Good Morning Grand Rapids!

It’s a big week! Eldest got his first job - he’s now a proud Chik - Fil - A employee! Free chicken nuggets for life! We’re also going to use the long weekend to see if we can’t get the pool open.

Let’s get into it! 🦦 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

📷 Grand Rapids Public Museum set to unveil expanded Old GR exhibit: The museum is preparing to welcome visitors to a refreshed and much larger version of its classic "Streets of Old Grand Rapids" exhibit, bringing local history to life with enhanced interactive features.

🏖️ Grand Rapids is featured as a must-visit summer getaway for families: A new travel guide highlights the city as an ideal summer vacation destination for families, spotlighting local attractions, parks, and kid-friendly spots that make for a perfect seasonal road trip.

🏛️ A Grand Rapids neighborhood and 4 projects are celebrated for preserving the city's heritage: Local leaders and organizations recognized outstanding efforts in historic preservation, honoring a specific neighborhood and four distinct preservation projects for keeping Grand Rapids' history alive.

🐉 Grand Rapids library launching Dungeons & Dragons nights for adults after community demand: Responding to a surge of interest from local residents, the library system is introducing dedicated Dungeons & Dragons tabletop gaming nights tailored specifically for adults.

👗 Vintage Charm is opening its tenth boutique on Wealthy Street: Expanding beyond its original Michigan location in South Haven, the popular women's clothing and accessory retailer announced it is bringing its boutique experience to Grand Rapids this summer.

🎵 Acrisure Amphitheater opens the gates two years after groundbreaking with a weekend of live music celebrations: The highly anticipated riverfront venue is officially kicking off its inaugural season, welcoming music fans to a massive weekend of live performances to celebrate the milestone completion.

🤩 Tonight in Grand Rapids!

Music lovers are in for a treat tonight, as there are numerous tasty treats to dig into. Tech N9ne at 20 Monroe is the biggest news if you like your hip-hop raw and rough, but there’s smoother, softer sounds if you’re looking to relax, with two special candlelight tributes to Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Imagine Dragons if you’re looking to start the weekend off on a classy note.

If you’re more into movies, though, you’ll have a chance to see Terrence Malick’s most recent film, with a rare screening of 2019’s A Hidden Life.

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Thursday, May 21

Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift - Wealthy Theatre - Candlelit live concert featuring orchestral renditions of Taylor Swift songs in an immersive atmosphere. 6:30–7:45 PM / $27

Tech N9ne and E-40 - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Hip-hop concert featuring Tech N9ne and E-40 with supporting acts. Doors 7:00 PM / $30–$119+

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons - Wealthy Theatre - Candlelit concert featuring instrumental performances of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons hits. 8:45–10:00 PM / $19

Movies at the Museum: Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life (2019) - Grand Rapids Art Museum - Free screening of Terrence Malick’s historical drama presented with subtitles and a pre-film social hour. 7:00–10:00 PM / Free

Friday, May 22

Happy Hour: A Pleasant Dog Patio Class - Harmony Brewing Company - Eastown - Free dog-training workshop focused on patio etiquette and stress-free outings with your pup. 4:00–6:00 PM / Free

Aim High Members-only Exhibit Preview - Grand Rapids Children’s Museum - Members-only early access to the new AIM HIGH traveling exhibit exploring the Tuskegee Airmen. 5:00–7:00 PM / Free for members

The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History - Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum - Panel discussion and presentation examining Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with U.S. presidents, followed by exhibit opening and reception. 5:30 PM / Free

Free Show: Red Thyme (bluegrass) - Speciation Cellars - Live bluegrass performance blending traditional harmonies with indie and folk influences. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

Friday Late Night: Emo Night with DJ Rex - Harmony Brewing Company - Eastown - Nostalgic emo and post-hardcore dance night featuring DJ Rex spinning mid-2000s favorites. 9:00 PM–12:00 AM / Free

DJ JONVH Live at The Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - Bass-heavy dubstep DJ set with experimental electronic music and aggressive drops. 10:00 PM / $5 cover

OTTERPALOOZA - John Ball Zoo - Celebration of the zoo’s new otter habitat featuring keeper chats, activities, and family entertainment. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Included with admission

Cider Weekend at 7 Monks GR - 7 Monks Taproom - Special cider tapping events celebrating the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition. 3:00–11:00 PM / $10

Saturday, May 23

OTTERPALOOZA - John Ball Zoo - Celebration of the zoo’s new otter habitat featuring keeper chats, activities, and family entertainment. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Included with admission

Wood Burning Workshop - Spruced Studio - Cottagecore-inspired woodburning workshop creating layered designs with moths, moons, and mushrooms. 10:00 AM–1:00 PM / $75 per person

Gathered Botanicals Seasonal Sips: Yoga & Herbal Mocktail Experience - Gathered Botanicals - Wellness experience combining gentle yoga with hands-on herbal mocktail crafting. 10:30–11:45 AM / $35 per person

Taiko Drumming with Kioto Aoki - Grand Rapids Public Library Event - Family-friendly Japanese taiko drumming performance blending music, dance, and theater traditions. 11:00 AM–12:00 PM / Free

Mother's Day Blacksmith 101: Youth & Adult - Blandford Nature Center - Parent-and-child blacksmithing workshop teaching forge safety and decorative metalworking basics. 12:00–4:00 PM / $110 non-members, $90 members

Race For The Red 5K - Riverside Park - Charity 5K fundraiser supporting firefighters diagnosed with cancer and early detection screenings. 9:30 AM–1:00 PM / $40–$55

LIVE at CBJ: Asamu Johnson & The Associates of The Blues - Chicago Beef Joint - Award-winning West Michigan blues performance featuring classic and contemporary blues influences. 6:00–9:00 PM / $10 per person

Los Rehenes - DeVos Performance Hall - Regional Mexican group performs classic hits and fan favorites on their international tour. 7:00 PM / Prices vary

40 Years of Fuckin' Up: A Film By NOFX - Wealthy Theatre - Documentary chronicling NOFX’s four-decade punk career with exclusive music and behind-the-scenes stories. Doors 7:00 PM / Movie 8:00 PM / 8PM show

Sunday, May 24

Drop-In & Design - Spruced Studio - Self-guided crafting session with a variety of creative projects and supplies to choose from. 1:00–5:00 PM / Crafts priced individually

OTTERPALOOZA - John Ball Zoo - Celebration of the zoo’s new otter habitat featuring keeper chats, activities, and family entertainment. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Included with admission

🦦 You Otter Know

Did you know that otters playing, while being super adorable, also plays an important role in otter’s society, helping to reinforce social bonds and teach valuable skills?

📅 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.

Walk MS: Grand Rapids on May 30, 2026