Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Welcome to the weekend (depending on when you’re reading this).

We’ve got ArtPrize, Michigan Street Poutine Week, and Tech Week happening at once!

If you’re a fan of art, food, or tech stuff, now’s your chance to get out on the town. If you’re not… good luck avoiding the traffic if you need to move around the city for anything.

I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for taking the time to read today’s email. ;)

~ Sara B.

All Eyes on ArtPrize

Credit: Earth Harp

As ArtPrize takes over Grand Rapids, it’s hard to know what to look for first.

If you’re in that boat, this shortlist of some of the most anticipated events and installations is a good place to start.

Also… they’re (almost) all free:

  • Sept. 18, 5:30-10 pm: Opening Celebration with William Close & the Earth Harp Collective at Rosa Parks Circle/Pearl Street Bridge.

  • Sept. 19, 2-6 pm: Opera Grand Rapids with The Grand Rapids Chamber at Rosa Parks Circle.

  • Sept. 21-Oct 2: ArtPrize Edu Education Program community workshops; locations vary.

  • Sept. 26, 11 am-4 pm: Doodle Street with Gardner White and West Michigan Youth Ballet at Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

  • Sept. 26, 5:30-8:30 pm: HalfTime Party presented by Meijer at John Ball Zoo. (General public tickets available for $10.)

  • Oct. 3, 6:30- 10 pm: Awards Celebration presented by Bryan Cranston at the Acrisure Amphitheatre. (Free with VIP tickets available for purchase.)

There are about 50+ other things going on too. View the full event calendar on the ArtPrize website.

Business News

✅ New

The 1850, a History-Themed Lounge and Coffee Bar, has opened in Grand Rapids and is celebrating by hosting an ArtPrize 2026 exhibition in its lounge.

Midwestern fast-food staple Culver’s will replace the old Denny’s restaurant location at 3127 Plainfield Ave. NE, with demolition and a complete rebuild planned.

Keep an eye out for Montejo’s Cookhouse, bringing authentic Cuban cuisine to Grand Rapids.

Talk Of The Town

🗺️ City Releases Walking Maps For ArtPrize

The City of Grand Rapids has released its own walking maps for the annual art festival, starting today and running through October 3rd. The maps cover the West Side, City Center, and the South Side of downtown.

🎵 Downtown’s Newest Draw

The Grand Rapids Chamber has released data reports that say the Acrisure Amphitheater has attracted nearly 400,000 visitors in its first season, surpassing the initial estimate of 300,000.

🍴 Anticipation Builds for Restaurant Week

Early previews for Restaurant Week in November confirm routine meal tiers will return with the popular foodie festival.

🎉 Excitement in Eastown

Eastown Streetfair is kicking off this Saturday, September 19th, with neighbors and community members thrilled to celebrate its 53rd year. Yes, we mentioned this before. But with 53 years running, it’s worth a second… or third mention. Shop local.

What’s Happening?

Featured Events

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Friday, September 18th

Saturday, September 19th

Sunday, September 20th

Monday, September 21st

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Friday, September 18th

  • LIVE at CBJ: Everett Domeier | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | ?

  • MOXIE | The Score | 6 PM | ?

  • Kevin Reeves Live At RÁK | Grand Rapids Downtown Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | ?

  • rosecoloredworld | Elevation | 6:30 PM | ?

  • Noah Rinker | The Stache at The Intersection | 6:30 PM | ?

  • Rigometrics & Lee Cleaveland & The Lefthand Band | The Philmore South | 7 PM - 11 PM | ?

  • the Baker's Basement | The Stray | 7 PM | ?

  • Shakey Graves | Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater | 7 PM | ?

  • Salooniverse! | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM - 8 PM | ?

  • Max Alan | The Intersection | 7 PM | $20 ADV / $25 DOS

  • Bowling for Soup | The Intersection | 7:30 PM | $39.50 ADV / $45 DOS

  • Elvis Costello & The Imposters | Frauenthal Center | 7:30 PM | ?

  • Peter Antoniou | Frauenthal Center | 7:30 PM | ?

  • Artillery + Celestial Wizard + Sod The Earth | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM - 11 PM | ?

  • Hammered Hulls | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM | ?

  • Pink Venom: A K-Pop Inspired Dance Night at The Mint | Elevation | 8 PM | $12 TIER1 / $15 TIER2 / $18 DOS

  • Morgan Haner & smallie Double | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

  • PROJECT 90 at Rapid River Stillhouse | Rapid River Stillhouse | 9 PM | ?

Saturday, September 19th

  • M45 Celebration | Allendale Park | 8 AM | Free

  • Carnography-Suncrusher-Realm of Sheol | Mulligan's Pub | 1 PM - 7 PM | Free

  • Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues | Boston Square | 3 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • LIVE at CBJ: Lauryn Allen | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Black Label Society | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM | $59.50

  • Jake Stevens Band | Vander Mill | 7 PM - 9:30 PM | Free

  • Sammie Hershock rivereye | The Stray | 7 PM - 9:30 PM | $19

  • THE B-52s | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7 PM | $30

  • Slumlord Radio, Ladyship Warship, Angel of Mars | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM - 11:30 PM | $12

  • Love Letter to New Orleans - House Show & Special Recording | Green Frog Photo | (9/19 - 9/20) 8 PM | ?

  • The MilBillies | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

  • Ghost Town Marshalls | Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM | Free

  • KRL| Rapid River Stillhouse | 10 PM | $5 Cover

  • Red Pop / Return to Jellico / Net Minder | Mulligan's Pub | 10 PM | Free

Sunday, September 20th

  • I.D.B. – I Do Brunch: Broadway Edition | I Don't Care | 11 AM - 2 PM | $40

  • ArtPrize: Hosted Song & Tune Swap with Ben Traverse and Friends | ArtRat Gallery | 3 PM - 5 PM | Free

  • Mark Lavengood | Fulton Street Pub & Grill | 3 PM - 4 PM | Free

  • Sunday Soul Line Dance Classes | Rosa Parks Circle | 4 PM - 6 PM | Free

  • Oregon Dreamchild | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • Bayside at Elevation | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $44

  • GWAR | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $30 ADV / $35 DOS

  • Driveways | Elevation | 7 PM | $32 ADV / $38 DOS

  • The Iron Roses: Molotov Nights US Album Release Tour + Rodeo Boys | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM | ?

Monday, September 21st

  • Solvibe | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • Rico Nasty at Elevation | Elevation | 7 PM | $29.50 ADV / $35 DOS

  • The FIXX, Colin Blunstone of the Zombies, and Peter Asher | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM - 11:59 PM | $49–$191

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

  • 🥫 No-Nonsense Needs, Fulfilled: West Grand’s first food pantry opens at 558 Lane Ave.

  • ⛲ $10M Transformation: Cascade Township’s Tassel Park renovations are underway starting September 17th, with major changes coming to the 3.2-acre community space.

  • 👻 Seeking Street Team: Oddities on Ottawa is looking for volunteers to hand out flyers during ArtPrize to spread news about the Halloween event happening October 24th.

  • 🚧 Hotel from the Railroad Era: Historic Michigan Trust Building located at 40 Pearl St. NW will be renovated into 63 hotel rooms across four and a half floors, bringing new life to the longstanding bank.

Have news to report? Click here.

That’s All…

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