Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Wowza! This week is absolutely stacked with autumnal goodness, between the mums at Meijer’s Garden to the spooky viewing at Wealthy Theatre. There’s an abundance of world-class music to lose yourself in, as well, between the lush Americana of Dvorak’s New World Symphony to pop punk legends Screeching Weasel at The Pyramid Scheme.

Let’s get into it! 🍁 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🎻 GR Symphony Cues Up Dvořák’s “New World” This Weekend: The Grand Rapids Symphony is set to perform Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony this weekend at DeVos Performance Hall, offering both newcomers and regulars a powerful musical experience.

📝 GRPS and Teachers Inch Toward a Contract: Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids Education Association are making progress in contract negotiations, with a mediator now involved to help reach an agreement.

🎨 WMCAT Marks 20 Years of Impact: The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology is celebrating two decades of providing arts and tech programs that make a difference, with a special anniversary event scheduled for October 16.

🏒 Griffins Riding Momentum into Home-Opening Weekend: The Grand Rapids Griffins are returning to Van Andel Arena for their home-opening weekend against the Manitoba Moose, aiming to continue their strong start to the season.

🚶 City Highlights White Cane Day: The City of Grand Rapids is observing White Cane Day at Calder Plaza on Wednesday, emphasizing accessibility and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

🍟Hot N’ Now, Raising Canes & Bojangles? It’s true, everything from the south is headed north, with Bojangles planning a location in Wyoming!

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, October 15

White Cane Awareness Walk - Calder Plaza - Quick, meaningful downtown walk that spotlights how folks with low vision navigate our city, 10–11a / Free

Fulton Street Market - Midtown - Peak fall produce run: apples, mums, cider, donuts, repeat, 8a–2p / Free

Counterparts + Guests - The Intersection - Cathartic midweek pit-stop; loud in the best way, 7p / $38.65

Mums at Meijer Gardens - Meijer Gardens - Michigan’s largest chrysanthemum display = guaranteed fall photos, All Day / $16/Students, $17/Elderly, $22/Adults

Pumpkins and Paintbrushes - Forest Hills Fine Art Center - Cozy fall art party for kids with pumpkin painting, bingo, apple cider, and festive fun, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM / $45

Storytime with Kenneth Kraegel - Schuler Books - Author read-aloud of Mushroom Lullaby and Something Good during morning storytime, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM / Free

Yoga at the Market! - Fulton Street Market - Community-focused midweek outdoor yoga flow for all ages and skill levels, 10:00 AM–11:00 AM / Free

Thursday, October 16

Autumn Nights - Meijer Gardens - Autumn Nights, with its golden-hour strolls, live music, and seasonal sips is a no-brainer for a Fall date night, 5–9p / $16/Students, $17/Seniors, $22/Adults

May Erlewine + Packy Lundholm - Wealthy Theatre - Michigan folk favorite in a cozy room; bring a friend who “needs a night,” 8p / $33.45

GRAM: David Hockney Talk - Grand Rapids Art Museum - Smart, digestible art talk about one of Pop Art’s warmest, most down-to-earth visionairies. 6:30–7:30p / Free

An Evening with Ann Voskamp - Christ Chapel, Cornerstone University - Best-selling author invites women to rethink success and happiness, 7:00 PM / $25–$36

Music in the Stacks: Gemini Moon - Grand Rapids Public Library – West Side Branch - All-ages local music set among the bookshelves, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM / Free

Jefferson’s Bourbon Dinner - The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck - Four-course dining experience paired with bourbon cocktails, 7:00 PM–11:00 PM / $165

Friday, October 17

Grand Rapids Griffins Home Opener - Van Andel Arena - New season, fresh hype; take the kids and lose your voice, 7p / $23 - $41

Lawrence — The Family Business Tour - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Horns, harmonies, high-energy pop-soul; happy-vibes factory, 7p / $41.03 - $103.75

Screeching Weasel + Hayley & the Crushers - The Pyramid Scheme - Punk night in a tight room; bring earplugs and your old band tee, 7p / $48.12

Fulton Street Market - Fulton Street Market - Friday market = fewer crowds, same great haul, 8a–2p / Free

Mums at Meijer Gardens - Meijer Gardens - Color therapy in plant form, All Day/ $16/Students, $17/Elderly, $22/Adults

No Kings Community Festival - Riverside Park - Community demonstrations, action tables, and kids activities in support of a “country with no kings,” 10:00 AM–11:00 AM / Free

Jesse Cline Live - Rapid River Stillhouse - High-energy mix of country roots and rock originals, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM / Free

SWAN Adult Prom - The High Five - Grown-up prom with DJ, cocktails, photos, and celestial glam, 7:30 PM–11:00 PM / $75

ATLiens - The Intersection - Bass-heavy electronic takeover with support from Ronan, S’Moores, and Sinder, Doors 8p / Show 9p / $38.65–$45.15

TAUK – Somewhere Between Here and There Tour - Elevation at The Intersection - Genre-bending instrumental fusion from longtime jam road warriors, Doors 7p / Show 8p / $18.90–$35.40

May Erlewine & Packy Lundholm - Wealthy Theatre - Cozy, cathartic folk night courtesy of Pyramid Scheme’s concert series, 8p / $33.45

Saturday, October 18

Grand Rapids Symphony: Dvořák “New World” - DeVos Performance Hall - Cinematic melodies with a thunderous finale; ideal dress-up night, 7:30p / $

Lindsay Lou + Cousin Curtiss - The Pyramid Scheme - Soulful roots vocals meets stomp-and-holler energy, 7p / $

River City Improv - Midtown at Studio Park - Clean, rapid-fire comedy safe for teens and in-laws alike, 7:30p / $20

Coopersville & Marne Railway “Pumpkin Train” - Pumpkin Train Info - Vintage rail ride + take-home pumpkin = core childhood memory secured, Afternoon runs / $30 - $45

Fulton Street Market (Sat) - Fulton Street Market - Stock up for chili season and tailgate spreads, 8a–2p / Free

Zoo Goes Boo - John Ball Zoo - Daytime trick-or-treat trail that keeps the scares toddler-friendly, Daytime / $16.95/Youth, $22.95/Adults, Free for members.

