Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News. And we’re one week away from the Winter Olympics.
I can’t tell you anything about a single sport. But growing up in Michigan, I’ve always been fascinated by the Winter Olympics. Freestyle skiing is my thing.
Do you watch any of the sports at the Winter Olympics? If so, which one?
~LeQwane L.
Sidewalk Ticket Slowdown
We’ve gotten mountains of snow over the past couple of weeks.
And if you didn’t know, you’re responsible for your sidewalks (not just your driveway). Not doing it could get you ticketed.
However, earlier this week, the city of Grand Rapids announced it was holding off on penalties as long as you give a ”good faith” swing at cleaning up the snow.
Contractors will only be sent out when it’s clear you didn’t attempt to clear the sidewalk. And maybe a fee to follow.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Travel
GRR Soars Past Records
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has reached a new record of~4.3M passengers flying through the airport in 2025. The previous record was around 4M people. | Read more
Community
AYA Youth Collective Expanding Downtown
AYA Youth Collective (a non-profit that supports homeless/insecure youths) bought a downtown building at 241 State St SE for ~$2.7M, more than tripling its current space. The nonprofit supported about 1,000 unique youth last year and will use the extra room to add on more showers, laundry, and meal services, with renovations and a fundraising campaign aimed at a 2027 move-in. | Read more
Housing
Former Orbit Room Could Become Apartments
A developer team is planning about 132 mixed-income apartments on the former Orbit Room site near 28th St SE and Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE. The project is contingent on approval of a Brownfield Redevelopment backing of $10.6M in eligible costs over 25 years. Given all goes smoothly, construction could start this summer, with the first units expected in late 2027 or early 2028. | Read more
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Contribute To The Crew
Calder News is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (outside of our video editor, it’s just me).
Your contributions go toward keeping the Crew going so I can have more fun, build more community, and create a team. I appreciate any and all support my friends! - LeQwane
Talk Of The Town
🍻 Harmony Brewing’s Late Night Crafts
On Saturday, Harmony Brewing Co. is hosting a late-night party along with Hoe Glue Creux. The party kicks off at 10 PM and blends live music, entertainment, crafts, and of course, brews.
⚾ White Caps Opens Wants Your Food Suggestions
The White Caps are bringing back “Fan Food Votes” — a community-voted dish, snack, or meal that will be served during the upcoming season. Five total submissions/ votes will be selected, and one finalist will make it to the menu.
🎭 Gilda’s LaughFest: Volunteers Needed
Gilda’s LaughFest is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year. And the organization is looking for volunteers to help during the event. The event runs March 11th - 15th, doesn’t have minimum time requirements, and gives volunteers some freebies. Learn more.
Local Eats
🥩 Butcher’s Union → Yelp has voted Butcher’s Union into the top 100 restaurants in the United States, with the westside staple landing at #11/100
🍗 Bojangles → The first Bojangles in Michigan is opening on Tuesday (February 3rd) - location: 1730 28th ST.
Want to share good news with 5,500+ other GR locals?
Featured Event
Click image for more information
📍 Bamboo | 2 Fulton St. W
📅 Thursday, February 5th
⏳ 7:30 AM
Free peer support for revenue-first founders growing from $0 to $250k
Friday, January 30th
Michigan International Auto Show | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $5+
Friday Night Food Trucks | 555 Monroe | 6 PM
RedeemedBingoBubbly.com | Redeemed Style at Venue3Two | 6:30 PM | ?
Grand Rapids Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $28+
Saturday, January 31st
Yoga | Blandford | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | $12+
Tea & Art | Selah Studio | 10 AM | $42
Door Installation | Home Repair Services of Kent County | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free
Winter's a DRAG! | Calder Plaza | 12 PM | Free
Rapid Art Movement (live art, poetry, sculptures on the dash) | Rosa Park Circle | 5:30 PM | Free
MI Fashion Fest X NYFW Edition | StudiCOR3 | 6 PM | $88
Comic Book Trivia Night | The Comic Signal | 6 PM | $5
Comedy: WHEEL OF SMOKING!! | The Philmore | 7 PM | $25+
Improv Comedy Shows | Comedy Project | 9 PM | ?
Sunday, February 1st
Create With Pages & Grapes | Pages and Grapes | 11 AM - 3 PM | Free
Soap Making Basics Class | Speciation Artisan Ales | 1 PM - 2 PM | $45
Sound Bath & Meditation | Calder Plaza | 2 PM | Free
CARE Ballet Storytime & Dance | GRCM | 2 PM | GA
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Omaha Supernovas | Van Andel Arena | 3 PM | $19
Queer Potluck | Lotus Brew | 6 PM | Free
Show Night - Empowerment | Rumors | 10 PM | $5+
Monday, February 2nd
Good Game GR | The Rezervoir Lounge | 6 PM | Free
Reading Club | Kusterer Brauhaus | 7 PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, January 30th
Cat Daddy Jazz Trio | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Tony Thompson | Holiday Bar | 6 PM | Free
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM | $23
Green Acres EP Release Show | The Stache | 7 PM | $10
Jacob Mcleod with Soph Vandlen, Stanley & Quiggle | The Stray | 7 PM | $11
Music for the end of the world: Messiaen / Normal Mode | Alger Park Church | 7:30 PM | Free
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free
Jason Eller | Garage Bar | 8 PM | Free
The Chronicles of Shlump | Elevation | 8:30 PM |
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles | Wealthy Theatre | 8:45 PM | $18
Six String Revival | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | ?
American Cheese, Nellie, Bly, Paper Sound | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, January 31st
Fractured Fairy Tales - The Emperor and The Swan | EGR Performing Arts Center | 10 AM, 11:30 AM | $12
The Backdoor Blues Band | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Night Show Vol 88 | AllArtWorks | 6 PM | Free
Futuretime String Band & Trillium | The Stray | 7 PM | $15
Hubby Jenkins | Midtown | 7 PM | $20
Joe Jordan | The Stache | 7 PM | $28
Borrowed Time | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | $5
Yacht Rocket | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10
Sushi Roll | The BOB | 8 PM | Free
NDVST | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $24
STVSH | The Mint | 8 PM | $15
Flogamocker / DarkHawk / Wolfbite / Sticky Rat | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, February 1st
Dave Bennett | Fredrick Meijer Gardens | 11 AM - 1 PM $90
Jazz Jam Session | SpeakEZ | 6 PM | Free
Full Cord Trio | Testa Rossa | 6 PM | Free w/ dinner
Monday, February 2nd
The Devil Wears Prada | Intersection | 7 PM | $100+
*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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