If this email was shared with you, click here.
Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News —congratulations, folks. It’s the end of the week, and you’ve made it in one piece.
I hope you head into the weekend with good vibes, a little local pride, and a quick look at what’s happening around town.
A lot is going on, maybe I’ll see you around!
~LeQwane L.
Back To School Around GR
with: Uptown Cheapskate
Get all your family’s back-to-school outfits at Uptown Cheapskate. Uptown has popular brands at up to 70% off retail prices!
Plus, you can trade the clothes you no longer wear for cash or store credit to upgrade your closet.
Check out Uptown Cheapskate in Grandville or Kentwood and mention “Calder News” for $10 off a $40 purchase through next weekend.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Community
New Riverfront Park
Work has started on East Riverfront Park, a $19 million project that will re-activate an old industrial site on the west side of the Acrisure Amphitheater. This phase includes 4.5 acres of parkland, a riverside trail, water access, seating areas, and room for future public art. The park is set to open in 2026. | Read more
Health Updates
West Nile Virus in Kent County
The West Nile virus is alive and well in Kent County. Earlier this week, the first WNV-related death since May 2024 was reported. The virus, spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in multiple Michigan counties this summer. While there’s no reason to be too concerned, officials urge precautions like using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves at dusk and dawn, and removing standing water around homes. | Read more precautions here
Business
Kentwood Manufacturer Expands
Weiss Technik North America, a company that makes aerospace and automotive equipment, is investing $25.6 million in a new 125,000 sqft plant on 36th Street SE in Kentwood. The project will add 36 jobs in production, engineering, and management with a high starting pay. The company has operated in West Michigan for more than 45 years and currently employs 129 people across three factories. | Read more
Most Popular Stories This Week
Have news to report? Click here.
Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
What is the best beach or lake around Grand Rapids
Talk Of The Town
🪱 New Sculptures
Ahead of Return to the River, new art installations have been added to Monroe and Sixth St. Park. Check them out quick — they’ll be gone in two weeks.
🥒 Sandwich Shop Starts Strong
Toasted Pickle, Grand Rapids’ newest sandwich shop on Michigan, is getting lots of love. Drove by not too long ago, and they had lines out the door.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Friday, August 22nd
Polish Festival | Calder Plaza | (Fri - Sun) Check times | Free
Metro Cruise | Multiplate locations | (Fri - Sat) Check times | Free
Watermelon Crawl Festival | Ed Dunneback & Girl’s Farm | (Fri - Sat) Various times | $8
Sourdough for Beginners | Spruced Studios | 6 PM | $80
Backyard Wine Social | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | $35 - $45
Movies In the Park - DOGMAN | 8555 Kalamazoo Ave SE | 6:30 PM | Free
Punchlines on the Patio | Fulton St. Pub | 7 PM | Free
ROOFTOP COMEDY NIGHT | Mertens Rooftop | 8 PM | $33
Glow Ball | Pickle & Pin | 9 PM | $24
Saturday, August 23rd
Really Really Free Market | Creston Farmers Market | 9 AM
Summer Block Party | Vander Mill | 3 PM | Free
Summer Dance Festival | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | 5 PM | Free
Ring Race Series | GR Bike Park | 6 PM | Free
Jessica Kirson | GLC Live | 7 PM | $35
Last Sip of Summer | IDC | 8 PM | $10
Pajama Party Comedy Night | Founders Brewing | 9 PM | $30 - $50
Sunday, August 24th
ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT | PEPPINO'S | 11 AM | $20/team (free to watch)
Live Music
Friday, August 22nd
Grayson & Jenna | Tanger Oulet | 5 PM | Free
Slang Dogs & Blurrd Vzn | The Intersection | 8 PM | $22
The Reverend Jesse Ray | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
The Wholesome Boys with The Mannequins and Dovetail | Tip Top | 9 PM | $12
Quilter & Benjamin James Childs | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Hyporium, Brotality, Flood The Desert | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, August 23rd
Return to the River | Multiple locations (Westside) | Various times | Free
Small Foreign Festival | Sullivan Field | 2 PM | Free
SYNC 3 | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM | Free
Frances Ford with Jenny Scara and Flogamocker | Tip Top | 6 PM | $12
Beer City Saxes | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Conan + Mares of Thrace + Dog Skull + One With The Riverbed | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $27.75
THOT SQUAD | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM | $30
Borrowed Time | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $5
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free
Electric Flower Co | The BOB | 9 PM | Free
Sunday, August 24th
Umphrey’s McGee | Meijer Gardens | 6:30 PM | $65
Truckfighters + Restless Spirit + Bonehawk | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $33
Deke Dickerson Wsg The Moonrays | Tip Top | 7 PM | $18
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
⭐ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.
📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.
Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids