Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News, the fastest way to get a topic to talk about with your co-workers.
While I hope you get more value than that from our newsletter, I’d be kidding myself to think not one of our 7,000+ readers uses it for that.
Lol. Anyhow….
However you use Calder News, I’m happy to have you here. ❤️
~LeQwane L.
Creston Pays It Forward
Opened in May 2025, FIKA is a plant-based/gluten-free brunch spot in Creston.
But they’re doing much more than serving tofu chicken waffles (which are amazing if you haven’t tried them).
In November, FIKA launched the “Pay If Forward Meals”, a program that lets community members support each other by sponsoring hot meals for neighbors who need a safe space to eat.
Fully anonymous, free, and very much needed.
Since launching, the program has helped provide 196 free meals thanks to our neighbors paying it forward.
P.s one thing I love getting to do with our newsletter is highlighting local businesses doing cool things for our community.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
City
MLK Bridge Over US 131 Closing
The MLK Jr. Street bridge over US 131 is set to close as a ~$30M replacement project starts on Monday. The closures will start with the northbound US 131 on and off ramps, while southbound ramps will stay open. Making detours for Century, Hall, and Division, with northbound traffic being directed toward Wealthy and Hall. The project is expected to wrap up in November. | Read more
Education
GRPS Graduation Hit Historic Highs
Education | GRPS Graduation Hit Historic Highs Last week, GRPS announced its Class of 2025 posted an 83.22% graduation rate, up from 2024 and about 18% higher than 10 years ago. Why the hike? GRPS leaders pointed to “steady support for students across schools”. | Review the stats
GRPS Board Adds New Trustee
The GRPS Board of Education voted to appoint Erika VanDyke to fill an open trustee seat through the end of the year. She has worked locally in nonprofit and education roles, including Kent School Services Network and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. VanDyke was sworn in at yesterday’s board of education work session. | Read more
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Talk Of The Town
⚾ The Finalists Are Here
The Whitecaps have picked the finalist for their fan food competition, a community-led effort to create a snack that’ll go onto the Whitecaps menu for the season. Some of the finalists: The Mac Bat, Fired Pickle Quesadilla, and the Pig Ear. View the rest here.
🔥 Firebird Bar Opens Friday
After a few months of renovations, Firebird Bar and Grill is set to open in place of the former Turnstiles this Friday. The bar showed off its interior decor on Facebook. And announced its opening live music line-up.
🍪 Girl Scout Cookies Return
It’s that time of year, Girl Scout Cookies are back. And our local troop is starting its cookie-selling push at various locations around town on Friday/ Saturday. There are probably 75+ locations that’ll be popping up between now and mid-March.
🎵 Jelly Roll Set To Perform in Town
3x Grammy Award-winning artist Jelly Roll is bringing his tour to the Acrisure Amphitheater on June 13th. Tickets go on presale this Wednesday and open to the public on Friday.
Talking Shop
Rise Authentic Baking Co. → The west side bakery Rise Authentic Baking Co is celebrating 7 years in its space on Fulton
Quickwater Coffee → Rockford-based Quickwater Coffee Roasters is set to open its third location at the soon-to-be-complete Verdant apartments on Bridge St.
Want to share good news with 7,000+ other GR locals?
Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
What is the best Girl Scout Cookie?
Community Feature
Photo of Former Big Boy at 407 Pearl St. | Taken by u/dumbolddoor
Founded in 1936, the Big Boy restaurant chain expanded from California into Michigan in the 1950s.
Growing to 100+ restaurants, the chain was bought and sold twice before selling to a Michigan-based hospitality group.
Despite the fan base and nostalgic feel of the diner, the chain has shrunk to around 45 stores, with three locations remaining in West Michigan: Wyoming, Cedar Springs, and Muskegon.
Featured Event
Click the image to get a ticket
📍 Bamboo GR
📅 Thursday, February 26th
⌛ 6 PM
Resurgo: The Rise from Within is a landmark Detroit documentary, built over 20 years, spotlighting resilience, creativity, and the people behind the city’s revival.
Tuesday, February 24th
Tots & Coffee Club | GRCM | 9 AM - 11 AM | GA
Rom-Com Trivia | Long Road Distillers | 6:30 PM | Free
Wednesday, February 25th
Earring Making Workshop | Three Blue Brushes | 6 PM | $36
Grand Rapids Griffins VS Manitoba Moose | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $29
Thursday, February 26th
West Michigan Home and Garden Show | DeVos Place | (Thu - Sun) Various times | $5+
Evening Hike with the Animals (adults only) | Blandford Nature Center | 6 PM | $16
Grand Rapids Rise vs. San Diego Mojo | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19
Friday, February 27th
Swan Lake | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri - Sun) Various times | ?
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical | GR Civic Theatre | (2/27 - 3/15) Various times | $21+
Blacksmith Shop Open | Blandford Nature Center | 10 AM | Free
American Advertising Awards (Addys) 2026 | JW Marriott | 6 PM | $150
An Evening with Jim O'Heir | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM | $30
Bonsai + Brews | Vivant Brewery | 6 PM | $80
Unscripted | SILVA | 7 PM | Free
Grand Rapids Griffins VS Iowa Wild | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $29
Live Music
Tuesday, February 24th
Three Days Grace | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | ?
Wednesday, February 25th
Bluegrass Jam | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free
Thursday, February 26th
Kevin Reeves | Downtown Market | (Thu, Fri) 5 PM, 6 PM | Free
Tomas Esparza | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free
Mason Viilo | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
Miles and Coltrane at 100 | St. Ceilia | 7:30 PM | $35+
Dave Hause and the Mermaid + Rodeo Boys | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $33
Friday, February 27th
Nothing More w/ Catch Your Breath, Archers and Doobie | GLC Live | 5:30 PM | $52+
Artikal Sound System | The Stache | 7 PM | $20
OCEAN and the Universe | Public Thread | 7 PM | $10
Bluegrass Revue: Red Thyme + Futuretime Stringband + Ben Traverse | 311 Fuller | 7 PM | $7
Braxton Hicks and the Contractions + Moto + Death By Lions + Drama Team | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $15
Battle of the Bands | The Intersection | 7 PM | $10
Chanticleer in Concert | First Park Church | 7:30 PM | $15+
Jessica Audiffred | The Intersection | 8 PM | $28
The Rupple Brothers and The Smokin' dobroleles | Tip Top | 8 PM | $17
Jason Eller | Garage Bar | 8 PM | Free
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free
Driving in the Bike Lane / Five Dollar Felony / Kiwi Army | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 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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