Good Morning Grand Rapids!

ArtPrize is officially open us! Anyone hear the Earth Harp last weekend?

Let’s get into it! 🍂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

✨ Earth Harp Comes to ArtPrize: A 250-foot-long Earth Harp will span a Grand Rapids bridge for an immersive musical performance during ArtPrize opening night.

🚪 Tiny Doors Art Walk: Uptown Grand Rapids has unveiled a free “Tiny Doors” art walk, bringing miniature artworks and hidden surprises to the neighborhood.

🏃 2027 River Bank Run Registration Opens: Registration is now open for the 2027 Amway River Bank Run, giving runners a chance to sign up for next year's Grand Rapids race.

🍽️ Dubai Bites Giveaway: As Dubai Bites prepares to open on Alpine Avenue, the restaurant says it will give away 104 free meals along with other prizes.

🛍️ Riverside Market Opens Friday: Riverside Market, a new multi-vendor indoor “micro retail” space, is set to open Friday at 1533 Wealthy St. SE.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, September 16

BRENN! – Amateur At Best World Tour - The Stache at The Intersection - BRENN! brings the Amateur At Best World Tour to Grand Rapids for an all-ages performance. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $31

Bilmuri - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Bilmuri brings the Kinda Hard Tour to Grand Rapids for an all-ages show. 6:00 PM doors / 7:00 PM show / $59.50+

honestav – The Sweet American Boy Tour - The Intersection - honestav brings The Sweet American Boy Tour to Grand Rapids with support to be announced. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $41

Casamigos TasteMaker Dinner - Ruth's Chris Steak House - Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring Casamigos Tequila, with each course paired with premium Casamigos expressions and handcrafted cocktails, along with stories about the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. 6:00 PM / $105

Thursday, September 17

200 Stab Wounds - The Stache at The Intersection - 200 Stab Wounds comes to Grand Rapids with support from Maul, Carnography, and Local TBA. All ages. 6:00 PM doors / 7:00 PM show / $25.15–$31.65

Off Balance w/ Margo Mitchell - Wealthy Theatre - Margo Mitchell brings a chaotic mix of stand-up, storytelling, improv, singing, rapping, acting, and possibly dancing to the stage following a ski accident that temporarily upended her productivity-driven life. 7:30–8:30 PM / $15–$17.20 including fees

Saxsquatch – Get Saxy Tour - Elevation - Saxsquatch brings the Get Saxy Tour to Grand Rapids for an all-ages show. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $28.40–$31.65

Xavier Wulf – The Cool World Tour - The Intersection - Xavier Wulf brings The Cool World Tour to Grand Rapids with support to be announced. All ages. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $48.15–$225.15

Art for Honor Preview Night at ArtPrize - Calder Plaza - Get a first look at Art for Honor, an ArtPrize exhibit featuring work by veteran artists, meet the artists, and explore pieces celebrating their stories, creativity, and service. 6:30–8:00 PM / Free

Friday, September 18

Bowling for Soup - Elevation - Bowling for Soup brings its live show to Grand Rapids with support from Ballyhoo! and rosecoloredworld. All ages. 6:30 PM doors / 7:30 PM show / $25.15–$53.90

Noah Rinker - The Stache at The Intersection - Noah Rinker brings his live show to The Stache for an all-ages performance. 6:30 PM doors / 7:30 PM show / $28

Learn to Paint Like Bob Ross! Morning Vista Mountain - Spruced Studio - Certified Ross Instructor Ted Simpson guides participants through a complete oil painting featuring mountains, fluffy clouds, waterfalls, and happy little trees. 6:00–9:00 PM / $90

Pink Venom: A K-Pop Inspired Dance Night - The Mint at The Intersection - Dance to music from Blackpink, Le Sserafim, Katseye, TWICE, aespa, NewJeans, and more at this 18+ K-pop-inspired dance night. 8:00 PM doors / 9:00 PM show / $18.40–$22.15

PROJECT 90 at Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - PROJECT 90 brings an all-night celebration of ’90s rock to Rapid River Stillhouse. The band has placed among the top three favorite West Michigan cover bands in REVUE Magazine's Best of the West reader poll for nine consecutive years. 9:00 PM / $5 cover

ArtPrize Opening Celebration: Party on the Patio - The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck - Celebrate the opening of ArtPrize 2026 with food, drinks, music, and a lively patio gathering at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. 5:00–11:00 PM / $38.44

Free Show: Morgan Haner & smallie Double Album Release Show - Speciation Cellars - Celebrate the release of two new albums with live performances from local artists Morgan Haner and smallie, featuring Phantom Limb and Through Line. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

Saturday, September 19

ArtPrize 2026: Music Weekend - Rosa Parks Circle - ArtPrize's official kickoff features a musical parade from Rosa Parks Circle to Pearl Street Bridge for a performance by the Earth Harp, followed by additional live music throughout the city. 12:00–6:00 PM / Free

Eastern Floral Fall Design Class - Eastern Floral - Create an early-fall floral arrangement featuring a rich, textural palette in this hands-on workshop, with all supplies provided. 10:00–11:00 AM / $65

Falling For Texture - Eastern Floral - Design an early-fall arrangement with rich, textural elements, with all supplies provided and 20% off the store before and after class. 10:00–11:00 AM / $65

Free Show: The Milbillies (Bluegrass) - Speciation Cellars - Milwaukee's The MilBillies bring their blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass and Americana to Grand Rapids for a free live performance. 9:00–11:00 PM / Free

