Good Morning Grand Rapids!

I’d be lion if we said there wasn’t a ton of fun, inspiring, and exciting things to explore and get lost in this week. From a celebration of all things lions at the John Ball Zoo to comedy at the Wealthy Theatre from a rising YouTube sensation, here are some things to look forward to for the week of August 7 - 14!

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

👸 Miss Michigan Is Miss USA!: Alma Cooper of Okemos, formerly Miss Michigan, has been crowned Miss USA! And she’s an active soldier!

🏥 Two Brothers From Lowell Are Making The World Safer For Everyone - Two brothers, Austin and Alex Pollock recently made the news for their innovative work in the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, resulting in their company, Reel Free, designed to prevent people from tripping over Oxygen tubing.

🏅Another Michiganer Brings Home An Olympic Gold Medal: This time it was Grant Fisher, of Grand Blanc, who earned a bronze medal for the men's 10000 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

🌳Acrisure Ampitheater To Become Even More Beautiful: The recently announced Acrisure Ampitheater project just got even more ambitious with the addition of a series of walking trails and river access.

🏆️Chicago Is Coming To Michigan: Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductees Chicago have announced two shows in Michigan this fall.

⚓️ Coast Guard Festival celebrates centennial with special drone show, fireworks and massive parade: The Michigan Coast Guard Centennial Celebration continues to be wilder and more elaborate than you’d ever expect with a special night of drones, fireworks, and celebratory parade.

⚾️Whitecaps Have Turned Things Around Nicely: After a disappointing opening season, the Whitecaps have pulled a 180, putting themselves in the running for a playoff position if they keep it up.

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

🔮 Justin Willman: Magic will be real this Saturday, August 11, when Justin Willman brings his mind-melting magic show to the DeVos Performance Hall.

🤠 David Morris: Dave Taft's Next From Nashville is coming to Grand Rapids with David Morris and his Bored In The USA Tour on August 8 at The Stache at The Intersection

🤘 Chevelle: 2024 North American Tour? On Friday, August 9, come to GLC Live to rock out to multi-platinum alternative metal artist Chevelle.

💸 Free Show: Second Hand Drugs & Oliver Scott Draper: The free concert series continues on Friday, August 9, when prog puns Second-Hand Drugs come to Speciation Cellars.

🇧🇷 Music Unites Us: Brazil! with Holland Symphony Orchestra and Choro Das 3: Music brings people together like nothing else. On Saturday, August 10, come to the Kollen Park Bandshell to hear a riveting mash-up of Brazilian choral music backed by the Holland Symphony Orchestra.

🎸 Mr. Smith & The Jones: The Chicago Beef Joint’s gonna be rockin’ this Saturday, August 10, when Mr. Smith & The Jones brings his one-of-a-kind rock, soul, and blues back to Grand Rapids!

🟣 Purple Reign: The Music of Prince: Come to the Circle Theatre on August 12 for a celebration of the music of His Paisleyness, Prince.

🍎 Interesting Find

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun -

🦁 Wildlife Exploration Day | World Lion Day? Come to John Ball Zoo on August 7 to celebrate all things lions and the continent they call home with a day of African dancers, musicians, and a celebration of all things leonine.

📽️ Movie in the Park!: Come to Pleasant Park on August 10 for a special screening of a mystery movie beneath the stars!

🦔 Abstract Hedgehog | Cookies and Canvas: It’s fun time for art lovers of all ages when Wine and Canvas opens their doors for an afternoon of cookies and painting on August 10.

Unity Christian Music Festival is happening all weekend. Tons of great Christian artists and a fun atmosphere. See the full lineup here.

The Wiz at Wealthy Theatre: The Family Film series continues when the wonderful The Wiz comes to the Wealthy Theatre on August 12

🏀 Sports & Hobbies-

⚾️ Steve Hofstetter: Author and YouTube phenom Steve Hofsetter is bringing his sports-influenced comedy to the Wealthy Theatre on August 10.

🎨 Morning Watercolor Class- Mountain Scape: Start your morning off right with a peaceful session of watercolors, beverages, and tasty snacks at I’m An Artist Community Studio on August 10.

🍕 Food & Drink

😋 Spanish Tapas - Cooking Class: Learn to make your own delicious finger foods and appetizers at Thought Design in Rockford on August 7.

🐘 Breakfast with the Animals: Animal lovers rejoice! On August 14, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast at John Ball Zoo followed by a special tour of animal habitats of your choosing.

😎 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

• Barre on The Blue Bridge: Explore the popular new low-impact fitness trend every Tuesday through August 20

• 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.

• Mosaic: Meijer Garden: floral show runs through August 31

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

🎵 Music

• Tuesday Evening Music Club: Every Tuesday at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, through August 27, 2024

• 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
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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

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.

Bath & Body Works Is Coming To Grand Rapids: A new Bath & Body Works location is planned for the Shops at CenterPoint, located at 3645 28th St according to planning documents!

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

The Taqueria Chilango food truck opened a few weeks and here’s what Brad H has to say on Yelp.
“The owners are very friendly and the food was delicious.”

If you like brunch, juice and smoothies, check out the new Brunch House location off Forest Hill ave. Gabe B is digging it.
“Best breakfast in GR hands down. Been waiting for this place to open up their second location and it didn't disappoint. Atmosphere is beautiful reminds me a a Chicago brunch spot. Service is great too!”