Good morning, Grand Rapids.
While we wait for the colors to shift, change is falling across the city.
Maggie’s Kitchen has closed its doors, and another chef brings Chicago to West Michigan, all while audiences prepare for ArtPrize.
September means school bells, but also some of West Michigan’s best features are about to arrive, with cider season almost upon us.
P.s. HELLO, it’s good to press send on my first newsletter; I hope to provide the same cleverness and creativity you’ve all come to enjoy with Calder News.
~ Sara B.
Fall Fun For the Whole Family
Credit: Blandford Nature Center
What better way to get ready for fall than to enjoy the last weeks of green leaves?
Throughout September, the Blandford Nature Center is offering FREE admission to visitors. With eight miles of trails, outdoor playscapes, and the Blandford Farm home to farm animals and a children’s garden, it’s the perfect free fall field trip for your family.
Looking for even more immersion?
Check into their visitor center, where you can meet Poe the Raven and check out activity-filled backpacks and accessibility equipment.
If you’re not ready to finish adventuring, visit nearby Mother Maple, rumored to be among the oldest maple trees in the region.
Business News
✅ New
Chef Steve opens Taste of Chicago at the former O & E location, offering Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago-style Dogs, Polish Sausages, and more.
There’s a Metropolis experience in the works for downtown, serving tea and fresh flowers by day and cocktails and theatrical entertainment by night.
Knapp’s Corner staple Licari’s Pizza Kitchen announces third location, with hints toward a new name and menu to come alongside the fresh space.
❌ Closing
After 40 years, the westside mainstay Mexican restaurant Maggie’s Kitchen closed its doors to focus on family - they may or may not reopen.
The downtown thrift shop and event space Nido’s GR hosted its own farewell on August 29th.
Talk Of The Town
🍽️ Flora Made Fresh For Foodies
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, 22 local restaurants will compete in the returning Vegan Chef Challenge, bringing variety in flavor and fuel amidst longtime foodie favorites closing their doors.
🛴 Word on the Street… err, Sidewalks?
Starting today, say so long to Lime scooters. Veo has officially taken over as micromobility partner, with safer, cost-friendly, and accessible options.
🖼️ ArtPrize… without the Audience
For art fans who love the creativity, but not so much the crowds, ArtPrize is ready for you. Taking place Sept. 12-17, ArtPrize’s Preview Week is the chance to get a peek before the public shows out.
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, September 1st
Bug Club | Speciation Cellars | 6 PM | Free
Tuesday Swing | Rosa Park Circle | 7 PM | Free
Thursday, September 3rd
Sister Act: Opening show | Circle Theater | (9/3 - 9/19) Various times | $15+
Adam Degi: Comedy | Dr. Grins | (Thu - Sat) Various times | $15+
Open community night | GRAM | 5 PM | Free
Zine Crawl | Vault of Midnight | 6 PM | $32
Introduction to podcasting | 11110 Wealthy St. | 6 PM | Free
Ice Guru Silent Disco | Rosa Park Circle | 6 PM - 10 PM | $10
Friday, September 4th
GrandCon (table top gaming) | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $25+
Open House | Makerspace | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
CONNECT: An Immersive Experience | One Oh Six Gallery | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
FREE SPIRIT GHOST IMAGE | Cocoon Art Space | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Live Music
Tuesday, September 1st
Livin' The Dream | The Score | 6 PM | Free
RÜFÜS DU SOL | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7:30 PM | $120
Rock Orchestra | DeVos Performance Hall | 8 PM | $50+
Wednesday, September 2nd
Robert Lester Folsom | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $33
Thursday, September 3rd
Hip Hop Showcase | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM | Free
Ellis Bullard | Tip Top | 7 PM | $17
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue | Acrisure Amphiteater | 7:30 PM | $33
Keep Flying + Snakeout + Harper Kill + Never Enough | Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $21
Friday, September 4th
Sam Wakeman Quartet | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
River Rogues Jazz | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
King Ink + Feeding Grizzlies + Midwest Skies + Beachglass | Pyramid SCheme | 7:30 PM | $21
Quilter & August (Indie) | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
🏠 Academics into Accommodations: Stocking Elementary School sold with plans for a 48-unit housing development.
🏥 Revenue toward Rehabilitation: Mary Free Bed invests $45 million in outpatient care, administrative staff, and office space after high patient volume continues.
🚧 Out With the Old: Coca-Cola Bottling plans to demolish still-empty auxiliary building, making room for more truck parking.
🚍 Old Reliable, The Rapid: The city bus line releases Fall 2026 schedule with minimal changes.
🛢 Oil and Water Don’t Mix: Historic well leaks oil into water at Millennium Park; Kent County Parks urges patrons to avoid the area.
Have news to report? Click here.
That’s All…
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