Good Morning Grand Rapids!

October is officially upon us! Let the cider flow, the leaves fall, the jack o’ lanterns glow. There’s some great stuff to get into to celebrate the occasion. It’s the last week of ArtPrize, for one thing. Pulaski Days are in full swing, as well. As if this weren’t enough of a reason to rejoice, a new Taylor Swift album is coming to town!

Let’s get into it! 🍁 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🚒 New Fire Station: Last week, Grand Rapids opened its first new fire station in almost four decades.

💎Hermitage at Diamond is Getting a Polish: Hermitage at Diamond, a new arts center built where a 150-year old Third Reform Church, is getting a $150,000 renovation.

💵Grand Rapids Commits $122,000 to Support Resident-Led Projects: The City of Grand Rapids recently made investments totaling $121,970 to support projects designed to bring community together via the Neighborhood Match Fund.

🚜Agriculture Drives Tourism: A recent study reports that agriculture, the second-largest industry behind only the automotive industry, is also an important source of tourism.

🇵🇷ArtPRize: Last weekend, Luis Fernandez celebrated his Puerto Rican heritage as part of an exhibit at this year’s ArtPrize.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, October 1

Lecrae – Elevation – Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae brings his faith-infused Reconstruction World Tour with support from Miles Minnick & gio. 7:00 PM. Price varies.

The Lumineers – Van Andel Arena – The folk-rock band launches their Automatic World Tour at Van Andel, with special guest Chance Peña. 7:30 PM. Price varies.

Pulaski Days – Knights of St. Casimirs (649 6th St NW) – A multi-day Polish heritage celebration featuring food, music, dancing, and community events. All day. Free.

Top Shelf Comedie – The Nightwatch Lounge – 90 minutes of sharp stand-up paired with craft cocktails. 7:30 – 9:00 PM. $35.

The Surfrajettes - Tip Top Deluxe - Small room, big energy with the surf rock tumult of The Surfrajetes. 7 PM. From $28.63.

GRPL Family Storytime - Grand Rapids Public Library Seymour Branch - Family reading time plus songs and hands-on art.10:30–11:30 am at Seymour Branch, songs plus hands-on art. Free. Family Storytime at GRPL (). [family] [free]

KDL Lab: Roll With It - KDL Kelloggsville Branch - It’s going to be marble madness when Grand Rapids comes out to test their ramp-building abilities. Kids 5–10 get a quick STEAM build. 4–5 pm at Free.

Thursday, October 2

Getter at The Intersection - The Intersection - Getter’s going to shake The Intersection down to its foundation with his iconic bass music.

King Trivia – Vander Mill – Test your knowledge with weekly trivia fun. 7:00 PM. Free.

Cameron Blake: Saffron Album Launch – Wealthy Theatre – Local songwriter debuts his new album in a community listening event. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM. $23.

West MI Light the Night – Calder Plaza – Walk to raise funds for blood cancer research, complete with a Kids Zone, food trucks, and community booths. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Free.

KDL Art Party — - Cascade Township Branch - Hands-on art and science mashup for kids. 4:30–5:30 PM. Free.

Igor and Red Elvises - Tip Top Deluxe - Igor and Red Elvises are bringing their one-of-a-kind trans-siberian surf rock to Tip Top Deluxe. 7 pm.

Friday, October 3

Adam Sandler – Van Andel Arena – The comedic legend’s You’re My Best Friend Tour comes to Grand Rapids. 7:30 PM. Price varies.

TS12 Listening Party: The Life Of A Showgirl – The Mint at The Intersection – Fans gather to listen to Taylor Swift’s new album in full, on repeat. 7:00 PM. Price varies.

WILLIS – Elevation – Indie band performance, all ages. 7:00 PM. $18.90 – $35.40.

Art Speaks – 555 28th St SE – Open-house celebration of faith and creativity, featuring live performances and art exhibits, closing with worship at 8:30 PM. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Free.

East Hills Live: Pumpkin Carving & Painting – Uptown Grand Rapids – Watch live pumpkin carving and decorate your own mini pumpkin. 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Free.

Saturday, October 4

Best of the Best Improv Comedy Show – The Comedy Project – 75 minutes of high-energy, spontaneous comedy from seasoned improvisers. 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM. $17.

Jantsen – Elevation – Electronic / bass artist show with support from Twopercent, TechTonic, and Arcadian Sound. Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM. Price varies.

Mega 80’s – The Ultimate 80’s Retro Party – The Intersection – A night of 80’s nostalgia, dance hits, and retro fun. 8:00 PM. $17.40 – $22.15.

GR Symphony Presents Ben Folds — DeVos Performance Hall — Ben Folds teams up with the Grand Rapids Symphony under conductor Bob Bernhardt to perform rock-inspired orchestral arrangements. 8:00 PM. Price varies.

Harry Dean & The Dusty Boys – Rapid River Stillhouse – High-energy country-rock performance from the Grand Rapids band. 8:00 – 11:00 PM. Free.

Hannah Berner: None of My Business Tour – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Emmy-winning comedian presents her latest stand-up. 8:00 PM. $48+.

Boo Bash – 2155 E Paris Ave SE Suite 120 – Meet Moana, Spider-Man, Tinkerbell, and Peter Pan, with cider, donuts, and face painting. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free.

Dance Storytime & Mini Class – Schuler Books – Storytime and dance class for little ones. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free.

Movies in the Park: Goosebumps – John Collins Park – Family-friendly movie on an inflatable screen at dusk. 7:15 PM. Free.

Autumn Arrangements Workshop – Spruced Studio – Make fall-inspired, everlasting wood flower arrangements. 10:00 – 11:30 AM. $55.

Shonen Knife + The Pack A.D. - The Pyramid Scheme - Legendary Japanese indie poppers Shonen Knife are gonna rock The Pyramid Scheme this weekend! 7 PM. punk trio in an intimate club. $27.27

Fulton Street Farmers Market - East Hills - Peak fall produce plus makers under the shed. 8 AM - 2 PM. Free entry.

ArtPrize at the Market - Downtown Market - featured exhibit and walkable eats. Free to stroll, food priced as marked. 10 am–8 pm. Free.

GRAM Creativity Lab drop-in - GRAM - Kid-friendly make-and-take. 11 AM - 3 PM. Free with admission.

Sunday, October 5

Marc Rebillet: Places I’ve Never Played & Will Play Again Tour – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Join the improvisational electronic maestro in an unmissable live experience. Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM. $52 – $224.

Saxsquatch: Sax In the City Tour – The Stache – Energetic sax-driven performance with local support. 7:00 PM. Price varies.

Rock of Ages Final Show - Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - Big hair, bigger power ballads.

GRPL Friends Book Sal - Main Library - Cheap treasures and a good cause. 1 - 4 PM. Free.

Monday, October 6

Küsterer Reading Club — Küsterer Brauhaus — Join a monthly book discussion on North Woods by Daniel Mason, blending historical sweep with haunting family drama. 7:00 PM. Free.

Tuesday, October 7

Billy Raffoull - The Intersection - Ontario singer/songwriter is coming to The Stache with support from Theo Kandel. 7:30 PM. $15.90 - $28.40

Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Water for Elephants — DeVos Performance Hall — The award-winning novel becomes a spectacular musical filled with spectacle, emotion, and imagination. 7:30 PM. Price varies.

The Sword – Elevation – Heavy-rock icons celebrate the 15th anniversary of Warp Riders, supported by Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol & Pink Fuzz. Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM. $60.

📆 Casimir Pulaski Days

Did you know that Casimir Pulaski Days was founded by Walt Uanach and Ed Czyzyk in 1972?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

ArtPrize! If you had to summarize Grand Rapids with one, solitary event - it would be ArtPrize. It’s just around the corner, starting on Sept 18th! So… get ready, and get a little preview on the official website here. 

The Lumineers October 1 @ Van Andel Arena.

Adam Sandler at Van Andel Oct 3 @ Van Andel Arena, 7:30 pm.

Ben Folds with GR Symphony October 4 @ DeVos Performance Hall.

Pulaski Days 2025 October 3 - 5. West Side Polish halls and parties.

Eric Church October 10 @ Van Andel Arena.

Broadway GR – Water for Elephants October 7 - 12 @ DeVos Performance Hall.

Zoo Goes Boo October 10–26 @ John Ball Zoo.

Catherine Russell October 9 @ St. Cecilia’s.

Dvorak New World Symphony October 17 - 18 @ DeVos Performance Hall. Signature masterwork weekend. DeVos symphony listing ().

PlayStation: The Concert October 21, 7:30 pm @ DeVos Performance Hall. Orchestral takes on iconic game soundtracks. PlayStation tour site

Neon Trees with Atlas Genius October 21 @ Elevation.

🏃 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.

GR Marathon weekend — Grand Rapids Marathon + Run Thru The Rapids 5K/10K. Half, relay, and 5K/10K options. Oct 19.

MyTEAM TRIUMPH West MI - Alger Heights: On Saturday, October 25, you’ll have a chance to race through the iconic Alger Heights neighborhood with the return of the Alger Heights Halloween 5k. Costumes encouraged.

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.

Grand Rapids Marathon, Half, Relay, 5K/10K: Chart a course through Grand Rapids’ downtown on October 19 while striving for the best qualifying score.

McKirdy Micro: Breaking 4: Sub-4 marathon on Sunday, October 12. Time-trial format.

Midwest Everest Trail Challenge: Come to Cannonsburg on September 27 and 28 for Ultra options plus 10K and 20K.

Zombie Dash 5K — Come to Sixth Street Bridge area on October 25. Night run with zombies. 6:45 PM.

🏷️ 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!

The Lumineers are coming to Van Andel on Oct 1st 

Brandon Lake is coming to Van Andel on Oct 11th 

Matt Rife is coming to Van Andel on Nov 9th

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th