Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

What are you up to this holiday weekend? Maybe you have plans for a barbecue or going to the beach. It’s the unofficial start of summer, and Monday might get warm enough to enjoy some of the splash pads and pools opening this weekend.

As for me, I’m hitting up a state park for the first camping trip of the season. Hope the forecast is wrong, and it doesn’t rain all weekend!

No plans yet? We’ve got a couple ideas for you. Whatever you do, hope it’s a great one!

~Jenny F.

Together with: People First Economy

Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of community you want.

People First Economy is a statewide Michigan business support organization building an economy grounded in localism, sustainability, and civic engagement.

They're the team behind the Engagement Hours, Fork Fest, The Michigan Good Business Summit, Cohorts, and local business directories that keep our community connected.

Spend at a locally owned business, and 68% of your money stays right here to create jobs, raise wages, and build a stronger GR for us. Plus, companies that track their social, environmental, and economic impacts are 63% more likely to survive a recession.

Plus, People First Economy just launched a brand-new website and the People First Economy Online Network. Check it out to see how they can help you grow.

A briefing of local news that matters

Government

You can choose to spend Memorial Day honoring fallen soldiers or enjoying a barbecue, but what you can’t do is apply for a business license or pay your property taxes, because city offices will be closed this Monday. Trash service will be delayed until Tuesday. See more details.

Development

Want to live next door to the amphitheater? That might be a possibility soon enough, as Grand Action 2.0 proposed a high-rise with 475 apartments, a parking structure, and retail space. Enjoy the sounds of the country’s biggest musical acts from the comfort of your own living room. Read more here.

Community

The City of Grand Rapids has an ambitious agenda for 2027, investing in public services, retail retention, and violence prevention, requiring more hands on deck at the city offices. See more details. Or view our breakdown for you here.

Have news to report? Click here.

🦅 Veterans Honored In Memorial Day Parade

Share your respect for soldiers both serving and fallen during Grand Rapids’ annual Memorial Day parade, this Monday at 10am. The parade concludes at Veterans Memorial Park, where a Memorial Ceremony will take place.

🌷 FMG Free For Military Families

Just in time for Memorial Day (and the Chihuly exhibit!), Meijer Gardens, along with Blue Star Museums, is offering military personnel and their families free admission throughout the summer.

👍 Free Bocce Ball at Silva

Just when you thought Silva, GR’s first “Dinnertainment” Venue, couldn’t get any better, now you no longer have to pay to play bocce on Wednesday nights. Always wanted to give bocce a try? Now’s your chance.

Most of us know someone in the military, and perhaps you even know someone who died while serving our country. This past Wednesday, volunteers from around the community, as well as dozens of Scouts, did their part to show those soldiers they are not forgotten.

5,000 American flags were placed on the gravesites of veterans ahead of Monday’s Memorial Day holiday. With America turning 250 years old this year, their efforts to remember military members were especially meaningful. Many read the names of the soldiers aloud as they placed their flags.

Want to find a Memorial Day event near you? Find one here.

Summer weather is on the way, but that might bum out the winter sports enthusiasts. City Slopes, Grand Rapids’ first indoor ski and snowboard center, has got you covered. Check out their facility in Kentwood.

Grand Rapids is all about collaborative spaces these days, which explains why Muse, the interactive art gallery and event space, has just celebrated a successful first year. Congrats to them!

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

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📧 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.

Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids