Good Afternoon Grand Rapids!

Summer is becoming a memory and the fall is fast approaching as we get into September. There’s still a ton of fun and interesting things to explore around Grand Rapids, though!

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🖥️Tech Week’s Returning to Grand Rapids: One of the largest tech events in the country is coming back to Grand Rapids a little later this month when over 13,000 attendees will descend to attend over 70 events at this year’s Tech Week.

❤️NFL Helps Hearts: The NFL has recently announced that it will donate over 50 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Grand Rapids-area high schools.

🐊Croc Ness Monster?!?: Florida alligator hunter told The Grand Rapids Press he’d be spending Labor Day Weekend hunting alligators… in West Michigan! There are alligators in West Michigan?

💄 RiverTown Crossing’s Getting a Makeover! Poag Development Group, out of Tennessee, have announced their plans to renovate the 1.2 million square foot mall in Grandvillle after finalizing the purchase on August 30.

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

🐔 Henhouse Prowlers: Chicago’s bluegrass ambassadors Henhouse Prowlers make their triumphant return to Grand Rapids at The Stache on September 5.

🇯🇲 Reggae Me Crazy: Get up, stand up for your right to get down this when One Love Reggae Band comes to Taco Borracho on September 6.

🎶 Squeeze: Squeeze don’t get nearly enough love outside of those in the know about artful, exquisitely crafted ‘80s Pop. They’ll be setting the record straight this Friday, September 6, at DeVos Performance Hall in honor of their 50th Anniversary.

☀️ Silversun Pickups at The Intersection: Late summer and early autumn’s a perfect time to catch Silversun Pickup’s slick, polished shoegaze. Find out yourself at The Intersection this Saturday, September 7.

🎥 Crazy Rich Asians at Studio Park Here’s a chance to see one of the best movies of the past several years when Crazy Rich Asians comes to the Studio Park Piazza for free this Saturday, September 7.

🏌️ Live Music at FireRock Grille: Round out an afternoon on the links with an evening of live music and tasty food at the FireRock Grille on September 7.

🎸 Almost Famous @ Wealthy Theatre: Fall back in love with the days when giants walked the Earth, with a special screening of Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous on September 10.

🍎 Fun Fact

Grand Rapids may be the site of the very first selfie with this photo of James M. Keeney.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun -

🎨 Art in the Park..ing lot: One of Western Michigan’s most beloved art festivals returns this Saturday September 7, when over 50 artists will take over the Rockford Shoe Depot parking lot.

🏮 Kent County Water Lantern Festival: Celebrate a magical night of food, friendship, culture, and community at the Kent County Water Lantern Festival on September 7.

Prior Noon in Concert at Wildwood Family Farms: This friday, come early for Food Trucks (Butcher Block Social, Cheezy Duz-It, Wagz Dogs, Semifreddo, Miss Tracy's Cookies, and Kona Ice of Lowell) plus a full bar. Kids under 16 are free!

🏀 Sports & Hobbies-

👯 Armentality's Open House: Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see what the Armentality Movement Arts Center is all about, with an evening of performances, special events, and prizes! Thursday, September 5, 5 - 8 PM.

🚘️ Cars and Coffee Grand Rapids: Get your motor running this Saturday, September 7, when over 150 classic car enthusiasts turn out from 10 AM - 1 PM.

⚾️Strikes for Stripes: Here’s your chance to catch some ball while supporting a good cause when veterans versus first responders square off to raise funds for Hero Services Wellness Program in memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11. DeWitt Field, September 7.

🎽 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/ Duathlon 2024: Run, bike, or drive to John Collins Park for this year’s triathlon on September 7 at 8:00 AM.

🍕 Food & Drink

🍔 Eastown Street Fair: There’s something for everybody this weekend with a long day of delicious food, good beer, and locally-made goods on September .

😎 Ongoing Stuff That’s Pretty Cool

• This “Michigan Bundle” for Cedar Point is STILL a GREAT DEAL.

• Westside Ultimate Frisbee: Every Wednesday and Friday, John Ball Park and Playground

• Free Mat Yoga at First Church: Every Tuesday at 227 Fulton St E

• Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt: Come find some interactive fun in downtown Grand Rapids. Happening daily through 2025.

• Summer Reading Challenge: Every week, the Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting weekly reading challenges through September 7.

🎵 Music

• Relax to some free jazz music on Sunday at SpeakEZ Lounge - 6-9pm

• Listen to live music on Fridays & Saturdays throughout the summer at FireRock Grille from 5-8pm

• Pyramid Scheme, as usual, has a show every night this upcoming week. Tickets are typically $10 and many of the shows are for all ages.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

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

Roti Indian Kitchen: Roti Indian Kitchen offers something for every lover of Indian cuisine, from their vegan- and vegetarian-friendly featuring regional recipes.

Annas House Byron Center is a stylish new location for the much-loved decadent breakfast and brunch spot.

Daydreamer Domes is a fun, new business model coming to the South Haven area. Go check out their Gold Disco Domes, heated pool, float tanks, curated bodega, and elevated dining experiences. Mention the GR Newsletter and get a free drink at the pool.

The nostalgic Rocket Fizz candy store just opened a new location over at the Tanger Outlets. Go give them some love and make your kiddos happy.

Cottage Inn Pizza is now in GR! This was one of my favorites as a child on the east side of the state, and they are now open at 533 Wealthy St SE