Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane with Calder News, and i’ve got bad news and two pieces of good news.
We’re losing an hour of sleep tomorrow. The good news? Spring is VERY close.
The second piece of good news will appear in the newsletter. 🫡
~LeQwane L.
Young Entrepreneurs Market
Together with: Merchant and Makers
Click the image to get more details!
Do you love shopping local?
Call your friends, bring the kids, and come to the 4th Annual Young Entrepreneurs Merchants and Makers Market on Saturday, March 7, from 12–4 pm at The Big Room at SILVA (📍 975 Ottawa NW).
Shop amazing kid-run businesses, grab delicious food and drinks, and enjoy live music by young singer, Gibson Knights. And support the next generation of business owners.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Culture
Beer City Baby
For the sixth year in a row, Grand Rapids has earned the title of Beer City, according to USA Today. An expert panel made a nomination for GR, and then a community vote to name the best beer city in America. It’s not much, but it’s honest work! | Learn more
Community
Neighborhood Conservationist
A new Neighborhood Conservationist program with monthly classes and outdoor activities has launched. Led by Friends of The Parks, the free program will host hands-on workshops around local ecology and invasive species. You can attend the lessons and an outdoor volunteer session to earn a Neighborhood Conservationist certification. | Learn more
New Program Targets Homelessness
The team behind Kent County’s 100 in 100 campaign announced a new program called the Downtown Pathways Project. The program will focus on housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in GR. According to the team, ~195 people in Grand Rapids face chronic homelessness, with short-term steps due by April 17 and the next goals shared on April 18. | Read more
Environment
Food Scrap Drop Off Program
The city is launching Renew Grand Rapids, a pilot to keep food scraps out of landfills and turn them into compost. About 35 to 40% of local trash (~13k tons annually) is organic. The compost will then be used in neighborhoods with poor soil or little fresh produce. | Learn how to participate
Today’s newsletter mentions “programs” a ton, but they’re all great!
Have news to report? Click here.
We’re Hiring
Now for the second piece of good news…
Calder News is hiring a writer for our newsletter. I’ll keep the messaging short here because I did the opposite on the hiring page.
If you are a writer, click here to submit an application or share it with a local writer you know.
It’s “employee appreciation day” today. And today, I’m announcing hiring. The timing couldn’t have been any better if I wanted it to be.
Talk Of The Town
👨🎨 ArtPrize Venue Registration Opens
The ArtPrize venue registration is now open. By participating in the event, local businesses can open their doors to feature art, the community, and potentially new customers. Learn how to participate.
🤣 Laugh Fest’s Full Lineup
Laugh Fest kicks off next week, and its full lineup is available now. There are kid-friendly, clean, adult-only, and even religious comedy shows and events that range from free to ~$50 per ticket. The festival features stars like Monet X Change, Adam Ray, and local favorites. Check out the full lineup here.
🥊 Michigan Golden Gloves Returns
The Michigan Golden Gloves Championship is returning to Grand Rapids for its 95th anniversary. The program provides youth from all backgrounds a structured path through boxing, emphasizing discipline, work ethic, and positive community impact. Learn where the first two events will be held!
Business:
Just Between Friends → The 4-day children’s consignment pop-up kicks off on Tuesday, March 11th, and will run through Saturday, March 14th, at the former Art Van on Alpine (4273 Alpine Ave)
Want to share good news with 7,000+ other GR locals?
What’s Happening?
Friday, March 6th
Comedy: Sahib Singh | Dr. Grins Comedy Club | (Fri - Sat) Various times | $27
West Michigan Women's Expo | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $13+
African American Male Achievement Conference | 111 Lyon St. SE | 8 AM - 1:30 PM
Makerspace Open House | Grand River Makerspace | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Harry Styles Dance Night | The Stache | 8:30 PM | $22
Saturday, March 7th
Ada/Forest Hills Extravaganza | 6206 Ada Dr. SE | 9 AM | Free
Global Jam Dance Class | Armentality Movement | 11 AM | $25
Merchants and Makers Young Entrepreneurs Market | Big Room at Silva GR | 12 PM - 4 PM
East-South Beer Tour | Various locations | 12 PM | $70 (beer included)
Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest | New Vintage Place | 1 PM | $15
Roller Derby Double Header | JAM Sports | 4 PM | $8
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Omaha Supernovas | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19
Gimme Gimme Disco | The Stache | 7:30 PM | $24+
Comedy Night | Ambrosia Theater | 8 PM | $25
IRISH REMEDY PRE-PARTY | Broad Leaf Underground | 8:30 PM | Free
Sunday, March 8th
Chili Cook-Off | St. Adalbert's Fraternal Aid - 5th St Hall | 1 PM - 4 PM | $10
SPRING! Into 3D Printing | Grand River Makerspace | 2 PM | $15
Dancing with the Stars LIVE | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM | $160+
Monday, March 9th
Back Door Comedy | Hard Times | 9 PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, March 6th
Caitlin Cusack Duo | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Pecos & The Rooftops | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $35
Tied Down Presents Angel Du$t + Negative Approach + Big Boy + Bad Beat + The Sissy Boys | Pyramid Scheme | 6:30 PM | ?
Red Thyme | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
Mahler's Six | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri - Sat) 7:30 PM | $39
Hazy Past | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10
Jenn's Apartment & Misplaced Memories | Mulligan’s Pub | 9 PM | Free
Whiskey Bound | Firebird Bar | 9:30 PM | $5
Saturday, March 7th
Bob Dobalina Day | City Built Brewing | 12 PM - 10 PM | Free
Zion Lion Reggae Band | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Live Jazz | Margaux | 6 PM | Free
ROCK INTO SPRING WITH KATSASS | GR Elks Lodge No.48 | 6 PM
Battle of the Bands | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $9.90
Hip Hop Night | Chicago Beef Joint | 7 PM | $12
Midwest Fusion Fest ft. Candid Antics + Spocket + Sun.Dyle + Money Soup | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $27
LEVEL UP X ZINGARA | The Intersection | 8 PM | ?
Eric Johanson | Tip Top | 8 PM | $17
Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift | St. Cecilia | 8:45 PM | $45
Kyndred | Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar | 9 PM | Free
Neon Crows | Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Last Call Band | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | Free
Blood Druid, Tru Burn, Inaudible Darling | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, March 8th
Winter Band Concert - Old Wine and New Bottles | Forest Hills Eastern Auditorium | 2:30 PM | Free
Old-Time Jam with Hawks & Owls | ArtRat Gallery | 3 PM | Free
Winter Jam | Van Andel Arena | 3 PM | Donation at the door
A Celebration of International Women's Day | St. Cecilia | 7 PM | $40
Our Lady Peace | GLC Live | 7 PM | $50+
Nothing After This, Heavy Lies the Crown, Set Fire to This | Mulligan’s Pub | 3 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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