Good Morning Grand Rapids!

I hope you all had the best long weekend! I hope even more that you weren’t one of the 10,000 people who lost power on Memorial Day!

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

🏗️ High Rise High Life: Plans for a new downtown residential tower continue advancing as Grand Action 2.0 pushes forward on a high-rise development near the Acrisure Amphitheater and riverfront district.

🥇 Honoring Lucius Lyon: Nearly 200 years after helping shape the city’s earliest development, Lucius Lyon continues to influence Grand Rapids through its street layout, downtown landmarks, and foundational role in Michigan statehood

🦦 Otters Away: Visitors can now explore John Ball Zoo’s immersive new river otter upgrade, featuring expanded habitats and underwater viewing areas for guests.

🎶 Celebrating Van Andel Arena: Downtown Grand Rapids is celebrating Van Andel Arena’s 30th Anniversary, reflecting on three decades of concerts, sports, and economic impact in the city center.

🗿 Sculptural Appreciation: The Toledo City Paper called the Grand Rapids sculpture garden “a must-see walkable outdoor art destination filled with monumental sculptures and landscaped trails.”

Meijer Gardens' Thanks Those That Served: Meijer Gardens is offering free admission to military personnel and their families through September 7 as part of the national Blue Star Museums appreciation program.

🤩 Tonight in Grand Rapids!

Music lovers have a tough choice to make tonight, as two huge stars take over two enormous venues. First, we’ve got alt-rock mainstays O.A.R. descending upon Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater with their horn-laden rock ‘n roll. Hip-hop beat genius Kid Cudi is coming to the brand-new Acrisure Ampitheater with his state-of-the-art beats and rhymes. It’s a tough choice but either one should kick off your summer in high style.

Which one will you choose?

📆 This Weekend’s Grand Events

Wednesday, May 27

O.A.R. - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Annual summer concert series performance by rock band O.A.R. with food, drinks, and outdoor amphitheater seating. 6:30 PM / Member: $85 + fees, Public: $90 + fees

Kid Cudi Presents: The Rebel Ragers Tour 2026 - Acrisure Amphitheater - Kid Cudi headlines The Rebel Ragers Tour with support for youth mental health initiatives through The Big Bro Foundation. 6:30 PM / $40–$222+

Thursday, May 28

Boutique Towel Design Workshop - Spruced Studio - Watercolor workshop creating hand-painted towel patterns and playful illustrated designs inspired by fresh everyday objects. 6:00–8:00 PM / $48+

Beachside Bliss Painting - Spruced Studio - Acrylic painting class featuring a colorful beach umbrella scene with guided instruction for all skill levels. 6:00–8:00 PM / $55 per person

Kenny Feidler - The Stache at The Intersection Event Page - Country and Americana performance by Kenny Feidler with supporting acts to be announced. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $22

Creston Neighborhood Spring Plant Exchange - Aberdeen Park - Community plant swap featuring perennial exchanges, gardening advice, and native plant information. 5:30–7:00 PM / Free

Voices in Harmony - Wealthy Theatre - Benefit concert supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through music and community connection. 6:00–8:00 PM / $44

Friday, May 29

Cody Johnson - Van Andel Arena - Country music star Cody Johnson brings his Live ’26 tour to Grand Rapids with fan-favorite hits and award-winning material. 7:30 PM / Prices vary

GRFS Presents: Marie Antoinette (20th Anniversary Soirée) - Wealthy Theatre - Special anniversary screening of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette with pre-show party, costumes, and local vendors. 8:00 PM / $10 General Admission, $8 Members

Kings Kaleidoscope – Credo Spirit Tour - Elevation - Indie Christian band Kings Kaleidoscope performs with support from Hollyn. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / Prices vary

Mihali - The Stache at The Intersection - Twiddle co-founder Mihali performs a night of jam-infused rock, reggae, and acoustic songwriting. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $35

Sip + Paint: Margarita Night! - Spruced Studio - Cocktail-making and watercolor workshop pairing margarita crafting with guided painting. 6:00–8:30 PM / $78 per person

70s Night with the Grand Rapids String Quartet - Fountain Street Church - String quartet performance of iconic 1970s pop songs in a historic church setting with optional disco attire. 7:30–8:30 PM / $22.75+

Music Bingo – Country Music Night - CityFlatsHotel - Country-themed music bingo night with prizes and happy hour specials at CitySen Lounge. 4:30–5:30 PM / $2

Saturday, May 30

All Your Friends - The Stache - Indie sleaze dance party celebrating bloghouse, post-punk revival, and early 2010s nostalgia. 7:30–9:30 PM / Prices vary

Civics Camp for Middle and High Schoolers - DeVos Learning Center - Free one-day civics camp encouraging youth participation in civic life and public service. 10:00 AM–4:30 PM / Free

Merchants and Makers at John Ball Zoo - Merchants and Makers - Outdoor maker market featuring 100+ local artisans, food trucks, and live music. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM / Free

Wubz Shop Presents: Chromatic Gathering - Elevation - Electronic music showcase with DJs, drag performances, and bass-heavy dance sets. Doors 8:00 PM / $42

A Night in Ithica - The Grand Celebration Center - Immersive Greek mythology-themed ball inspired by Odysseus, Penelope, and ancient legends. 5:00–11:00 PM / $80 per person

Toadies: The Charmer Tour - The Intersection - Alternative rock veterans Toadies perform fan favorites and songs from The Charmer. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM / $30–$53.90

Russell Dickerson – RussellMania Tour - Acrisure Arena - Country artist Russell Dickerson headlines with special guest Niko Moon. 7:00 PM / $29–$175+

Burn Boot Camp Grand Rapids Grand Reopening - Cascade Township Park - Community fitness celebration featuring workouts, open houses, and summer kickoff activities. 9:00 AM–1:00 PM / Free

Sunday, May 31

OFF AIR – Film Premiere - Wealthy Theatre Premiere Event - Premiere screening of a locally produced comedy pilot about a struggling community radio station. 7:00 PM / $5 per person

Avant Ballet Presents Gustav Holst’s The Planets in the Planetarium - Grand Rapids Public Museum - Immersive ballet performance of Holst’s The Planets inside the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. 7:30–9:30 PM / $24 non-members, $20 members

Spring Rummage Sale! - Fulton - Community rummage sale featuring vintage finds, secondhand treasures, and flea-market-style shopping. 11:00 AM–4:00 PM / Free

🚶 Hiking Heaven

Did you know that Grand Rapids has over 800 miles of hiking and biking trails?

📅 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

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