Good Morning Grand Rapids!

I visited Hong Kong a few years ago and caught a Rugby Sevens tournament and the atmosphere was WILD. And, I didn’t know the USA even had a team until our very own Alena Olsen from Caledonia won us a Bronze medal in it!? Congratulations Alena!

Lots of other interesting happenings this week as well, so…

Let’s get into it! 🙂 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

Read more about Caledonia native, Alena Olsen’s Olympic run in Rugby 7’s

Does your elementary schooler need some fresh new kicks? Well, this non-profit is giving them away over the next few days. Totally free!

Can you live in Michigan and not love lions? Of course not. As such, John Ball Zoo is holding a special Lion Day on August 7th

Farm to table food is being re-invented by this re-imagined restaurant in Grand Rapids. If it’s not grown 30 miles from here - they ain’t servin it!

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

✝️ The Unity Christian Music festival returns to Muskegon, August 7th-10th. I went while I was in college, and it’s an incredible experience with a ton of amazing artists. Get your tickets now!

🍪 Simply In Time at Wildwood: Seeing Simply In Time is simply the start of the fun at Wildwood Family Farm. This all-ages event will also feature a fleet of food trucks, with tons of tasty treats ranging from cookies to shaved ice. August 3, 5:00 PM

🎙️ Daniel Seavey: Why Don’t We’s Daniel Seavey is coming to Elevation (at the Intersection) on July 31. Tickets are $35 at the door.

🎻 Jordan Davis @ Van Andel Arena: On August 1, Jordan Davis will be bringing his soulful pop country to the Van Andel Arena. (tonight!)

🎸Free Show Friday: Four More Shapes: Here’s your chance to check out some of Western Michigan’s prodigious pool of incredible talent when indie folk outfit Four More Shapes plays Speciation Artisan Ales on Friday August 2.

🎻 The Grand Rapids Symphony at The Ballpark: It’s a triple-header of awesomeness when the Grand Rapids Symphony comes to the Ballpark on August 3, followed by a special performance from the band Yacht Rocket! It’s free, but register in advance. 

🎶 FlyLite Gemini: August 3 is an awesome night for music, as there’s yet another free and all ages show at the Vander Mill Stage. Starts at 7pm.

👽️E.T.: Steven Spielberg’s timeless tale of Reese’s Pieces, extraterrestrials, and the children who love them is coming to the Wealthy Theater on August 5 at 2pm as the next installment in the Family Film series.

📽️ Your Fat Friend Film Screening and Discussion: Come out to Celebration Cinema North on August 6th for a chance to check out an advanced screening of Your Fat Friend, the story of writer and activist Aubrey Gordon from anonymous blogger to NYTimes best selling author and beloved podcaster. Admission is just $6!

🐠Phish: What’s summer without a Phish show? Here’s your chance to catch a double-header when the Phab Phour come to Van Andel Arena for a two-night run on August 6 - 7.

😄 Smiles of a Summer Night (Seasons of Bergman): Cinephiles rejoice! The Seasons of Bergman series continue with a special screening of Smiles of a Summer Night at the Wealthy Theatre on August 6.

🐰 Who Framed Roger Rabbit?: Come for the Smiles, stay for the Rabbit… Who Framed Roger Rabbit? will be making a special appearance at the Wealthy Theatre on August 7.

🦄 Interesting Find

🏀 Sports & Hobbies-

🏌️‍♂️ Enriched Livings's Inaugural Golf Outing-Keep It Moving Scramble: Here’s your chance to get out on the greens and do some good! On August 2, Boulder Creek Golf Club is hosting a golf scramble to raise funds in support of adults with learning disabilities.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun -

🐨 WGVU Kids Day at the Zoo: It’s fun for the entire family on August 1, when WGVU Public Media hosts a day full of fun, adventure and, most important of all, ANIMALS! Entry is only $5 per person all day long!

🎨Splatter Room Grand Opening: Here’s your chance to make a mess while making something beautiful! The Art Stand on Northland Drive is opening something special - the Splatter Room! Here’s your chance to raise the next Jackson Pollock. Aug 1 - 3rd.

🛍️ Summer Sidewalk Sale in Rockford: Shopaholics! Come to downtown Rockford for 3 days of sidewalk sales. August 1 - 3, 10 AM - 7 PM.

🚣Coast Guard Craft Fair: The Coast Guard have been going hard, bringing fun, excitement, and adventure to Western Michigan. The trend continue this weekend when the Coast Guard Craft Fair comes to Grand Haven Central Park on Friday, August 2.

⛵️ Morning Watercolor-Sailboat: Here’s a chance to start your weekend peacefully. This morning watercolor class at I’m An Artist Community on August 3 is a chance for art lovers of any age or experience level to try their hand at watercolors.

📰 Papermaking Workshop: Here’s your chance to do something creative and fun for the arts and crafts lovers! On August 3, Gathered Botanicals will be hosting a paper-making workshop at their storefront, that’s open to everyone school-aged and above. Here’s your chance to make some paper - and some memories!

🐶 Doodle Day Breed Meet-Up @ Your Pets Naturally: Dog lovers! Here’s your chance to see how many doodle dogs can be gathered in one time and place when Doodle Day comes to Your Pets Naturally on August 3!

Did you know that Craig’s Cruisers recently added new slides that toss you in the air and some glow in the dark mini-golf? It’s true.

😎 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.

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👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

A new spot for laser tag, bowling and more is set to open at Woodland Mall on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (it’s also supposed to bring 160 jobs to the area) And, if you can find their golden pin in a scavenger hunt around Grand Rapids you can win free “Main Event” for life!

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