Good morning, Grand Rapids.

The people have spoken.

In Tuesday's newsletter, 77% of you said it is TOO early for Mariah Carey (and all of Christmas), and you'd rather show fall some love instead. I put some of my favorite responses below.

Fear not, I won't mention any more carols... Not this week at least. 😅

In this issue...

  • Free fall fun at Robinette's Dolly Parton corn maze

  • Local election results impacting parking, city commissioners, millage renewals

  • Whitecaps season announced (and deals coming soon!)

Plus, a chance to influence our vote on future live music content

~Sara B.

Business News

✅ New

After closing over a year ago, Flanagan's revamp will be revealed soon, as the iconic Irish pub is expected to reopen by the end of this month.

❗ Updates

New life could be coming to Mill Creek Tavern after it was bought by the owner of the neighboring bar, Vitale's Comstock Park.

Talk Of The Town

🌽 Maze season isn't over yet!

Now through Nov. 13th, Robinette's is offering free entry to its Dolly Parton-inspired corn maze.

This season's donations and entry fees benefit Parton's Imagination Library, a nationwide childhood literacy initiative. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, grab your friends, family, whoever, and enjoy FREE fall fun, dedicated to a country icon who cared.

🪖 Free Breakfast for Veterans

This Veterans Day, McDonald's restaurants across West Michigan will be offering current and former military members free breakfast.

Bring a valid military ID at dine-in or in the drive-thru, and they'll receive a free Egg McMuffin meal. This is just one way local McDonald's restaurants support the communities they serve, so stop by and support them. Breakfast meals are only available until 10:30.

Civic News

Election Day is Over.

Here are the changes the election brought to GR:

  • $9 million parking deck bond denied by voters at 70.7% to 29.3%, rooted in residents' concerns over the cost (and necessity).

  • Kent County voters approved the zoo and museum millage for the 10th year running, with a 72% to 28% decision.

  • 60% of voters sided against the Kent County jail millage, which has funded the local correctional facility and juvenile center since 1990.

  • Lindsey Perez-Plescher is GR City Commissioner as 1st Ward representative following a 65%-33% win against opponent Steve Tibbe.

P.S. End the election by being kind to the environment. Kent County Environmental Agency has advice on how to dispose of your yard campaign signs.

What’s Happening?

Friday, November 6th

Saturday, November 7th

Sunday, November 8th

Monday, November 9th

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Friday, November 6th

  • Gauri B: Years in the Breaking | Midtown at Studio Park | 9 AM

  • for KING + COUNTRY | Celebration Cinema North | 4:10 PM

  • Gridiron | Four Star Theatre | 5 PM

  • Dave Bennett | Testa Rossa Italian Ristorante | 5:30 PM

  • Erin Monroe + Co presents A Tribute to The Civil Wars | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM

  • Ticketed: Jon Hayes with Megan Stark | Wyoming | 7 PM

  • Andrea Gibson’s Love Letter from the Afterlife | SILVA's Big Room | 7:30 PM - 11 PM

  • Free Show: The Skinny Limbs & Languor | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

  • Januzzi Watchmen / Bayley Gottfried / Paper Sound | Mulligan's Pub | (11/6 - 11/7) 10 PM | Free

Saturday, November 7th

  • Live Music at Chicago Beef Joint | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Dave Bennett | The Old Goat | 6 PM

  • Jon Hayes wsg Megan Stark & Rusty Vining | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM

  • Midori Plays Shostakovich - Grand Rapids Symphony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM

  • CKY + Tombstunner + Stretched Thin | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM

  • Yacht Rocket | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM

  • Blake Whiten | The Stache | 8 PM

  • Union Guns | Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM

  • Sod the Earth / Glunkty / Quincy Jadams | Mulligan's Pub | 9 PM

  • Pouya wsg Ramirez, Fat Nick, Black Smurf & Comehelpglo | The Intersection | 6 PM

Sunday, November 8th

  • Americana Sundays | ArtRat Gallery | 3 PM - 5 PM

  • Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert | Wealthy Theatre Annex (2 doors west of the WT itself) | 3 PM - 5:30 PM

  • Big Band Nouveau | The Stray | 5 PM - 7 PM

  • All Get Out + Motherfolk + Saint Blonde | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM

  • Trivium | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 8 PM

  • Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox | DeVos Performance Hall | 8 PM

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

Calder Catch Up

A quick digest of local news that matters

  • 🚨 City's Siren Schedule Swap: With an upgrade to the outdoor warning siren system, GR can expect a new testing schedule: transitioning from April-October to year-round. Every first Friday at noon (starting today!), don't be shocked to hear the sirens; it's for safety, after all.

  • 🌊 Whitecaps Welcome 2027: Ticket sales start Dec. 1 for the newly released Whitecaps 2027 season, which includes 66 home games and new 4 P.M. games on select Saturdays, as well as stadium field trip opportunities. Hoping for cheap tickets? Check out their "Better Than Black Friday" from Nov. 27-30 for deals on their home opener.

  • ⛳ Hole in One: Ada Township approved a proposal for a 390-acre DeVos family golf club on October 15th. Already under development, the course builds on the existing landscape for a "minimalist" approach.

Have news to report? Click here.

That’s All…

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