Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Our city’s been showing its best and brightest this week, with people from all walks of life are stepping up to take care of one another. The Christmas season is getting starting in earnest, as well, with the Salvation Army ringing the opening bell this coming Friday. Plus, there’s lots of music and cultural events to explore.

Let’s get into it! 🎄 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🫡Grand Rapids Thanks Veterans For Their Service: Grand Rapids celebrated 250 years of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps with a special parade and ceremony.

💧 GR pauses water shutoffs: The city’s water system suspended shutoffs until further notice, giving families breathing room while budgets are tight.

🧥 Mel Trotter launches Code Blue winter drive: Coats, hats, and gloves are being collected to help neighbors without housing stay warm as temperatures drop.

🎨 New nonprofit spotlights disability-inclusive art: “Value… A Disability Inclusive Art Show” gives artists who rarely get a platform the chance to showcase their work.

🍽️ Restaurant Week GR is live: Dozens of restaurants are offering special menus and prix fixe deals through Nov 15, encouraging diners to try new spots.

🏈 13 On Your Side Celebrate District Champions: WZZM’s 13 On Your Side give us the lowdown on a number of West Michigan high school football teams receiving trophies last weekend.

🐆 Welcome Juniper!: Families got to meet Juniper, John Ball Zoo’s new snow leopard cub, last Sunday, paired with an educational conservation experience.

🐶Raise the Woof: This Friday, Hearts of Hope - a Kent County dog rescue - are hosting a fundraiser at The Intersection.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, November 13

Grand Rapids Gold - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids Gold take the court at 7:00 pm for a loud, kid-friendly night of pro basketball. 7 PM/Prices Vary

🎵 Lotus, “An Evening With…” - The Intersection - Instrumental groove therapy with jam band legends Lotus to get you set for the weekend. 8:00 PM/$41.90

The Serious Gourmet Experience - The Stache (Intersection) - Gourmet beats and delicious bass night for the EDM crowd, 8:30 PM/$28.40

Vinyl Night with Vertigo Music - The Pyramid Scheme - Deep cuts, good beer, and easy hang, 8:00 PM/Free

Music in the Stacks: Singing Lungs - GRPL West Side Branch - Local tunes in the library, 6:00–7:00 PM/Free

Grand Rapids Historical Society talk - GRPL Main - Bite-size local history, 7:00–8:30 PM/Free

Wines Around The World - Real Seafood Company - Come to Real Seafood Company this Thursday for five exquisite pairings of chef-prepared gourmet dishes and the perfect wine. 7 PM/$100

Friday, November 14

GR Symphony: “Brahms’ Fourth” - DeVos Performance Hall - Start your weekend with a royal rendition of Brahms’ opulent Fourh Symphony by the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 PM/$28 - $115

Grand Rapids Griffins hockey - Van Andel Arena - Classic Friday night hockey, 7:00 PM/$23 - $41

Blackberry Smoke - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Southern rock sing-along, 7:00 PM/$54 - $93

Raise The Woof: Talent Show - The Stache (Intersection) - Local talent and dog rescue fundraiser. 6:00 PM/$28.15

YDG: You + Me Forever Tour - Elevation (Intersection) - High-energy EDM, 9:00 PM/$28.40 - $35.40

Ain’t Nothing Like Family - Wealthy Theatre - Heartwarming stage play. 7:00 PM/$35.56 - $42.20

Ironwood & Whorled - The Stray - Coffeehouse vibes, 7:00–10:00 PM/$16.30

WGVU Fresh Reads Book Swap - Küsterer Brauhaus - Swap books with new friends, 5:00–7:00 PM/Free

Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff - Blue Bridge - Symbolic start to giving season. 5 PM/Free

Art Battle Grand Rapids - Eventbrite overview - Live painting tournament. 7 - 10:30 PM/From $16.71

King Trivia (Holland) - Brewery 4 Two 4 - Trivia with gift cards, 7:00–9:00 PM/Free

