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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News — the newsletter for busy GR locals interested in staying updated on what’s happening around them.
I hope you’re staying warm and healthy this week, as we’ve had some interesting weather around town lately.
In today’s newsletter, you’ll see a local community leader getting recognized, the airport’s new milestone, and things to do around down up until Friday.
I can’t lie it’s been a slow week for news, but hey — that’s ok!
Have a great rest of the week friend, you deserve it.
~LeQwane L.
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Community
GR NAACP President Gets Honored
The 10-year President of the Grand Rapids NAACP, CLE Jackson was recognized as 2025’s GIANT Among Giants award this weekend. The NAACP gives out the award and goes out to people who make meaningful contributions to their communities. | Read more
Travel
Gerald R. Ford Airport Reaches New Heights
Gerald R. Ford International Airport hit a new milestone. After years of increased traffic and improvements, the airport has surpassed previous years’ heights, reaching 4.1 million travelers in 2024. To celebrate, the airport hosted live events and community yoga yesterday. | Read more
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Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
☀️ GR gets more sunshine
Grand Rapids has gained just over an hour of daylight since the winter solstice. Throughout February, there will be an additional 73 minutes of sunlight — with sunrise starting at ~7:20 AM and sunset happening around 6:30 PM by the 28th.
🎭 15 years in the making
A new “dinner-tainment” concept is now open in Grand Rapids. Located at 975 Ottawa NW, Silva features a kitchen, bar, pool, darts, bocce, and fun live events that help people step away from the digital world.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday, February 5th
Guided Walking Tour: Art Installations | Rosa Parks Circle | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free
GR Bluegrass Jam | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free | Join a community jam session with drinks food and awesome music
Open mic night | Creston Brewery | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free | Share your talent or listen to others whether its music, poetry, or comedy
Comedy night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Thursday, February 6th
WM Golf Show | DeVos Place | Thurs - Fri | $12 tickets for adult and $5 children
Office of Special Events day | GRPD building | 7:30 AM - 6 PM | Free | Calling all event organizers — get help organizing your event that’ll be hosted on public property | RSVP a time to get support
Disney On Ice | Van Andel Arena | (Fri - Sun) 12 PM | Prices vary
Grow Blk Tech (RSVP required) | GRNoir Wine & Jazz | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free | A social collab focused on strengthening tech education and opportunities for underserved communities in GR
Pups & Purrs Adoption Event | The Intersection | 5:30 PM | Free
Dance Workshop: Sexy Valentine's Edition | Armentality Movement Arts Center | 6 PM | $32 | This event is 21+
Boombox Music Bingo | Turnstiles | 6 PM | Free
Rob Little (Comedy) | (Thurs - Fri) Dr. Grins Comedy Club | 7 PM | $10 tickets
February Luminaria | Huff Park Trail | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free | Stroll luminaries at Huff Park with friends, just make sure to dress for the weather
All Black & Excellent: Soul in the City | 1530 Madison SE | 6:30 PM - 10 PM | An immersive live performance of tap dance, black history, arts, and community
Friday, February 7th
Cupid’s Valenight Market | Garfield Park | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free | Find all your Valentine theme items, get them gifts ready for your special someone
First Friday = Art + Downtown | Cocoon Art Space | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free | Learn about contemporary art and meet local artists
Galentine's Candle Making Class | 806 Bridge St | 6 PM - 8 PM | $45
Ice Piano Performance | Canal St. Park | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Live Music
Thursday, February 6th
Potionseller and FinalBossFight | Skelletones | 6 PM | $10 tickets
Eggy | The Intersection | 7 PM | $20 tickets
TX2 + tiLLie + Flat Out | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 12 AM | $20 tickets
Friday, February 7th
Domestic Problems | The Intersection | 7 PM | $15 tickets
Shayfer James + Katacombs | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $20 tickets
BareNaked 90's | Gippers Bar | 8 PM | Free
Deerfield Run and Silver Creek Revival | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10 tickets
Deer & Elk | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Embers Rise, Visitor, The Fiction We Create | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
quick hit of news from around Grand Rapids
Muskegon: The Muskegon Museum of Art has finished its $15M expansion, and it is ready to open it to the public
That’s All For Today…
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