Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Yesterday, I stumbled upon the Advanced Manufacturing Expo at Devos Place (it was free). The coolest part? There were so many robots showing off their skills.
Grand Rapids hosts hundreds of conferences a year, and it was cool to crash one. Sadly, the expo wrapped up yesterday, but make sure to add it to your calendar next year.
Even though the expo is over, there’s still a lot going on, including Burger Week. Read all about that and more in today’s newsletter.
~Jenny F.
GRAB A FORK
Together with: Local First
Click the image for tickets
Happening Friday, September 11th, Fork Fest brings locals together and celebrates Grand Rapids-based organizations.
Some you know well, like Yesterdog and Brewery Vivant, and some you may discover for the first time, like Fika and El Granjero. A ticket gets you access to 15 different food vendors and 10 local companies.
DJ Venus Flyytrap will be spinning tunes while you sip and savor, play games and win prizes, and connect and network with your neighbors.
Business News
✅ New
Destiny Hair and Beauty Supply, wig retailer and hair products provider, teased (no pun intended) their grand opening in Wyoming happening “soon.”
If you’re sick of looking at the abandoned Denny’s at the Plainfield exit of 96, then good news: Culver’s might be moving in. The City Planning Committee will vote on it August 13th.
❌ Closing
616 Batter Mix on Plainfield is closing its doors after just one year. Fish and Chicken Express from Lowell will be moving in instead.
After recently opening a second location, Last Mile Cafe is closing the doors on their Hall Street location. You can still find them at Hub 07 and at farmers markets.
❗ Updates
Meijer has become the first Michigan retailer to allow WIC participants to use their benefits for online orders.
As Books and Mortar prepares to say goodbye for good, it might not be for long. The shop might have a buyer and reopen its doors this fall.
Lets Talk Burgers
It’s Burger Week in Grand Rapids, which means special meals and deals from your favorite downtown restaurants now until August 2nd.
There’s even a Burger Week app for your phone, and every time you check in at a participating location, you earn points and may even be entered into a prize drawing. See more details.
I’ve heard Black Napkin and One Stop Coney both have epic burgers. My personal favorite is the Hideaway Burger at Max’s South Seas.
Where have you found the best burger in Grand Rapids?
Connect On National Night Out
Tuesday, August 4th is National Night Out, a nationwide celebration of community.
Often, this looks like police officers, firefighters, and other city officials hosting gatherings with treats and games, allowing neighbors to get to know their local law enforcement and community workers.
The idea is to interact with your neighbors. Sit on your porch and talk with passersby. Go to another local event…
14 different events will be held around the city, most with music, raffles, story times, and ice cream. Meet a police officer, touch a firetruck, get your face painted. Find an event near you.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
🙋♂️ Public Opinion: GRPS wants to find a superintendent that the community approves of, so they’re conducting an online survey and in-person town halls to hear your feedback. Find an event near you.
🚌 Bye-bye, Diesel: The Rapid will buy eight natural gas buses, which will replace the remaining fully-diesel buses in their fleet. Read more here.
💰 Community Cash Flow: A $1 Million Revolving Loan Fund will help the Southeast Business Corridor fill in those empty storefronts and bring more investment to the area. See more details.
Have news to report? Click here.
What’s Happening?
Friday, July 31st
Kelly Collette | Dr. Grins | (Thu - Sat) Various times | $10+
Black Experience 2026 | MLK Park | 9:30 AM - 3PM | Free
Flow Yoga | Baxter Community Center | 6:30 PM | Free
Art Battle | Four Star Theatre | 7 PM - 11 PM | $22
2000's Rave | Elevation | 9 PM | $22
Saturday, August 1st
Bluey's Big Play | DeVos Performance Hall | Various times (Sat, Sun) | $25
Creston Garden Tour | 9 AM - 3 PM | Free
Community Fiesta | Burton Heights | 9 AM - 6 PM | Free
STAY Anniversary: Party in the Park | Riverside | 12 PM | Free
KWave Summer Fest | 4809 Eastern Ave. SE | 1 PM - 5 PM | Free
Lantern Festival | ? | 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM | $25
Sinners | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free
Nate Bargatze | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $100+
Sunday, August 2nd
Community Line Dance | Rosa Parks | 4 PM | Free
Live Music
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
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That’s All…
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