Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News —the free and easy way to stay in the loop with what’s happening around Grand Rapids.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll bring back kindness of the week, talk about Walker’s new library, dance teams, and more.

Wishing you a great rest of the morning and a solid Wednesday.

Now let’s get into the email! 🖖

~LeQwane L.

Kindness Of The Week

To bring back Kindness of the Week, I’d like to highlight Rico’s Deli in Walker stepping up to help our neighbors stay safe during this week’s heat wave.

The shop’s owner, Rico Nelson, has opened the deli’s doors as a free cooling spot, offering air conditioning, water, and sometimes even food for those needing relief from the high temperatures.

The best part? Rico wants his deli to be known as a place people can go to during this summer’s hottest days.

Rico’s Deli is located at 2103 Alpine and has nearly 300 4.7-star reviews. If you’re in the area or want some quality eats, I’d suggest checking them out.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Community

Walker’s Bigger And Better Library

Walker is getting a brand-new library that is 3x bigger than its current location. The $23 million project will feature an e-sports center, podcasting space, free meeting areas, and an outdoor plaza with a second-story deck and a fireplace. While construction is underway, the Walker library will continue operating from a temporary space at Standale Plaza. The new library is set to open by September 2026. | Read more about the development

Development

From Rite Aid To Retail Store

The closed Rite Aid building across from Breton Village on Burton Street is getting new life. Local developers are transforming the empty pharmacy into a retail space with room for four new tenants. The redevelopment is expected to attract restaurants and other businesses. Renovations will start soon and the new stores will be announced in the coming months. | Read more

Leisure

Dance For The Grand Rapids Gold

The Grand Rapids Gold is starting a new dance team and they’re looking for locals ready to show off their moves at home games this season. The “Dad Bod Squad” is open to anyone (no dancing skills, dad status, or specific physique required), as long as you’re over 18 and ready to entertain the crowd. Submit a 30s video of your dance moves to your favorite song by Monday. | Click here to apply or share the application

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Ask Grand Rapids 🤔 

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🌊 Return To The River Festival Wants Vendors

Downtown GR Inc. is looking for vendors and volunteers to participate in this year’s Return to The River event. The event usually draws thousands of people, so it might be worth checking out if you’re a merchant or artisan!

🥐 More Cinnabons Are Coming Soon

A few months ago, news came out that Grand Rapids is getting its first Cinnabon. Yesterday, I was doing some sleuthing and found that the Meijer in Gains Twp. and Standale are getting Cinnabon locations as well.

📰 Put The Word Out

Share an announcement, special offer, or news about your business or organization in Calder News next. Talk to LeQwane to learn about how you can get your word out to 4,550+ locals.

What’s Happening?

Wednesday, June 25th

• West Michigan Intern Connect | GLC Live | 12:30 PM - 5 PM | $50

• GVSU Summer Movie Night: Minecraft Movie | Lubbers Stadium | 6 PM | Free to attend

• After Five Trivia Night | Gerald R. Ford Museum | 6 PM - 7:15 PM | Free to participate

• Sober Comedy Show | Scorpion Hearts Club | 7 PM - 9 PM | $5

• Evening Bike Rides | Veterans Memorial Park | 7:45 PM | Free to participate

• Farmers Market | Fulton St. | 8 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend

• Food Truck

  • Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park | 10 AM - 4 PM

Thursday, June 26th

• Shrek The Musical | Cornerstone University | (Thu, Fri) Various times | $18

• Wildlife Exploration Day | John Ball Zoo | 9 AM - 6 PM | Varying prices

• Summer Nights | GRAM | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• Book Swap | InBooze | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend

• The Gay Agenda: A Pride Stand-Up | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $28.25

• Trivia

  • Küsterer Brauhaus | 7 PM | Free

  • Perrin Brewing (Comstock Park) | 7 PM - 9 P

  • Vander Mill | 7 PM - 9 PM

• Farmers Markets

  • Uni. Michigan Health-West | 9 AM - 2 PM

  • Downtown Lowell | 2 PM - 7 PM

• Food Trucks

  • Kentwood City Hall | 7 PM - 8:30 PM

Friday, June 27th

• Giant Parking Lot Rummage Sale | 1934 Bridge St. NW | 9 AM - 3 PM

• Health and Family Fun Fair | Campau Park | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend

• Beer Garden Bash | Founders Brewing | (Fri - Sun) 3 PM | Free entry

• Art at the Park | Garfield Park | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free

• Movie Trivia Night | Brush Studio | 6:30 PM | $38

• GR SC vs MU FC | Mehney Field | 7 PM | $5

• UnderGRand Comedy Showcase | 1150 Freeman | 8 PM - 10 PM | $15

• After Hours Adults Only | Craig’s Cruisers | 10 PM - 1 AM | $40

• Food Trucks

  • Riverside Park | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

Live Music

Wednesday, June 25th

• Miss May I | The Stache | 6 PM | $38

• Live Jazz | 433 Bridge Street NW | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend

• Pepper | Elevation | 7 PM | $35

• Wynonna Judd | Meijer Gardens | 7 PM | $92

• Yacht Rocket | Legacy Park (Ada) | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• Rebekka Rhys | Vander Mill | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• Tara & Len - A Soulful Exploration of Time and Space | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | Free to attend

Thursday, June 26th

• Normal Mode | Rosa Park Circle | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Free to attend

• Vespa | Third Nature Brewing (Rockford) | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

• Ray Townsend | Big E’s Sports Grill | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free

• Nathan Walton | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

• LaJoye Quartet | Horrocks | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• Kait Rose & Co.: Fleetwood Magic | Riverwalk Plaza (Lowell) | 7 PM | Free to attend

• Nicotine Dolls | The Elevation | 7 PM | $35

• Hark Up Horns | Kentwood City Hall | 7 PM - 8:30 PM | Free

• Blues Jam | Chicago Beef Joint | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free to attend

Friday, June 27th

• Party at the Park | Garfield Park | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• DJ Bob Marino | Founders Brewing | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• Origami Angel | Elevation | 6 PM | $38

• Tomas Esparza (Blues) | Horrocks | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

• St. Sinner Orchestra wsg David Molinari | The Stray | 7 PM | $16

• The Fray | GLC Live | 7 PM | $53

• Aurorawave | The Stache | 7 PM | $35

• Ethereal + deadbeatdad + Pesky Kid + Anthony Erlandson | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $15

• Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Outside The Plaza

Quick hits of news and happenings from cities around Grand Rapids

• 🕺 Downtown Holland is hosting its “Street Performer Series” starting this Thursday

• 🚒 New fire station set to enhance emergency response in Byron Township

• 🎈 The 40th Annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is kicking off in Howell at the end of the week

• 🔥 There’s a public Bonfire at Ludington’s Stearns Park Beach

That’s All For Today…

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