Free Show Friday: Mark Lavengood (Bluegrass/Country) – Speciation Cellars – Foot-stomping Americana, bluegrass, and folk revival. 9:00–11:00 PM/Free

Saturday, November 15

Amaze & Amuse: A Modern Day Magic Show with Trino & Matt Stanley – Wealthy Theatre – Interactive magic show at Wealthy Theatre. 6:00 & 8:00 PM/$33 GA, $44 VIP

GR Gold basketball - Van Andel Arena - Pro hoops, 7:00 PM/Price Varies

200 Stab Wounds - The Stache (Intersection) - Heavy music, 7:00 PM/$31.65

SoDown - Elevation (Intersection) - Funk-bass party, 9:00 PM/$28.40 - $35.40

The Ocean Blue + Brian Tighe - The Pyramid Scheme - Dream-pop nostalgia. 7:00 PM/$33.45

Ebony Road Players: “Polkadots” - GRPM - Kid-friendly musical. 10:00 AM/$7.18

GRAM Adult Workshop: Drawing with Sound - GRAM Studio - Creative morning workshop, 10:30 am–12:00 PM/$42

GRPL Speed Puzzling - GRPL Main - Puzzle race. 12:00–2:00 PM/Free

Fulton Street Market — Second Season - Midtown - Holiday shopping and local goods, 10:00 am–1:00 PM/Free

Rockford: Hearts & Holly Craft Bazaar - Our Lady of Consolation - Local vendors, 9:00 am–3:00 PM/Free

Comstock Park: Christmas Lite Show 5K - LMCU Ballpark area - Evening fun run. 6:30 PM/$42.34

Allendale: Mission Allendale Food Truck - Chamber page - Community food event. 9:30 - 11:45 AM/Free

Holland Civic Center: Merchants & Makers Holiday Shoppe - Holland Civic Center - Local makers, 9:00 am–3:00 PM/Free

City Parkrun (Riverside Park) - City events - Free 5K, morning. 8 AM/Free

Holiday Market – Let's Get Festive – The Honeysuckle Co. – Vintage and handmade holiday gifts. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM/Free

Easy Holiday Cocktails – Spruced Studio – Learn to make festive cocktails. 7:00–8:15 PM / $65

Lymphatic Rituals for Fall with Dry Brushing + Herbal Support – Gathered Botanicals – Self-care workshop. 1:30–2:30 PM/$30

NV Band Boosters Fall Craft & Vendor Show – Northview High School – 80+ local vendors. 9:00 AM–3:00 PM/Free

Pumpkin Spice Fall Cake Decorating Class – Alma Mia – Hands-on cake decorating fun. 2:00–3:30 PM/$95

Royal Icing for Beginners – Spruced Studio – Master royal icing basics. 2:00–4:00 PM/$75

SYNC: RUN LOLA RUN (live a/v experience) – Speciation Cellars – 90’s cult classic with DJs and live performance. 5:30–10:30 PM/Free

Sunday, November 16

Americana Sundays: An Afternoon with The Lucky Nows – ArtRat Gallery – Folk/Americana supergroup performance. 3:00–5:00 PM/$25

Grand Rapids Gold matinee - Van Andel Arena - 3:00 pm game, family-friendly. 3 PM/Prices vary.

Anne Wilson: The STARS Tour - DeVos Performance Hall - Uplifting concert, 7:30 PM/Prices vary.

Queensrÿche - The Intersection - Classic metal night. 7:00 PM/$41.90

Aziza Poggi classical recital - St. Cecilia Music Center - Opera arias. 4:00 PM/$16.30

Meijer Gardens: Cultivating Your Drawing Collection - Meijer Gardens - Workshop for beginners. 1:00–3:00 PM/$85 Members, $95 Non-Members

Walker Ice & Fitness Cross-Ice session - Walker Ice - Short skating session, 12:00–12:50 PM/Free

Veterans Memorial Park

Did you know that the origins of the Veterans Memorial Park go all the way back to 1834?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Christkindl Markt 2025 — November 19 – December 21, 2025 @ Downtown Market, Grand Rapids

Enlighten at Frederik Meijer Gardens - November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens

Jonas Brothers - December 12, 2025 @ Van Andel Arena

🎼 GR Symphony Presents Holiday Pops - December 5–7, 2025 @ DeVos Performance Hall)

🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!

Earlier this 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.

City Parkrun (Riverside Park) @ City events on November 15.

Comstock Park: Christmas Lite Show 5K @ LMCU Ballpark area on November 15.

Grand Rapids Turkey Trot: Here’s a chance to do some good while you walk or run, with all proceeds from the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot on November 27 going to support Grand Rapids Public School athletics.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

Lush Health
Lush health is offering 50% off vitamin B injections for all GRNEWS subscribers. Just mention GRNEWS when you make your appointment!
Book your appointment & find out more here.

Harmonic Egg - BOGO!
The Harmonic Egg in GR is now open & is offering a special BOGO discount when you and a friend visit for the first time! Experience the healing power of sacred geometry, light, color and sound.
Just text “GRNEWS” to 616-970-9186 to claim and make your appt!

Hydrowash Solutions - 50% OFF
Your home looking a little dirty or green this spring? Get 50% off your home's first pressure wash (up to 1500 sq ft). Only $300 for GR Newsletter subscribers.
Text "Wash" to 616-730-3949 get on the calendar. (First 10 homes only)

Let The Good Times Roll - $150 OFF
Need a bartender for your special day? Whether it's a wedding, backyard bbq, or any other special occassion - I am your certified and insured bartender and food handler. $150 off any event for GR News subscribers!
Text "Bartender" to 847-924-2447 to claim your discount!

JDPotter Lawn Care - First Grass Mowing is FREE!
I’m a bit biased, as Jackson has been cutting my lawn for several years. He’s a great young man with a thriving business. He’ll cut up to two acres for free, for first-time customers. And, you’ll love it so much, he’ll be your lawn guy for life.
Text “Free Mow” to 616-818-8805 to get scheduled. (First 15 lawns only)

Miss Clean It All - 40% OFF
Get your first cleaning job on the books at 40% off! Two hours of deep cleaning for only $40! Servicing residential & commercial customers.
Text "First Cleaning" to 616-433-5497 to get scheduled.

Cookie Cutters - 50% OFF a “Kids Cut” for First Time Customers
Voted #1 for 4 years in a row for the best place for kids' haircuts in Grand Rapids by GRkids.com families! All three of our GR locations feature amazing stylists, an indoor play set, fun fantasy cars, and personal TVs, in our kid-centric salons! Click here to book your appointment and mention the GR Newsletter when you visit.

👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

Acapulco Mexicana is a new Mexican restaurant by Knapps corner and the food is phenomenal! Highly recommend.

Gladys Grille is a new gourmet soul food restaurant inspired by the legacy of owner Jeannica Garmon's grandmother, Gladys Oliver. Now she’s sharing her family’s warmth, love, and mouth-watering Southern-inspired cuisine with the Grand Rapids area!

Pho House GR has been bringing whole new dimension in authentic pho to West Michigan since May. Find out what all the hubbub is about for yourself!

Gimmes Par and Grill is new and open to some well-deserved fan fare. With 4.8 Stars and over 100 Reviews on Google… the food is great, the golf simulators are above par and the drinks are always swingin.

Playa Bowls just opened on East Beltline offering acai bowls, juices and smoothies.

 🎶 Plan Ahead for Big Concerts & Shows!

Quite a few readers have said they’d like a little more advance notice on upcoming concerts and shows - so here ya go! Whilst this isn’t everything - it’s a lot of the big names coming to town!

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th