Could your business use a boost? Advertise with us. Find out more here.
Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — it’s Halloween, and the costumes are out in full force.
Here’s a fun one for Halloween: The Haunt in Wyoming is one of West Michigan’s largest haunted attractions, and it just turned 24 years old.
Anyhow, stay safe, get spooky, and enjoy the festivities around town!
~LeQwane L.
Shoutout Your Favorite Small Business
Together with: For Better
Click the image to nominate a business
The For Better Project launches in GR in just a week – but first, they need your help!
As a reminder, the project is a grassroots initiative to support a research-backed movement to connect shoppers to businesses in GR who care about promoting safety and connection.
If you have 30 seconds, can you nominate a small business or two that you think cares about their community and might be a good fit?
The For Better Project team will reach out to them directly after you submit them!
Join Keller Williams, The YMCA, GR Ballet, and other local businesses reaching thousands of affluent locals with Calder News. Click here to see how our audience aligns with your target customer.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Education
GRPS Teachers Reach A Deal (Kinda…)
GRPS and the teachers’ union have reached tentative agreements on teacher placement, sick days, dues deductions, and professional development. However, no agreements were made on the most important bit — pay raises. Learn more
Business
Michigan Gives $5M to Local Lenders
With federal support cut during the gov. shutdown, Michigan has approved $5 million to help community lenders fund small businesses and housing projects statewide. Looking closer to home, nonprofit lenders like Grow and Rende Progress Capital in Grand Rapids now have additional resources to fund loans and training for local entrepreneurs and affordable housing. | Read more
Development
Affordable Housing Near GR
Kent County approved its first Brownfield Redevelopment Plan to support a $2.8 million worth of affordable housing in Lowell. The development on E. Main Street will add 17 one, two, and three bedroom units for about 40 residents earning 50–120% of the area’s median income. Construction started a few days ago and is set to finish next summer. | Read more
Community
EGR Gets Tough on Scooters
East Grand Rapids is reviewing new rules on e-bike and scooter use. City leaders are considering safety education, better lighting, and possible ordinance updates after a series of scooter-related accidents during school hours. | Read more
Top stories of the week:
Have news to report? Click here.
Celebration of Service
A major celebration is coming to Downtown next week.
The Celebration of Service Fundraiser will honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and its Armed Forces with:
A massive patriotic drone light show over the Grand River
A Veteran Arts & Crafts Fair featuring local makers
Live music, food trucks, and family fun all weekend
The free event runs from Friday, Nov. 7th to Saturday, Nov. 8th at Calder Plaza with the goal to support veteran programs and community initiatives.
There’s still space for veteran-owned businesses (or their families) can also apply for free booth space.
Talk Of The Town
🐈 HopCat Sells To Another PE Firm
After an ownership change about 5 years ago, the company that owns HopCat and Stella’s has been sold to a private equity firm based in Chicago.
♥️ Grand Rapids Businesses Show Up
A handful of local businesses and organizations are stepping up to support community members during the upcoming SNAP benefit pause. Lantern Coffee, FIKA, and various other businesses are hosting community donation (and food) drives.
Opening:
Dunkin → A new Dunkin’ Donuts is opening at 3043 28th St. SW on November 5th - they’re also giving away 100 drinks to customers.
What’s Happening?
Friday, October 31st
Artist Pumpkin Carving | Vander Mill | 5 PM | Free
Friday the 31st | Gimme’s Par | 8 PM | $12
Just Wicked | JW Marriott | 9 PM | $20
Halloween Parties
Halloween Boo Bash | Giggles and Gourmets Play Cafe | 9 AM - 4 PM | $10 (Family)
Halloween Open Skate | Patterson Ice Center | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | $10 (Family)
Kidz Indoor Playground | 4 PM - 8 PM | Admission (Kids)
Küsterer Brauhaus | 5 PM | $9 (Adults)
Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | $5 (Adults)
General Wood Shop | 8 PM | $10
The BOB | 8 PM - 1 AM | $40 (Adults)
The Rumors | 8 PM - 2 AM | $10 (Adults)
Latinoween | Agave | 9 PM | $15 (Adults)
Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM | $ | (Adults)
After Hours Adults Only Halloween | Craig’s Cruisers | 10 PM - 1 AM | $40
Saturday, November 1st
Reimagined Holiday Art Market | City High Middle | 9 AM - 4 PM
Brunch Bonanza | SILVA | 10 AM - 2 PM
Women who Write & Create Expo | Hilton Garden Inn | 11 AM - 3 PM | Free
The Downtown Chili Throwdown | Gimme’s Par & Grill | 12 PM - 5 PM | $12
Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance | The Villa/ Dungeon | 6 PM | $23
Hollywood Of Horrors Halloween | The BOB | 8 PM | $40
Gasolina Party - Dia de los Muertos (18+) | GLC Live | 9 PM | $28
Sunday, November 2nd
Merchants and Makers Holiday Market | Fulton St. | 10 AM - 4 PM
KPop Demon Hunters - Singalong! | Wealthy Theatre | 2 PM | $10+
Entering The Symbolic World: Journey Into Tarot With Group Hypnotherapy | Yoga And Tai Chi Center | 3:30 PM-5:30 PM | $99
GR Griffins Vs. Rockford Icehogs | Van Andel Arena | 4 PM | $29
Corgis On Ice (at Griffins game) | Van Andel Arena | 4 PM - 7 PM | $25
Masquerade of Malice: A Murder Mystery Dinner Party | House Rules | 7 PM - 10 PM | $30
Upcoming Events
Restaurant Week | Nov 7th - 15th
Cultural Heritage Festival | GR Public Museum | Nov 8th
Comedian: Katt Williams | Van Andel Arena | Nov. 8th
Live Music
Friday, October 31st
Beats Beyond the Veil | SILVA | 4 PM - 11 PM | ?
GR Symphony: Lord of the Rings | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM | $51+
Thunderstruck | The Intersection | 7 PM | $28
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free
Third Coast Swing | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10
Daft Disk | Elevation | 9 PM | $22
Halloween Party | Twisted Bull | 9 PM | Free
HALLOWEEN TECHNO RAVE | The Mint | 9 PM | $15
Saturday, November 1st
Day of the Dead: A Benefit for Nicky | Founders | 7 PM | Free
Betka Pope | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $27
The Erly with Thimbleheads and Eloquacious | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12.5
Cyclops | Elevation | 8 PM | $35
Whiskey Bound | Rapid River | 8 PM | Free
Hot N Dangerous | The Stache | 9 PM | $15
Broken Like Me, Silence Is The Scream, Crossing Bard | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 AM | Free
Sunday, November 2nd
Full Cord Trio | Italian Ristorante | 6 PM | Free with dinner
All Time Low | GLC Live | 6 PM | $75
1995: A Tribute - A Benefit for AYA Youth Collective | Pyramid Scheme | 6 PM | $17
Alberto Lombardi | Tip Top Bar | 7 PM | $23
*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…
⭐ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.
📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.
Connect: Linkedin
Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids