Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — And the summer is winding down.
We’re going to be sitting in the 70s this week, but hey, who doesn’t love crisp mornings and when fall vibes start sneaking in early?
I hope today is a great start to your week. 🫡
~LeQwane L.
Volunteer Opportunities
Last month, we highlighted volunteer opportunities, and our readers delivered.
You sent in a bunch of great ways to plug into the community, so here’s this month’s roundup of reader-submitted opportunities:
Community Food Club - Get involved helping promote food security in Kent County
Grace’s Table - Connect with and support young mothers in town
Revive and Thrive Project - Help those facing a health crisis by participating in Teen Chef roles, Adult Kitchen Support, Meal Packaging, Delivery Driving, and Garden Support.
Kent County 4-H - Connect with the youth and support their interest in tech, science, farming, and more (this organization is especially interested in volunteers from diverse backgrounds)
Know of any other organizations looking for volunteers? Reply to this email with details for the next feature!
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Event Recap
Metro Cruise’s Impact
West Michigan’s biggest car show returned this weekend as the Metro Cruise celebrates 20 years along 28th Street. The event featured around 1,000 cars, live music, food, and kids’ activities with “Pit Stop” sites from Cascade to Grandville. The event drew thousands to town and reportedly had a great impact on local businesses. | Read more
Community
New Year-Round Market in Wyoming
Godwin Mercado, a $5.8 million marketplace at 301 36th St. SW, has officially opened to the community. Operated by Wyoming Parks and Recreation, the 6,000-square-foot building will host 24 indoor vendors year-round, with room for 100 vendors and food trucks outside. Starting next spring, it will operate as a farmers’ market and community event space. | Godwin Mercado
Road Work
U.S. 131 in Kent County
Take note: the southbound U.S. 131 entrance ramp at West River Drive near the ballpark will be closed through Thursday. And one southbound lane from West River to North Park will also be shut down until Wednesday evening.
Have news to report? Click here.
We Asked
In Friday’s newsletter, we asked “What is the best beach or lake near Grand Rapids?”.
Here are the top 3 results in order:
Grand Haven State Park
Hoffmaster Park
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Honorable mentions - Pere Marquette and Kirk Park
It’s supposed to be warm again next week, maybe worth adding a beach day to the end of the summer bucket list.
Talk Of The Town
🏠 First Tiny Home Finished
Mel Trotter Ministries has completed its first tiny home in “Hope Village”. The full project will include 16 standalone tiny home units near Garden and Jefferson SE.
👮 Hiring: Grandville Police Department
The Grandville Police Department is looking for new recruits to help serve the community. Applications are open now and must be submitted by September 12th.
💐 Ms. Wheelchair America
This weekend, women from all over the USA came to Grand Rapids’ Amway to compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2026.
Opening:
🥩 Prime Casual Steakhouse - Mill Creek Tavern is opening a steakhouse right next to its location at 3874 West River Dr. in Comstock Park
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Monday, August 25th
Wikipalooza: The Sequel | Louise Earl Butcher | 4 PM - 8 PM | $5
Pyrography | Vivant Brewery | 6 PM | $60
Taylor Swift Trivia Night | Stella’s | 7 PM | Free
Story Book Walk Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Burton Wood Park | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
Tuesday, August 26th
Lunchtime Trail Meetup | Millenium Park | 12 PM - 1 PM | Free
Community Day | GRAM | 12 PM - 5 PM | Free
Show & Tell | SILVA | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free
Comedian: Louis CK | Van Andel Arena | (Tue - Wed) 7:30 PM | Starting $51
GR Ballet: Summer Series | Frederik Meijer Gardens | Free with admission
Wednesday, August 27th
All Paws on Dek | Margaux | 3 PM - 6 PM | $15
Community Zumba | Treetops collective | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free
Moon Guidance Goddess Circle | Riverside Park | 6:30 PM | $10 donation
Open Projector Night (Music Edition) | Wealthy Theater | 7 PM | Starting at $8.64
All Week
Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
If you have any recurring events that you would like highlighted on our recurring event calendar, please submit them above!
Live Music
Monday, August 25th
Houston Patton (Jazz) | Millenium Park | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Angry Zeta | Tip Top | 8 PM | $18
Tuesday, August 26th
Dennie Middleton | Blue Water Grill | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Bully + Jawdropped | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $30
Wednesday, August 27th
Jake Stevens | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM | Free
Caskey | The Intersection | 7 PM | $35
*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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