Good morning, Grand Rapids.
This week, it finally feels like fall, and the colors are changing all over 131. Hopefully you've got your costume ready to go!
Major infrastructure changes coming to pedestrian walks and streets.
Calder Crew win (you named a local event space!)
A new nonprofit section! Check out what cool things are happening around town.
~Sara B.
Community Closet Swap
Courtesy of MLive
Last Sunday, Midwest Movement Collective hosted their biannual 3 Witches Clothing Swap.
Apparently it was a hit. Over a hundred people showed up to donate or exchange their used clothing.
And that's not even the cool part.
Because the event allows community members to find a fresh wardrobe without emptying their wallets or contributing to fast fashion waste. Free of charge.
So no matter if you're looking for clothes for the season, something special for an interview, or just something that makes you feel like you, this is an event worth keeping tabs on when it returns in April.
Follow Midwest Movement Collective for details.
Business News
✅ New
Rockford favorite Boochie Bar is opening a new location at the GRR airport, with an opening scheduled for Nov. 16.
New signs off Burton and Eastern hint at a soul food restaurant called Rhythm & Ribs BBQ. Keep an eye out for more news, hopefully soon!
We missed this one back in September, but I saw Patel's new Cigar Lounge & Spirits is getting major love from locals. Not particularly my vibe, but if you're looking for a hangout spot, the reviews are stellar.
❌ Closing
Panera Bread's downtown location is closing today, Oct. 20, after 13 years of serving the community with soup within walking distance.
Talk Of The Town
🧑🚀 Earth to GR
Grand Rapids-born Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch has donated her uniform and several patches for you to see at a temporary display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
🅿️ Switching Sides for Seasons
Heads up: Nov. 1, seasonal parking rules will start for neighborhoods across Grand Rapids to keep it easy for street sweepers and snowplows to keep the weather effects under control.
NON PROFITS
Accessible Carnival
On Oct. 31, from 12 PM - 3 PM, Care Granted Michigan Foundation will celebrate a decade of free, family-friendly fun with the Care Carnival.
Designed to be fully accessible for the whole community, go on down to enjoy games, food, music, and costume contests!
For Vets And Their Families
A Veteran Weekend to remember is coming up on Nov. 6 and 7, featuring hot meals, resources for veterans, winter care kits, youth STEM experiences, and more.
Hosted by Creative Community Entertainment (CCE), it will not only benefit the community but also pay tribute to the Marine Corps at the 251st Marine Corps Ball.
Furry Friends For Free
Saturday, Oct. 24, the Humane Society of West Michigan will hold a free adoption day, waiving fees for pets six months and older. Stop by from 11 AM to 3 PM to meet the newest member of your family.
Know of a nonprofit you think should be highlighted? Give me a holler!
COMMUNITY FEATURE
Shout out to a member of the Calder Crew.
A few weeks back, we shared that Vivant Brewery opened a naming competition for their new event venue. And it was one of the most engaged features in the newsletter on that day.
Over the weekend, one of you reached out and shared some rockin' news… Their name suggestion was selected for the venue.
The email
It's great to see you guys engaging with the content here and taking action on the fun stuff we share; thanks for supporting Calder News!
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, October 20th
Between Worlds, Where Memory Lives Reception | DeVos Place | 5 PM - 7 PM | ?
Pop-Up Thrift | Chicago Beef Joint | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free to attend
Shadows & Spells Book Club | Cellar Bird Books | 7 PM - 8:27 PM
Wednesday, October 21st
Grand Rapids Griffins | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM | $3
Yoga | Fulton St Farmers Market | 10 AM - 11 AM | Donation requested
Open Coworking at Bamboo | Bamboo Grand Rapids | 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Free
Collage Night | Scorpion Hearts Club | 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Free
Line Dancing with Cowboy Rob| Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free
Thursday, October 22nd
Fashion for a Future 2026 | Goei Center | 6 PM - 9 PM | $100
Grabb Mobb | Sugah Please | 8 AM - 6 PM | Apart of dining experience
Friday, October 23rd
Johnson Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance | 1 PM | Free
Grand Rapids Griffins | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM | $3
Tunnel of Terror Haunted Car Wash | Tommy's Express Car Wash | (10/23 - 10/24) 7 PM | $25
Grand Rapids Ballet: Broken Wings | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | 7:30 PM (Through 10/23)
Live Music
Tuesday, October 20th
IAN SWEET | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM | $27
Dan Tyminski | St. Cecilla Arts Center | 7:30 PM | $25+
Wednesday, October 21st
Bluegrass Jam at Chicago Beef Joint // Wednesdays | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Open Band Night At The Stray | The Stray | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | Free
Shelby Lentz | Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 Loyal Order of Moose | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Thursday, October 22nd
LaJoye Quartet | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Austin Snell – Colors Tour 2026 | Elevation | 7:30 PM | $20 ADV / $25 DOS
Phabies + Ohly + Kate Pillsbury | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM | $21
Duobella | Michigan Moonshine Distillery | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free
Friday, October 23rd
The Wild Honey Collective | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Judah & The Lion | The Intersection | 6:30 PM - 11 PM | $35 ADV / $40 DOS
Sophia McIntosh | Brickyard Tavern | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | $24.50–$54.50
Prior Noon | The Stache | 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM | $15 ADV/DOS
Jessica Audiffred | Elevation | 9 PM | $20 ADV1 / $25 ADV2 / $29.50 DOS
Blood Druid/ Dischorded/ Venom of Virtue | Mulligan's Pub | (10/23 - 10/24) 10 PM | ?
Kylee Phillips, Grace Theisen Trio | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM | $15
Mickey & The Heart Throbs + Secret Satan | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Calder Catch Up
A quick digest of local news that matters
👋 Bye-Bye Bridge: The 32nd Street bridge over Broadmoor Avenue will be replaced after 78 years, with construction starting in April 2027. Keep an eye on your ETA, because construction in the area won't finish until November 2027.
🚸 Watch Where You Walk: The West Side Corridor Improvement Authority will soon start construction to improve gateway signage at three well-loved locations: Stockbridge, West Fulton, and Leonard. $1.7 million has been invested in a cohesive identity and beautification of downtown districts.
🌃 Out on the Town: Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority will expand pedestrian safety measures with new flashing beacons and street safety. $75,000 has been put behind the upcoming initiatives to continue supporting the economy and community downtown.
🏥 Eyes on Opioid Awareness: On Sep. 24, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a two-year spending plan for its portion of opioid settlement funds. The question is, where will those millions go?
🐴 Western's Watching Out For You(th): An announcement from Western Michigan University confirms that admission is guaranteed for GRCC students who complete an associate degree. As part of the larger Bronco Bound Guarantee, their services are now expanding north to serve students in our area.
Have news to report? Click here.
That’s All…
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