - The Lit - Opera Grand Rapids storytelling event inspired by the travels of Marco Polo. 7:30 PM–10:00 PM / $30 // $5 student

Ultimate Sport Show – Grand Rapids - DeVos Place - Major outdoor recreation expo featuring gear, boats, demonstrations, and seminars. 1:00 PM / $12–$15

Concerts Under the Stars: Clawfoot feat. Visual Artist Will Mosqueda - Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum - Immersive planetarium concert combining live music with full-dome visual art projections. 7:30 PM–9:00 PM / $24 // $20 members

&Juliet - Broadway Grand Rapids - Pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s story with Juliet choosing her own destiny. 7:30 PM–10:10 PM / $40+

Friday, March 13

ABRACADABRA – A Lady Gaga Themed Dance Party - The Stache at The Intersection - 21+ dance party celebrating the music and aesthetic of Lady Gaga. Doors 9:00 PM / Prices Vary

Battle Bots Improv Comedy Show - The Comedy Project - Improvised comedy inspired by Whose Line Is It Anyway-style audience suggestions. 9:00 PM / $17

The Floozies + Too Many Zooz – Too Many Flooz Tour - The Intersection - High-energy funk, electronic, and brass fusion concert (18+). Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / $41.40

Sherri Shepherd: Make It Make Sense Tour - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Stand-up comedy performance from the Emmy-winning comedian and talk show host. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $64–$143

LaughFest Presents: Pop Scholars Improv - Midtown at Studio Park - Quick-witted improv comedy troupe known for fast-paced humor and sharp timing. 8:00 PM / $20

An Evening with Duo - Grand Rapids Symphony - Symphony concert featuring Haydn’s “Miracle Symphony.” 7:30 PM / $28–$60

Blacksmith Shop Open - Blandford Nature Center - Live demonstrations showing how metal is forged into useful objects. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / $5

LaughMasters - 1511 Plainfield Ave NE - Stand-up comedy night encouraging audience energy with a BYOB atmosphere. 8:00 PM–10:00 PM / $15

Concerts Under the Stars: Clawfoot feat. Visual Artist Will Mosqueda - Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum - Immersive planetarium concert pairing live music with full-dome visuals. 7:30 PM–9:00 PM / $24 // $20 members

&Juliet - Broadway Grand Rapids - Pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s story with Juliet choosing her own destiny. 7:30 PM–10:10 PM / $40+

Ultimate Sport Show – Grand Rapids - DeVos Place - Major outdoor recreation expo featuring gear, boats, demonstrations, and seminars. 1:00 PM / $12–$15

Saturday, March 14

Sugarbush Festival 2026 - Blandford Nature Center - Spring celebration featuring maple sugaring demonstrations, wildlife encounters, crafts, and tastings. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / $11.20–$14

Late Night Comedy Lab - The Comedy Project - Experimental improv and sketch comedy performed in a 25-seat theater. 10:30 PM–11:15 PM / $7

Kids Joke Time - Gilda's Club - Young comedians share their favorite jokes during a family-friendly LaughFest event. 10:00 AM / Free

The Irish Remedy - Mason St NW / 820 Monroe Ave NW - Community St. Patrick’s celebration with music, dancers, vendors, and entertainment. 12:00 PM–9:00 PM / Free

Laughfest Presents: The Dirty Show - Midtown at Studio Park - Late-night comedy showcase featuring uncensored and outrageous humor. 7:30 PM / $25

INZO – Mirrorverse Tour - The Intersection - Electronic bass music performance with support from Know Good, Okayjake, and Blookah (18+). Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM / Prices Vary

Irish Off Ionia Festival 2026 - Calder Plaza - Large St. Patrick’s Day festival featuring music, Irish dancers, and festive food (21+). 11:00 AM–9:00 PM / $21–$54

Grand Rapids St. Patrick's Day Weekend Bar Crawl 2026 - Küsterer Brauhaus - St. Patrick’s themed bar crawl visiting multiple downtown venues. 1:00 PM–8:00 PM / $7.99–$11.99

St. Paddy's Party featuring The House Cats - Vestal Inn - St. Patrick’s celebration with live cover band and dancing. 8:00 PM–12:00 AM / Free

Gathered Botanicals Facial Cupping 101: A Botanical Glow Ritual - Gathered Botanicals - Beginner skincare workshop teaching facial cupping techniques. 10:30 AM–11:30 AM / $35

Sip & Savor: A Wine & Charcuterie Pairing Experience - Spruced Studio - Guided wine tasting paired with charcuterie board creation. 6:30 PM–8:00 PM / $100

Spring Awakenings - Eastern Floral - Hands-on floral design class creating a seasonal spring arrangement. 10:00 AM–11:00 AM / $65

&Juliet - Broadway Grand Rapids - Pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s story with Juliet choosing her own destiny. 7:30 PM–10:10 PM / $40+

Ultimate Sport Show – Grand Rapids - DeVos Place - Major outdoor recreation expo featuring gear, boats, demonstrations, and seminars. 1:00 PM / $12–$15

Sunday, March 15

Toby Bresnahan in Concert - Küsterer Brauhaus - Irish folk performance as part of the WYCE “World Music on the WestSide” series. 4:00 PM–6:00 PM / Free

Capitol Horns Quartet + Solo Violin - Trinity Lutheran Church - Chamber concert featuring horn quartet, violin, and piano performing works including Eric Ewazen’s Trio. 3:00 PM / Free (suggested $15 donation)

Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series: Finding America - 2345 Robinson Rd SE - Chamber music program celebrating composers who made the United States their home. 3:00 PM / Free

&Juliet - Broadway Grand Rapids - Pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s story with Juliet choosing her own destiny. 7:30 PM–10:10 PM / $40+

Ultimate Sport Show – Grand Rapids - DeVos Place - Major outdoor recreation expo featuring gear, boats, demonstrations, and seminars. 1:00 PM / $12–$15

👩 Celebrate Grand Rapids’ Irish Heritage!

Did you know that the Irish were the first immigrants to arrive in Grand Rapids, dating back as far as 1835?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

LaughFest 2026 – March 11–15 @ Gilda’s LaughFest – Community‑wide comedy festival with stand‑up, improv, and laughter‑filled shows benefiting local support programs. – Various times / Prices vary

Tulip Time Festival 2026 – May 1–10 @ Holland Tulip Time – Classic Dutch heritage festival with millions of tulips in bloom, parades, cultural events, and family fun near Grand Rapids. – All day daily / Prices vary

Cider Week GR – May 8–16 @ Multiple Grand Rapids Locations – Nine days of cider tastings, orchard tours, pairing dinners, and celebrations of Michigan’s hard cider scene. – Various times / Prices vary

Michigan Cider Fest – May 16 @ Rosa Parks Circle – Outdoor festival featuring Michigan ciders, food trucks, music, and games in downtown Grand Rapids. – 3:00 PM–7:00 PM / Tickets required (21+ event)

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.

Irish Jig 5k on March 14th! - For more than 40 years, the Irish Jig has marked the start of Michigan’s racing season. But 2026 isn’t just another starting line. It’s a turning point. On March 14, we’re not running for tradition. We’re running against a brutal truth: 1 in 2 people will face cancer in their lifetime. Use code “GrandRapidsNewsletter for 15% off”

Grand Rapids Road Mile on March 26

Amway River Bank Run on May 9, 2026

Walk MS: Grand Rapids on May 30, 2026