Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and this is such a great time of year.
The weather’s finally cool (for real, for real), Halloween excitement is in the air, and there’s so much happening around town.
Now, let’s get you caught up so you can get back to what you were doing!
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Animals
Kent County Animal Shelter Turns 85
The Kent County Animal Shelter is celebrating 85 years of helping pets find new homes. After opening in 1940, the shelter has grown to support more than 3,000 animals each year. To celebrate, KCAS hosted a public celebration on Thursday that featured fall treats, family activities, and an $85 adoption special. | Learn more
Community
Unity Park Name Selected
A new neighborhood park behind Southwest Middle High School is one step closer to opening and getting a new name. After a public vote, residents chose to name the park “Unity Park”. Next, it’ll go to a public hearing on Tuesday. | Learn more
Education
Catholic Central’s New Scholarship
Catholic Central High School is introducing the Catholic Promise, a new scholarship that cuts its student tuition from ~$13K to $6K for families who earn less than $300K annually starting next school year. The program was funded by alumni Dan and Sherry Bowen. | Learn more
Most Popular Stories This Week
We Asked Grand Rapids
On Wednesday, we asked if you’ve turned on your furnace yet.
Here are the results:
I can confirm I kicked on my heat a few times already as well. 😆
Talk Of The Town
🍔 Black Napkin Turns Three
The popular burger joint Black Napkin is celebrating its 3 year anniversary this weekend. On Sunday, visitors will be able to get access to outdoor celebrations and a 1-day special menu.
✈️ Ford Airport Earns #1
After months of polling, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport was voted the best small airport in the U.S of A. Our little pride and joy beat the next 20 finalists by a landslide.
🏃 Marathon Hits Downtown
The Grand Rapids marathon is set to return this Sunday. The yearly event will occupy parts of downtown from 8 AM to 3 PM EST. View details about the event.
Opening:
🐔 Bojangles - In a major expansion, southern fast food chain Bojangles is set to open its first store in Michigan, right outside of town on 28th Street.
What’s Happening?
Friday, October 17th
CreativeMornings | KCAD| 8:30 AM | Free (waitlist)
LoNia's Halloween Costume Party | 3305 E Paris | 4:30 PM | Free
Community Trunk or Treat | Wellsprings Prep. HS | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free
Halloween Sketch Comedy Show | Comedy Project | 7 PM | $17
SWAN Adult Prom | High Five | 7:30 | $75
Back Nine Comedy Series | Gypsum Grill | 8 PM | Included with dinner
Piano Dueling | Mojo’s | 8 PM | Inlcuded
Millennial dancefloor take-over | Social House | 9:30 PM | $10
Grand Rapids Griffins VS Manitoba Moose | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $18+
Saturday, October 18th
Squat, Pulse and Dance for a Cure | Grand Rapids Salvation Army Kroc Center | 9 AM | $25
Forest Bathing Workshop | Preserve @ Calvin College | 10 AM | $15
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck | Woodland Mall | 10 AM - 7 PM
Painting Art Group | Giggles and Gourmets Play Cafe | 10 AM | $10
Farmers Market/ Pumpkin Party | Joe Taylor Park | 11 AM - 4 PM
Harvest Beer & Spirits Festival | 12 PM - 6 PM | Free
Boos and Brews Market | New Holland - The Knickerbocker | 1 PM - 7 PM
Magic Show | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM, 8 PM | $33+
Night Art Show | AllArtWorks | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free
Comedy Jam | Ambrosia Theater | 9 PM | $10+
Trunk or Treat
New City Fellowship | 2 PM - 4 PM
Fuller Ave. Church | 3 PM - 5 PM
Driver’s Source | 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 19th
Grand Rapids Marathon 2025 | Downtown GR
Fall Fest | High Pointe Community Church | 4 PM | Free
Comedy Show: Samuel J. Comroe | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM, 8 PM | $27
Upcoming Events
Tattoo Fest Grand Rapids | DeVos Place | Oct. 24th
The ABBA Tribute | DeVos Performance Hall | Oct. 26th
Grand Rapids Symphony presents Lord of the Rings | DeVos Performance Hall | Oct. 31st
Live Music
Friday, October 17th
Funky Brewster | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Lawrence | GLC Live | 7 PM | $53+
Bombargo | The Intersection | 7 PM | $22+
Disco Surf Rodeo | The Intersection | 7 PM | $22+
Dvořák New World Symphony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM
TAUK | Elevation | 8 PM | $35
ATLiens wsg Ronan, S'Moores, Sinder | Intersection | 8 PM | $38+
Hank Mowery and The Hawktones | Tip Top | 8 PM | $7+
Jesse Cline | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
The Reverend Jessse Ray | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Whiskey Bound Band | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | Free
Saturday, October 18th
Ten Penny Bit (Irish Folk) | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Benjamin Tate Band w/ Tony Halchak & The Happenstance | The Stray | 7 PM | $11
Chaparelle | The Stache | 7 PM | $22+
Black Pistol Fire: Flagrant Act Of Bliss Tour + The Backfires | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $33+
Trap or Treat | Broad Leaf Underground | 8 PM
Mazinga, The Strains, The Bitters | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
Sunday, October 19th
Cage The Elephant | GLC Live | 6 PM | $190+
Lakeview | The Stache | 6:30 PM | $22+
Acid Mothers Temple + The Macks + Ficus | The Intersection | 7 PM | $27+
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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