Good Morning Grand Rapids!

It seems that our newsletter has become TOO LONG and it’s getting classified as spam. So, we’re going to keep things a bit shorter and stealthier. 🙂 

If you find yourself missing the depth, join our new group or follow our fb page.

Let’s get into it!  

📰 This Week’s Grand Stuff

🌷 Smell the Stinky Flower: Thousands flocked to this exhibit at Meijer Gardens to check out what was referred to as a “dead body stench” from a rare flower.

🎇 Inflatables and Fun: Go have some free fun with the family tomorrow with food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more!

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Festival: Over 150 queer vendors are gathering this weekend for the 2024 festival.

🎬 Sunset Cinema: Who else likes to watch FREE movies outside? They start this week at Studio Park! Check out the schedule here - first come, first serve..

🎵 No More Nicky: We’ll get the bad news out of the way right now. Stevie Nicks had to postpone her show at Van Andel Arena this weekend due to an illness in her band. She’ll be back on September 24.

🐆 Say Hello to Baby Snow Leopard: This week, the John Ball Zoo welcomed the newest addition to their family when Yuki and Mylo, the resident snow leopards, gave birth to a new cub.

🏀 Sports -

⚾️ Whitecaps vs Dayton Dragons: Whitecaps season is upon us! West Michigan Whitecaps will be playing from June 18 - 23 in Comstock Park.

⚾️ Michigan State Games: Come to the Meijer Sports Complex on June 20 - 23 for the Michigan State Games! There will be everything from softball to bb guns! (26 sports)

🏃Grand Rapids S’mores Run: There’s something for absolutely everybody on Saturday, June 22, while Grand Rapidians gather around the bonfire following a 3K or 5K course for s’mores!

🎵 Shows & Concerts -

You’ve Got A Friend - The civic theater never disappoints. Go see Carole King’s story in this Grammy award winning show.

Rock, Roar & Pour at John Ball Zoo: On June 27th, stroll through the animal habitats while enjoying a 90’s theme concert with food trucks and street performers!

Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club: Come out to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage every Tuesday evening in June, July, and August to hear local and regional music from Western Michigan.

🎸 Rockford Rogue River Blues Series: All summer, come to downtown Rockford on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 to hear the blues… for free.

Listen to live music on Fridays & Saturdays throughout the summer at FireRock Grille from 5-8pm (good chance you’ll see my wife and I here!)

🍎 Fun Fact

The first video game console, the Magnavox Odyssey, was market tested in Grand Rapids.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Stuff -

🌺 Lavender Harvest Festival: Beginning on June 11 and running through July 6, the Lavender Life Company in Caledonia will have over 7000 lavender plants in bloom.

The Robot Zoo: See how robots and animals come together on June 22nd at the Grand Rapids public museum

🎡 Berlin Fair 2024: Michigan’s longest running fair, started in 1855, is coming to the Berlin Fair Grounds from June 17 to June 22.

🌽 Farmer’s Markets

Ada Village Farmers Market : Beginning on June 4 and running through October 29, the Ada Village Farmers Market happens every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of The Community Church.

Lowell Farmers Market: The Lowell Farmer’s Market is taking place on Tuesdays from June 6 to September 26.

Rockford MI Farmers Market: The Rockford, Mi. Farmers Market is taking place on Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM at 181 S. Main St., Rockford, MI until October.

😎 Other Cool Stuff

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

Get your kids to these two theater camps where they’ll learn backbackstage tech, scenic build, costumes and acting, singing and dancing. First session starts June 3rd with the next starting July 29th. Ages 6-12

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

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 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 50% off appointment!

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)

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.

👨‍💼 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.

There’s a new steakhouse in town. Gin Gin’s, a steakhouse and cocktail bar, just opened a few days ago in Grand Rapids!

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.

Thanks for being a Good, Great, Grand Rapidian.