Good Morning Grand Rapids!

The leaves are turning, the apples are coming in, hayrides are happening, sweater weather is here. There’s a TON of great stuff to get into this week, most notably the beginning of Casimir Pulaski Days and the continuation of ArtPrize, but there’s a lot of interesting music and workshops, delicious food, and various other coziness to explore.

Let’s get into it! 🍁 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🎨ArtPrize Takes Off: Last weekend saw the official beginning of ArtPrize, kicking off with a wild weekend of parades, live music, and even fireworks.

💡The Arborialis: Architects of Air debuted The Arborialis - a 9,000-square-foot 3-story “luminarium”, as part of ArtPrize.

📈ArtPrize Is Evolving: This year’s ArtPrize is the biggest yet, with over 1,100 artists spread across 110 different venues transforming the city into a living, evolving art gallery.

🎓️ Promise Zone!: Grand Rapids have announced a new program that will support new graduates with tuition costs of up to $14,000.

🏒Welcome Back Red Wings: Last weekend, over 10,000 spectators came out to Van Andel Arena to watch the Red Wings face off against the Griffins.

Downtown Retail Incubator Program Launches: Arts Marketplace at Studio Park and DGRI kicked off DRIP to help pop-ups become permanent shops.

🏢Comcast Support Grand Rapids’ Entrepreneurs: Comcast have announced support for 100 Grand Rapids entrepreneurs, including dog parks, vegan chefs, breweries, therapy practices, art studios, wheelchair-accessible transportation and more.

GRAM Joins The Party: The Grand Rapids Art Museum added two outdoor installations and promo tie-ins during ArtPrize.

🚗So Long, I-96: The Westbound I-96 exit to Southbound US-31 has closed in preparation for a $1.3 million renovation project.

🥇We Have A Winner: The city of Grand Rapids has announced a winner of the poster competition in honor of Grand Rapids’ 175th Anniversary.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, September 24

Bilingual Storytime — KDL Comstock Park Branch - Stories, movement, and music for your kiddos.

Cannibal Corpse - The Intersection - Don’t miss this chance to see one of the living legends of heavy metal when Cannibal Corpse comes to The Intersection with support from Full of Hell and Fulci. 7 PM. $48.51.

Citywide ArtPrize stroll - Various Venues - Installations across downtown neighborhoods all day. Make a loop from Monroe Center to the river.

Justin Avdek – Vander Mill – Vander Mill’s Wednesday Night Concert Series continues with Justin Avdek’s ambient rock. 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Free.

Music Bingo with a Beat - Rapid River Stillhouse - Beats! Bingo! Bring your friends! 7 PM. Free.

Thursday, September 25

Blitzkid + Nim Vind - The Pyramid Scheme - Small room, big energy. 8 PM. $20.

Create Art in Your Community with Kathie Blanding – Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum – Join us for an in-person discussion with ArtPrize artist Kathie Blanding about her fabric art landscapes and creative techniques. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Free.

Marianas Trench – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Canada’s Marianas Trench are bringing their The Force Of Nature Tour comes to Grand Rapids. 6:30 PM. Tickets start at $48.00.

Nathan Walton – Rapid River Stillhouse – Two-time Jammie Award winner Nathan Walton blends soul, rock, and storytelling into an unforgettable show. 6:00 PM. Free.

Palio Pizza & Wine Dinner – Palio Ristorante – Enjoy Palio’s favorite pizzas, wine samples, and a guest speaker. 5:00 PM. $42.

Sierra Hull – St. Cecilia Music Center – Grammy-nominated mandolinist Sierra Hull performs her latest projects in the magical confines of St. Cecilia Music Center. 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. $30-$60.

Live Jazz on Bridge Street – 433 Bridge St NW – Smooth sounds and family-friendly free outdoor jazz concert series. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Free.

Friday, September 26

4th Annual Golf Scramble – The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe – Join Fountain Hill Center for our annual golf scramble supporting mental health. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. $130 per Golfer // $500 for team of 4.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons – Wealthy Theatre – You’ve never heard the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons until you’ve heard it brought to life by a string orchestra. 8:45 PM. $21-$55.50.

Founders Harvest Weekend, Day 1 - Founders Tap = with Pajamas & Roosevelt Diggs. Specials, rare taps, and live music from Pajamas and Roosevelt Diggs. 11 am start, live music at 6–10:30 pm. $5/suggest donation.

