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- đ Calder Plaza is getting a redesign | June 13th, 2025
đ Calder Plaza is getting a redesign | June 13th, 2025
Plus, what's happening around Grand Rapids for Father's Day

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Iâm LeQwane and this is Calder News â the 3x weekly newsletter covering all the good news and things happening around Grand Rapids.
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Now lives dive in!
~LeQwane L.

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GR Asian-Pacific Festival Returns
Together with: GRAPF
The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival is back at Calder Plaza for a three-day (Today - Sunday) celebration of food, culture, music, and community.
Live cultural performances, music, and dance
K-Pop dance competitions
And interactive games, workshops, and family-friendly activities
Make this weekend a bit more enjoyable. Check out the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
City
Calder Plaza Redesign
Yesterday Mayor David LaGrand said itâs time to rethink Calder Plaza. Why? The space is currently an underused concrete space. While the city plans resurfacing next year, the mayor is pushing for bigger changes, like new green space, easier connections to Medical Mile and Monroe Avenue, and converting Ottawa Avenue into a two-way street. | Read more about the plans
Housing
New Townhomes: Creston Neighborhood
A local developer has plans to build 38 townhomes in the Creston neighborhood. Located at Dean Lake Avenue NE, The Wheeler Dev. Group said the community would feature two- and three-bedroom homes with garages, fenced yards, walkout basements, a clubhouse, and green spaces. Currently, the space is completely vacant, but will be purchased from local nonprofit D.A. Blodgett â St. Johnâs. Final plans will be submitted to the city in July. | Learn more about the project
Community
Burton Heightsâ New Arts and Culture Hub
A local nonprofit called The Diatribe is transforming a vacant building in Burton Heights into the Emory Arts and Culture Hub. The new space on Division Avenue will host a performance stage, retail spaces, and affordable apartmentsâplus become Diatribeâs headquarters for youth arts programs. The organization still needs to raise over $2 million to finish construction but hopes to open this fall, creating a welcoming and creative resource for the neighborhood. | Learn how you can help
Safety
GRFD Warns of Lithium Battery Fires
Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids Fire Department hosted a presentation that urged caution around lithium-ion batteries. Scooters, phones, and other electronics powered by these batteries can explode or catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or overheated. At the event officials recommend charging devices away from flammable materials and never near beds. And if a lithium battery ignites, immediately leave your homeâthese fires spread fast and are hard to control. | Read more
Heads up:
Most City of Grand Rapids offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth Freedom Day. All Grand Rapids Public Library locations will be open.
Crew Highlight
This is our new section for reader-submitted shoutouts, stories, and opinions that lift up our community.

Author: Danielle
Shoutout: Flavors in Full Bloom at The Garden District
Named after New Orleansâ historic neighborhood, The Garden District has quickly become a downtown Grand Rapids favorite. They serve Cajun and Southern comfort dishes near Rosa Parks Circle.
The owners, Jessica and Raphael bring warmth and hospitality to every visit, recently launching a standout weekend brunchâincluding biscuits and gravy that might be the best this side of the Mississippi.
Their tree-shaded patio was especially serene with Monroe closed to vehicle traffic. Already fans of their dinner (tip: try adding Ă©touffĂ©e to your poâ boy) and excellent cocktails, we're planning another brunch visit next weekend as they expand their menu.
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
đšïž Get The Word Out
Want to spread a good word about your company with 5,000+ GR locals? Reach out to LeQwane for details on how to be featured in Calder News.
đź Final Call: Lantern Festivalâs
ICMYI: This is the last week of John Ball Zooâs âLantern Festivalâ for this season. The event is one of the zooâs most popular events and is expected to return next year.
đ» Flanaganâs Temporarily Closes
Hold your beer, the popular Flanaganâs Irish Pub downtown has temporarily shut down after its liquor license was suspended for bounced payments. Things donât seem to be all bad, as the pub plans to reopen soon.
Whatâs Happening?
Preview: Events â> Live Music
Friday, June 13th
Fatherâs Day Pizza | Buddyâs Pizza | Any time (Fri- Sun) | Dads get a free pizza voucher for their next visit
Chalk Art Festival | Tanger Outlets | (Fri - Sun) 10 AM - 7 PM | Free to attend
Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Festival | Calder Plaza | (Fri - Sun) 11 AM - 11 PM | Free to attend
RendeZoo | John Ball Zoo | 6 PM - 11 PM | Starting at $150 | 21+
Killers of Kill Tony | DeVos Performance | 7 PM | Starting at $51
Comedy: Best of the Best | The Comedy Project | 7 PM - 8:15 PM | $17
EGR Movies in the Park: Fall Guy | John Collins Park | 8:30 PM | Free to attend
Saturday, June 14th
Homecoming of the Three Fires Pow Wow | Riverside Park | (Sat - Sun) | Free to attend
29th Annual Sobriety Walk | Riverside Park | 8 AM - 11:30 PM | Free to attend
Bizarre Bazaar | Eastown | 9 AM - 5 PM | Free to attend
Member Appreciateion Day | Tommy Express Locations | 10 AM - 5 PM | Free to attend
Donuts with Dads | HestĂłvin Stables | 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Rock The Block | Corner of Madison & Hall | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend
Sandcastles with Father Figures | Bricks & Minifigs | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend
City Pride League Reunion/ Glory Days | Valley Field | 12 PM - 10 PM | Free to attend
Rock the Block | The Apartment Lounge | (Fri - Sat) 2 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Pride Bar Crawl | Rumors Nightclub | 4 PM | $24
Juneteenth Vendor Bazaar | Grand Celebration Center | 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free to attend
GRSC vs FW 1927 SC | Mehney Field | 5 PM | $12
Bingo LOCO | The Intersection | 5:30 PM | The Intersection | 21+ | $41.75
Trinket Trading | Helping Hands Mission Store | 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Free to attend
Movies in the park (Mean Girls) | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free to attend
The All Girl Rave | GLC Live | 9 PM | $35
Sunday, June 15th
Dadâs Day | Downtown Market | 10 AM - 7 PM | Free to attend
Happy Father's Day | GRCM | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend for Dads
Live Music
Friday, June 13th
Dave Bennett and Nicholas Martin | The Old Goat | 6 PM | Free to listen
Cosmic Jazz Band | Horrocks Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Ally Venable | The Stache | 6:30 PM | $28
Ryan Adams | GLC Live | 7 PM | Starting at $45
The Spine Stealers and Winefred RT wsg Violet Clare | Tip Top Bar | 8 PM | $12
Flores Negras | The Mint | 9 PM | $18
Small Parks & The Ultraviolets | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Saturday, June 14th
Ella J | The Old Goat | 6 PM | Free to listen
The Greenbridge Band | Horrocks | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Whiskey Bound | Moose Lodge #763 (Wyoming) | 7 PM | Free to attend for members
Midroll | The Mint | 7:30 PM | $22
Daniel Staggs and The Critters, Hinky, Leah Naomi | Tip Top | 9 PM | $12.25
Sunday, June 15th
The Gaslight Anthem | The Intersection | 7 PM | $53
*Shows are subject to change, but thatâs show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
Thatâs All For TodayâŠ
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