Amaze & Amuse: Modern Magic - Wealthy Theatre - Sleight-of-hand with personality; great “something different” pick, 6p / $33.40 - $43.20

EGR Harvest Festival - Gaslight Village - Wealthy St takeover with carnival games, live music, and local brews, 12p–6p / Free

Chaparelle - The Stache at The Intersection - All-ages rock showcase with support TBA, Doors 7p / Show 8p / $15.90–$28.40

Japanese Kokedama Workshop - Gathered Botanicals - Hands-on botanical craft session using moss and twine, 10:30a–12p / $45

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - Calder Plaza - Community walk and fundraiser for a future without breast cancer, 8a–12p / Free

Black Cat Bazaar - Speciation Cellars - Dark art market with tarot, photo booth, and live music, 7p–11p / Free

80s-Themed Pickleball Mixer - Dinks & Dingers Social Club - Rotating partners + Madonna-era fits + DJ-spun hits; $100 prize for best outfit, 12p–4p / $20 Non-Member / $15 Member

The Vintage Parlor Orchestra - Wealthy Theatre - Scandinavian string works in an intimate chamber setting, Doors 6:30p / Music 7:30p / $22.60–$28

Fan’s Fall Festival Costume Dance Party - Valley Ave Ballpark - Outdoor DJ night with prizes for solo/couple/group costumes, 3:30p / Free

Sunday, October 19

U-M Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon - Grand Rapids Marathon - Downtown buzz + river views; PR-friendly course or spectator day with coffee, 8:00 AM / $145

Cage The Elephant - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Arena-level chaos in a theater-sized room; bring the band tee, Doors 6:00 PM / $119 - $205.87

Black Pistol Fire + The Backfires - The Pyramid Scheme - Blues-garage duo melts faces; tiny-room bragging rights, 7:00 PM / $33.45

Mums at Meijer Gardens - Meijer Gardens - Post-race or post-brunch stroll through colorful chrysanthemums, All day / $16/Students, $17/Elderly, $22/Adults

Zoo Goes Boo - John Ball Zoo - Candy trail, costumes, and animal cameos, All day / $16.95, Youth + Seniors, $22.95/Adults

Samuel J. Comroe - Rapid River Stillhouse - Nationally touring comedian, seen on America’s Got Talent; two intimate shows, 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM / $27

Lakeview – Blue Collar Country Tour - The Stache at The Intersection - Dave Taft presents all-ages country with support TBA, Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM / $15.90–$86.65

Grand Rapids Marathon 2025 - David D. Hunting YMCA - Full and partial marathon tours downtown and Millennium Park trails; fall scenery guaranteed, 8:00 AM / $145

Amaze & Amuse: A Modern Day Magic Show with Trino and special guest Tyler Grey - Wealthy Theatre - Mind-blowing magic, laughs, and audience participation; Halloween edition, Early Show 6:00 PM / Late Show 8:00 PM / $33.40–$44.20

Monday, October 20

Plants & Pollinators with Wild Ones River City - Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Branch - Learn how native plants and pollinators work together to support ecosystems, 6:30 PM–7:30 PM / Free

PlayStation In Concert - DeVos Performance Hall - Immersive live performance of iconic PlayStation game soundtracks, 7:30 PM / $62+

Tuesday, October 21

John Morgan – Friends Like That Tour - The Stache at The Intersection - Country/folk performance with support TBA, 7:00 PM / $28

Chris Webby – Last Wednesday Tour (Part 5) - Elevation - Hip-hop show with Jarren Benton, Whitney Peyton, Otis Julius, 7:00 PM / Price varies

The People Under the Stairs - Wealthy Theatre - Horror film screening, doors 6:30 PM, movie 7:30 PM / $10 General Admission, $8 Members

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics - Wealthy Theatre - Halloween-themed live candlelight concert, 6:45 PM / $25

Michael Blaustein: The Taste Me Tour - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Pop/rock performance, doors 6:30 PM, show 7:30 PM / $40.75+

🍎 Apple Capital

Did you know that Grand Rapids in considered the Apple Capital of Michigan?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Dvorak New World Symphony October 17 - 18 @ DeVos Performance Hall.

Griffins Home Opener Weekend October 17 - 18 @ Van Andel Arena.

PlayStation: The Concert October 21, 7:30 pm @ DeVos Performance Hall.

Neon Trees with Atlas Genius October 21 @ Elevation.

Culinary Conversations: Food Entrepreneur Showcase October 22 @ Downtown Market.

Tate McRae October 22 @ Van Andel Arena.

Griffins vs. TBA October 18, 7:00 PM @ Van Andel Arena

Tate McRae October 22, 7:30 PM @ Van Andel Arena

GR Symphony: Music of Hans Zimmer October 24–25 @ DeVos Performance Hall

Autumn Nights (final Tuesday) October 28 @ Meijer Gardens

🏃 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.

U-M Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon – Grand Rapids Marathon – Flat, PR-friendly downtown course. Sunday, Oct 19, 8 AM.

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.

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!

Matt Rife is coming to Van Andel on Nov 9th

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th