Fourth Friday Milonga Tango Dance – The Harris Building – Social Argentine tango dance. No partner required. 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. $25.

GR Symphony: The French Masters - DeVos - Welcome the autumn with an evening of French romanticism. Featuring works by Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Tailleferre, and Debussy. 7:30 PM. $28.15 - $94.

Hostage Situation - The Mint - Denver’s Hostage Station are bringing their distinctive bass music to The Mint. 9 PM. $12.65 - $22.15.

Oktoberfest GR Opens - Riverside Park - Imported bier, German food, and fun games. 3 PM. Free.

Samantha Bee: How To Survive Menopause – Wealthy Theatre – Emmy-winning comedian Samantha Bee presents a bold, brutally honest one-woman show on menopause. 7:00 PM Doors open // 8:00 PM Show start. $55–56.

Saturday, September 27

Arabian Nights | A Thousand and One Delights – JW Marriott Grand Rapids – Immersive cultural experience featuring Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions, live music, and food. 6:00 PM - 11:55 PM. $150.

Emo Nite – Elevation – Get your side-part ready… SectionLive is bringing Emo Nite to Elevation, 18+. 9:00 PM. $16.75-$23.

Sazón Saturdays Latin Night – General Wood Shop – Monthly Latin Night with DJs, drag performers, and go-go boys. 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM. $10 at Door.

Lainey Wilson – Van Andel Arena – Grammy-winning country artist will light up Van Andel Arena this weekend with some help from special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Lauren Watkins. 7:00 PM. $85-$417.

Austin Snell – The Stache – Rising “grunge country” artist Austin Snell is bringing his Home Sweet Hell Tour performs with a raw, emotional sound. Doors: 6:30 PM // Show: 8 PM. $24.50-$117.

Americana Sundays Special! Jam Session with Round Creek String Band – ArtRat Gallery – High-energy old-time and folk music performance by Round Creek String Band. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Free. 

Fulton Street Farmers Market - Fulton Street Market - Local produce, makers and artisans under the shed. Easy ArtPrize add-on. 8 AM - 2 PM. Free.

Tropidelic at The Intersection – The Intersection – Cleveland’s Tropidelic are bringing their unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and high-energy funk with Artikal Sound System and Grieves, plus local support from Highdeas. Doors 6:30 PM | Show 7:30 PM. $35.

Sunday, September 28

Amazeballs Bingo w/ Gabriella Stratton Galore – The Apartment Lounge – Enjoy a lively evening of bingo, instant games, cash prizes, and incredible performances hosted by Gabriella Stratton Galore. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. No cover; bingo cards for purchase.

Fall Rummage Sale – 1145 Fulton St E – Treasure trove of pre-loved and vintage items at the Fall Rummage Sale. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Free.

Vintage & Handmade Marketplace - Downtown Market - Visit over 60 regional vendors while you’re out checking out ArtPrize, perfect ArtPrize stroll spacer. 10 AM - 5 PM. Free.

Monday, September 29

Euchre Night - Harmony Brewing Company - Bring a partner to Harmony Brewing Company for a chance to win Harmony gift cards. 7 - 9 PM. Free.

Pulaski Days - Various Venues - Experience Grand Rapids’ vibrant Polish community at various events across town. Continuing through Oct. 5. Free.

Tuesday, September 30

ArtPrize at the Market – Grand Rapids Downtown Market – Experience ArtPrize featured exhibits showcasing local and international artists in a vibrant market setting. 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Free.

The Faculty - Wealthy Theatre - Don’t miss this rare chance to see this ‘90s horror gem on the big screen! 7:30 PM. $8.64

Fall Candlemaking - Sable Candle Co. - Your Fall will be even sweeter when you learn how to make your own candles at Sable Candle Co. 11:30 AM - 6 PM. $30 - $75.

Talent & Inclusion Workshop – Grand Rapids Chamber – Participate in a workshop focused on building healthy organizations through inclusivity and cultural awareness. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Registration required.

🏭️ Happy Birthday, Grand Rapids!

Steve Wammack’s “Blueprint” was announced as the winner of the 175th Anniversary Commemorative Poster Competition.

📅 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. 

Oktoberfest GR: Sept 26–27, Riverside Park. Free, all ages, German beer, food, music, and games.

Lainey Wilson Sept. 27 @ Van Andel Arena. https://www.vanandelarena.com/location/van-andel-arena 

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.

🏃 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!

John Crist is coming to DeVos Hall on Sept 19th

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