Summer Music Series: Jake Stevens Band - Vander Mill – Grand Rapids - Enjoy live music from the Jake Stevens Band on Vander Mill's patio during this relaxed summer music series. 7:00–9:30 PM / Free

Nevertel – Welcome To The Otherside Tour - Elevation - Nevertel brings its blend of metalcore, hip-hop, nu metal, and electronic influences to Grand Rapids. 6:00 PM doors / 7:00 PM show / $20 advance, $25 day of show

CANN PRESENTS: YACHT ROCK REVUE – PRIMETIME - The Intersection - Atlanta's Yacht Rock Revue brings a high-energy celebration of smooth sounds and classic ’70s and ’80s soft-rock and pop hits. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $30 advance, $35 day of show

New Troy - The Stache - Catch New Troy live at The Stache for an energetic night of music in an intimate venue. 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM show / $15

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks™ Live Glow-N-Fire - Van Andel Arena - Massive monster trucks perform thrilling stunts, high-flying jumps, and competitions in a glow-in-the-dark experience featuring favorite Hot Wheels characters. 6:30 PM / $19–$91+

THE B-52s * DEVO: COSMIC DE-EVOLUTION TOUR - Acrisure Amphitheater - The B-52s and DEVO bring their Cosmic De-Evolution Tour to Grand Rapids for a night of new-wave and alternative music, with DJ Cummerbund joining the lineup. 7:00 PM / Price varies

KRL – Live at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - DJ KRL takes over the Stillhouse for a late-night dance party with rooftop drinks, downtown views, and music inside. 10:00 PM / $5

Parking Lot Pig Roast – Harmony Brewing - Harmony Brewing Company – Eastown - Harmony Brewing Company teams up with the Eastown Street Fair for its third annual Parking Lot Pig Roast, featuring food, craft beer, live music from Strange Plains, and a neighborhood celebration. 12:00–9:00 PM / Free

Sunday, September 20

ArtPrize 2026: FREE Take-Home Collage Event w/Janiah Skye - ArtRat Gallery - Create a free take-home collage inspired by ArtPrize artist Janiah Skye's Flower Ladies series, with precut images, landscape backgrounds, and all necessary tools provided. Open to creators of all ages. 5:00–8:00 PM / Free

ArtPrize Girls Court Artist Reception & Healing in Arts Open House - Grey Rabbit Gallery - Healing in Arts hosts an open house celebrating artwork created by justice-involved young women through a collaborative project. 2:00–4:00 PM / Free

Carter Faith – Cherry Valley Forever Tour - The Stache at The Intersection - Carter Faith brings the Cherry Valley Forever Tour to Grand Rapids with support to be announced. All ages. 6:30 PM doors / 7:30 PM show / $115.15

GWAR - The Intersection - GWAR brings its live spectacle to Grand Rapids with support from Weedeater and BRAT. All ages. 6:30 PM doors / 7:30 PM show / $42

IDB | I Do Brunch: Broadway Edition - IDC - Enjoy unlimited chef-driven brunch bites, a complimentary mimosa, coffee and juice, Broadway favorites and Alicia Keys-inspired music from a DJ, themed cocktails, and party favors at this 21+ Broadway-themed brunch benefiting Broadway Arts Access. 11:00 AM–2:00 PM / $40

Made to Move - CityFlatsHotel – Grand Rapids - Start the morning with a free barre3 Signature 45 class, then stay to shop local makers, connect with the community, and enjoy refreshments before exploring ArtPrize. 10:00 AM / Free

🍁 Celebrating ArtPrize!

Did you know that the Earth Harp is the world’s longest stringed instrument?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

The B-52s & Devo: Cosmic De-Evolution Tour – Acrisure Amphitheater – Two hugely influential new-wave bands join forces for a major co-headlining tour, with DJ Cummerbund. – September 19, 2026 / 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Mumford & Sons: PRIZEFIGHTER Tour – Acrisure Amphitheater – Grammy-winning British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons brings its PRIZEFIGHTER Tour to Grand Rapids with special guest The Marcus King Band. – September 22, 2026 / 7:30 PM / Prices vary

Brooks & Dunn: Neon Moon Tour – Acrisure Amphitheater – Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn bring their Neon Moon Tour to Grand Rapids with David Lee Murphy and Willow Avalon. – September 25, 2026 / 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Dan + Shay: The Young Tour – Acrisure Amphitheater – Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay bring The Young Tour to Grand Rapids with Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross. – October 2, 2026 / 7:00 PM / Prices vary

Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies Part II – DeVos Performance Hall – Astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the science that movies got right and wrong, from The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins to Harry Potter and A Bug's Life. – October 5, 2026 / 7:30 PM / Prices vary

Gabriel Iglesias: The 1976 Tour – Van Andel Arena – One of America's most popular stand-up comedians brings his large-scale touring show to Grand Rapids. – November 13, 2026 / 8:00 PM / Prices vary

ArtPrize 2026 – Grand Rapids – International art competition and citywide cultural festival transforming Grand Rapids into a massive exhibition featuring thousands of artists and works throughout the city. – September 17–October 3, 2026 / Free to view

🏃 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.

LMCU Bridge Run on September 19.

OktoberfestGR Bier Stein 5K and 8K presented by Xfinity on September 26.

SHE RUNS Grand Rapids on September 27