Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.
If you’re looking for a way to treat your mom this weekend for Mother’s Day, hop over to HopCat or other participating restaurants to celebrate the start of Cider Week in Grand Rapids.
Is she more of a shopper? Stop in Lovely La Vie, the new women’s boutique downtown. Read all about these and more in today’s newsletter.
~Jenny F.
Shop Local At Merchants and Makers
Together with: Merchants and Makers
Click for more details
Merchants and Makers is hosting their first shop of the season, The Grand Rapids Spring Market, on May 17th at Fulton Street Farmers Market.
From 10-3 PM, you can peruse over 100 local vendors, as well as enjoy live music and delicious food trucks.
Admission is $3 for adults, but kids are free.
Got plans that day? No worries. Merchants and Makers will host a handful of markets throughout the summer, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover or support your favorite local artisans.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Education
GRPS Wants Help Naming New School
In October, GRPS asked the public for suggestions to name the first new elementary school they’ve built in the last 60 years. 137 suggestions were narrowed down to six. You can vote for your favorite until May 29th. See more details.
Medicine
Lacks Cancer Center Plans Upgrades
After 20 years, Trinity Health is investing in upgrades for the Lacks Cancer Center on Cherry Street. New additions will include more oncologists, updated technology, renovated patient rooms, and more. Read more here.
Community
Cascade Honors Veterans with Bridge
The McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451 is partnering with the community to name a stretch of Cascade Road "Cascade Veterans Memorial Bridge.” All are invited to the naming ceremony taking place on May 11th at noon, which will be followed by a cookout. Learn more here.
Environment
Caledonia Nature Preserve Earns Recognition
Lepard Nature Preserve in Caledonia has been designated an Old-Growth Forest, acknowledging its ecological value and protecting it for future generations. A dedication is being held today from 9-10:30 and will feature brief remarks as well as a guided nature walk. Check it out here.
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Best Hard Cider Chosen in Grand Rapids
Everyone knows Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, but that’s not the only beverage we do well. Kent County is the center of apple production in Michigan, so it makes sense our hard cider can’t be beat.
For the next nine days, restaurants and bars all over town will feature cider pairings, tap takeovers, and cider-infused menus.
During the week, the world’s best cider will be named at the 20th annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, held in Grand Rapids.
On May 16, Cider Week GR will culminate in a festival held at Rosa Parks Circle, featuring 50+ cider vendors from all over Michigan, as well as local food and live music. Find more details here.
Talk Of The Town
🎖 River Bank Run Closes Streets This Saturday
Are you one of the tens of thousands of people participating in this weekend’s annual River Bank Run? If not, you might want to know what spots in the city to avoid and when. Get all the details.
🎶 Opera Grand Rapids Announces 2026-2027 Season
If you’re a fan of opera, mark your calendar for the upcoming season of Opera Grand Rapids, which will include productions of “Carmen," "Three Decembers," and "Souvenir.” Season tickets go on sale June 1st.
🐕 Puppies Allowed on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
Puppies are always allowed on the patio of Harmony Brewing in Eastown, but check out their puppy-centric events as well, like their Puppy Pool Party on May 16th and a Puppy Etiquette Class on May 22nd.
Business News
✅ New:
Lovely La Vie Opens Doors
A woman’s boutique, Lovely La Vie, opened its doors on May 1st in the old Show Salon spot on Monroe Center. Check them out for outfits that fit both your weekday and weekend looks.
Wine Veteran Designs “Unpretentious” Experience
If you’re new to wine, Pauly’s Wine Experience might be just the place for you. Set to open sometime this month in the former Maggie’s spot, Pauly’s wants to help patrons discover their new favorite wines.
❌ Closing:
Los Mariscos de Pancho Shuttering Leonard Location
On a Facebook post, Los Mariscos de Pancho announced it had outgrown its Leonard location and will close at the end of June. Patrons can still enjoy their food truck or dine at City Built as they figure out what comes next.
What’s Happening?
Friday, May 8th
Changing Thymes Pickers Market | Changing Thymes | 9 AM - 4 PM | Free
Saturday, May 9th
Amway River Bank Run | Downtown | 7 AM - 12:30 PM | (Free to spectate)
Anuual Garden Palooza | 1115 Leonard | 9 AM - 3 PM
Taste Of Summer | Riverside Park | 12 PM | $3
Hobby Hop | The Lit | 1 PM | $28
Whitecaps vs. Dayton Dragons | LMCU Ballpark | 2 PM | $14
Grand Rapids Tequila Fest | DeVos Place Convention Center | 6 PM | $40
Sunday, May 10th
Farmers Market | Godwin Mercado | 9 AM | Free
Guardians Collectibles Toy Show | Legion Post 179 Riders | 10 AM - 3 PM
Sensory Sundays | Public Museum | 10 AM | GA
Silent Book Club | Elevated Market | 1 PM | Free
Second Sunday Swing Social | Social Dance Studio GR | 1 PM | $25
Monday, May 11th
Outdoor Fitness Programs | Parks around GR | Various times | Free
Live Music
Friday, May 8th
JP & the Energy | The Score | 6 PM | Free
DAYSEEKER | GLC Live | 6 PM | $110
Twopercent | The Intersection | 7 PM | ?
Ed Dupas, Michael Crittenden, Josh Rose | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
Crazy Hearse | Pux Cider | 7:30 PM | $10
Michigan Mandolin Orchestra Spring Concert | The Lit | 7:30 PM | $12+
Marcelo Lehninger - Orchestral Fireworks | DeVos Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM | $50+
The Moonrays and Vespa | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
Acoustic Reserve | Dirty Shame (Ada) | 8 PM | Free
Forged in Blue band | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | Free
Wilson Ave & Jack Beidler | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Saturday, May 9th
Avery Anna | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $35
Zion Lion | The Score | 6 PM | Free
La Dispute | GLC Live | 6:30 PM | $30
Loren J. Clarke | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM | $5
Kelly Quinn Blues | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
Ingrid Andress | Intersection | 7 PM | $28
Roosevelt Diggs wsg The Incantations | Tip Top | 8 PM | $15
CKY + Tombstunner + Stretched Thin | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $29
Deep Tech Records x Ooof! - wsg Duky, Adam Ortiz and Joshua Elias| Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM | $10
Decades | Woddy’s Press Box | 9 PM | Free
American Rust | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | Free
Zen Star Beat Cult, Night Starts, & The Pickle Forte Collective | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 AM | Free
Sunday, May 10th
Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues | Breakfast House | 3 PM | Free
Slumber Party | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $13
Monday, May 11th
Brian T McCosky | City Built Brewing Co. | 6 PM | Free
*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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