Good morning, Grand Rapids.

There's a semi-chilly fall weekend ahead, and the colors are starting to look gorgeous! Of course, that means it's time to talk winter. (I know... it's all fun, though!)

Enjoy your apple picking, pumpkin carving, or cozy day indoors, however you like to spend it. I'll be catching some fall colors from the trails!

In this issue...

  • Cost of coffee. Is it truly price gouging?

  • Double new police chiefs, and new developments on the way.

  • Marathon road closure warnings!

~Sara B.

The Cost of Local

After hearing that people thought their coffee was expensive, local shop Scorpion Hearts Club shared the real numbers behind their business.

After emphasizing the cost of overhead and paying enough for employees to support themselves, the owner got very transparent and broke it down.

One thing is clear: despite being open for nearly 2 decades (under various names) the owner is not raising prices to pocket additional cash.

If you want to see the cost of a local business, check out their post.

There's plenty of insight into the inner workings of a local business.

Business News

✅ New

An 8-year-old entrepreneur is opening a store at Rivertown, MooZoo Slime Bar. Their grand opening will take place Saturday at noon, with free treats and slime. How? After participating in a back-to-school event, Rivertown Crossings Mall invited the young entrepenuer (and her family) to open the store.

While it's not quite a "business", Division Avenue Fire Station (or Station No. 10) held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. The $12 million new fire station at 1823 Division Avenue South is designed to serve the neighborhood for the next century.

❗ Updates

One Stop Coney on Fulton celebrated their 6th anniversary last week, offering a special Crunkwrap (which is still available) to recognize the occasion.

Talk Of The Town

✒️ Insidious Ink

The Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival returns next weekend, with seven featured artists available for opportunities to get some ink ahead of the holiday.

✈️ Gerald R. Ford Flying High

With terminal upgrades and notable food offerings, Gerald R. Ford ranked among the nation's top two small airports after taking the top spot in 2025.

📚 Books for Change

No, literally. This weekend, the Friends of Grand Rapids Public Library Book Sale will sell books for under a dollar, and even a bag for a dollar. Visit the Main Library on 111 Library Street NE to grab your next read.

👻 Spooky Safari Celebrations

Zoo Goes Boo returns to John Ball Zoo this weekend, bringing a playful celebration for kids and adults alike with decorations, treat stations, entertainment, and more. Running through November 1, the event will continue through November 1.

🏃‍➡️ Re-route for Runners

Grand Rapids Police Department reminds residents that the Grand Rapids Marathon is taking place this Sunday, causing several road closures throughout the day. Check the route here

European West Michigan Winters

Thanks to the Tulip Time Festival, Dutch Winterfest will return to Holland this December.

It will take place alongside a host of other winter festivities, including the Parade of Lights, Magic at the Mill, Kerstmarkt, and more.

New for 2026 is Dutch Skate, taking place at the Holland Ice Park. A Dutch tradition, skaters will be dressed in classic attire.

Dutch Winterfest also includes a holiday tour of unique buildings, the Proost!

Tasting Tour, a redecoration of downtown with Dutch icons, such as wooden shoes and oversized ornaments.

Learn more

What’s Happening?

Friday, October 16th

Saturday, October 17th

Sunday, October 18th

Monday, October 19th

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Friday, October 16th

  • The Tommy Pancy | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Marshall Werner Music | Dunneback Farm Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Ed Dupas | Forest Hills Fine Arts Center | 6:30 PM | ?

  • Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen – Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 7 PM - 11 PM | $49.50

  • Standing Together | Forest Hills Fine Arts Center | 7:30 PM | $25–$40

  • Kara Cole | Mulligan's Pub | 7 PM | Free

  • Missing Rigby | New Holland - The Knickerbocker | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free

  • Anthony Hamilton | Van Andel Arena | 8 PM - 9:50 PM | $80

  • John Merchant and The Desolation Angels Wsg County Parks | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM | $6

  • The Moonrays (cosmic surf rock) | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

Saturday, October 17th

  • Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Black Cat Bazaar (Market) | Speciation Cellars | 6 PM - 10 PM

  • Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives and Zach Top | Van Andel Arena | 8 PM | $44+

  • Heart String Circus | Four Star Theatre | 8 PM | $30–$50

  • Borrowed Time | Rapid River Stillhouse | 9 PM | $5

Sunday, October 18th

  • West Michigan Blues Society Cabin Fever Blues Jam | Billy's Lounge | 2 PM - 5 PM | Free

  • Night of the Living Drag | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 7 PM | $49

  • Eric Johanson - The Open Bayou Tour | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 7 PM | $25

Monday, October 19th

  • An Evening of Alton Brown | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM - 8:57 PM | ?

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

Calder Catch Up

A quick digest of local news that matters

  • 🏘 West Side Neighbors: A new $55 million, mixed-use development with 231 units may come soon to Grand Rapids' West Side, according to Voyage, Talbot and Pinnacle.

  • 👪 Family-Friendly Future: During a September Grand Haven City Council work session, developers proposed a new children's museum and residential housing to replace the former diesel plant. The proposal has since been presented again after revisions were made.

  • 🚨 Aquatic Evasion: Police responded to a potential bomb threat near Pearl Street Wednesday evening. Using a water disruptor, they resolved the threat, with final reports determining it was likely not a threat (whew), but potentially a handmade explosive device.

  • 👮 Change of the Guard: Shortly after Grand Rapids welcomed a new police chief, Wyoming has appointed one. Police Captain Eric Wiler will assume the role in February 2027 immediately after Police Chief Kip Snyder's retirement.

  • 🛷 City Park, Snow-Ready: Wyoming's Marquette Park will receive a $2.2 million renovation to include a new sledding hill, extended dog park, and more after a construction approval in September. 21.

  • 🏟 Soccer Seat Selection Season: AC Grand Rapids and the Amway Stadium will officially allow fans who have placed deposits for season tickets to select seats, starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. If you haven't yet, don't worry! The deposit window is still open until 5 p.m. today.

Have news to report? Click here.

That’s All…

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