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Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and it’s a pretty great day around the city.

The sun’s out (with a little overcast), the temperature is solid, and my neighbor finally said hello after two years. Progress.

Hope your Wednesday is going just as well.

In today’s issue: I-96 road work updates, pool season news, a toast to Cider Week, and some fun local events to check out in the days ahead

Without further ado, let’s jump into today’s newsletter. 🙂

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Transit

I-96 Gets A Makeover

On Monday, MDOT is starting a $3 million project to resurface the 3-mile stretch of I-96 between East Beltline and Cascade. Expect overnight closures, ramp detours, and slower commutes until mid-July — all in the name of a smoother ride. | Learn more about upcoming closures and detours

Recreation

Pools and Pads Reopen Soon

Grand Rapids’ pools and splash pads are set to open on June 6th — but here’s the big news: any families with kids 17 and under that live in the city can get a season pool pass for free if they sign up before opening day. The pools run through Aug. 16th while splash pads stay open until Sept. 14th. | Redeem a pool pass for the season

Art

175th Anniversary Poster Competition

The city of Grand Rapids has launched a city-wide art competition to find the official 175th Anniversary of Grand Rapids commemorative poster. All levels of artists can submit original artwork anytime before July 25th to win $1,500 + 300 free prints or $250. | Learn how to submit an entry

Community

Remembering Paul Lee

Grand Rapids is mourning the loss of Paul Lee, a beloved local restaurateur who helped transform Wealthy Street into a dining destination. As the co-founder of The Winchester, Donkey Taqueria, and Hancock, Lee played a major role in shaping Uptown’s food scene. His work left a lasting impact on the city’s hospitality community. Originally from Seoul and raised in East Grand Rapids, Lee passed away after a battle with cancer, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held May 16 at Eastern Avenue Hall. As a local food lover, this was not something that I wanted to hear… 😢

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Ask Grand Rapids 🤔

🚧 Has any road work around town impacted your travel yet?

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🥂 Cider Week Returns to GR

Did you know Kent County grows more apples than anywhere else in Michigan? And Cider Week GR is back to celebrate it. From May 10th – 18th, expect tap takeovers, orchard tours, pairing dinners, and plenty of cider-fueled fun all over the city. Cheers to 9 full days of crisp, local flavor.

🛒 Small Businesses, We See You

Promote what’s happening at your business here for just $45. Our simple advertising placements make it easy to get seen by thousands of Grand Rapids locals, no fluff or filler. Start today.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, May 7th

Thursday, May 8th

  • Comedy Show: Carmen Morales | The Bob | (Thur - Sat) Various times | $10 - $20 | Comedian Carmen Morales brings her sharp wit and hilarious storytelling to Dr. Grins Comedy Club

  • The Yeomen of the Guard | Wealthy Theater | (Thur - Sun) | Starting at $20 | It is the darkest and most emotionally engaging of the Savoy Operas

  • Introductory Birding | Millennium Park | 4 PM - 5 PM | $10 | Blandford Nature Center’s Environmental Educators lead a beginner birding hike around Millennium Park

  • Mother’s Day Party | Maurices | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free to attend | Moms are superheroes and we wanna take the time to celebrate you

  • Trivia Night | The Stray | 6:30 PM | Free to attend

  • Solarize GR + Around Baking Co. Food Truck | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend

  • Raise the Barre | Deos Contemporary Ballet | 7:30 PM | $60 | An unforgettable evening of fun, art, and exciting surprises

  • Karaoke Thursdays | General Wood Shop | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend

  • Latin Nights | The Bob | (Thrus - Fri) 8 PM - 12 AM | Free to attend | Enjoy dance lessons from 8pm-9pm by some of Grand Rapid’s best professional dance instructors

Friday, May 9th

  • Smiles From The Heart | Contemporary Family Dental | 8 AM | Free to attend | Join us for our 8th Annual Free Dental Day and receive FREE dental care from our caring team

  • Family Paddle Night | Riverside Park | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend | Whether you’re trying something new or looking for a fun weekend activity for your family, kayaking at Riverside Park is a great way to connect with nature

  • Crown Royal Rig w/ Kane Brown | Van Andel Arena | (Fri, Sat) 5 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend

  • Best of Grand Rapids Party | Goei Center | 6 PM - 11 PM | $85

  • Death & Transfiguration Live | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) Various times | Starting at $19

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Wednesday, May 7th

  • Breathe Owl Breathe | Rosa Parks Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free to attend

Thursday, May 8th

Friday, May 9th

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

Outside The Plaza

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Zeeland: Chalk fest is happening downtown Zeeland next month

Battle Creek: Battle Creek Battle Jacks announce new owner

That’s All For Today…

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Made in Grand Rapids

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