Good morning, Grand Rapids.

What a busy weekend we have ahead of us—Pride, the Summer Solstice, Father’s Day. Not sure how I’ll squeeze it all in, but I’m sure gonna try!

We’re here to make sure you know about all of it in today’s newsletter.

~Jenny F.

A briefing of local news that matters

Tourism

Experience GR brings in many tourists to our city and provides awesome things for locals to do, largely thanks to its CEO and president of 20 years, Doug Small. As Experience GR gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Doug announced his retirement. This new chapter will begin with a new leader. Talk about big shoes to fill. See more details.

Development

It seems like apartment complexes are popping up all over the city, and now the northeast side gets its turn. A 39-unit apartment project will eventually replace the former Kent Ionia Labor Center on Benjamin Street. Read more here.

Downtown

After its first show, residents within a mile of the amphitheater said they could hear the concert, but on some nights, the sound carries even farther. During weeks like this one, when the amphitheater hosts three shows in a row, some residents are frustrated by the constant commotion. See more details.

Have news to report? Click here.

Police Chief Hunt

In case you didn’t already know, Grand Rapids officials are in the process of hiring a new police chief. On Wednesday, they interviewed the 4 finalists → Joe Trigg, GRPD’s Interim Chief, and Rafael Diaz, Kalamazoo Dept. Public Safety, Mark Bliss, Deputy Police Chief for Detroit, and Eve Stephens, a retired Austin Police Department commander (the only out-of-state candidate). You can review their public interview Q&A here.

Feedback Needed: Parks

The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Rec is seeking your help to shape the future of the city's parks, trails, recreation programs, and public spaces by developing the 2027–2032 Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan. Care to share your opinions? There’s an online community survey that’s open now through July 6th here.

We’ve been observing summer for a few weeks now, but it doesn’t officially start until June 21st, and The Downtown Market wants to welcome it in with open arms.

Their Summer Solstice Market, which celebrates the longest day of the year, will feature 35 artisans, live music, and family-friendly activities in the Outdoor Market Shed from 10-6.

What makes it different from other festivals, however, is the free Song Journey and Gong Wash (registration required) and the Closing Drum Circle, inviting participants to relax, reflect, and welcome the new season through sound.

Learn more here.

🛍 Passport Game Begins Next Week

Uptown is encouraging Grand Rapidians to explore all four business districts with their free Summer Passport Program. You can participate until September 5th and win prizes.

😜 Eastown Hosts Bizarre Bazaar

This Saturday, Eastown is shutting down Ethel Street to hold their Bizarre Bazaar, a festival of crafts, food, and fun. Check out the kids’ bazaar and support some young entrepreneurs.

🌼Save Bees With Free Plants

While you’re perusing Eastown’s Bizarre Bazaar, stop by John Ball Zoo’s booth and pick up a free pollinator plant. You can pick one up here or at over a dozen events throughout the summer.

Own your own chicken and seafood restaurant in a busy plaza in Kentwood. Wings & Waves is up for sale.

If you were sad when Asada in Eastown closed in January, then you’ll be happy to hear that Steve and Charles launched a new pop-up called Sunday’s Best. Check it out at many events around the city this summer.

Founders, known for its beer, is trying something new: bourbon. They’re aging their bourbon in barrels that once aged their KBS beer (which once aged bourbon, so it’s, like, double bourbon-flavored and I’m definitely buying a bottle or three).

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

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