Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Another week of upcoming events, and quite a few things in progress!
As summer winds down, so will the traffic, but not yet. If you’re wondering where not to drive over the next few weeks, read below for warnings about construction on Wealthy, off I-196, and more.
I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend. Rain or shine, make sure it’s a good one!
~ Sara B.
River Revamp
The River North District just unveiled its latest mural, advancing plans to refresh the former Monroe North area.
Painted by Detroit artist Mark Serra and Co., the mural pays homage to some of Grand Rapids’ best features, from the river and its wildlife to biking trails and businesses that keep Grand Rapids in motion.
Located on the side of SILVA at 975 Ottawa Ave NW., this mural is one of many developments planned to revitalize the River North district.
From an $185 million mixed-use complex with housing, a hotel, and parking to a $9.8 million Canal Park Renovation, plus a $4.3 million investment in pedestrian-centric infrastructure, and an expanded Riverwalk trail, residents can expect activation across the area in coming years.
Business News
✅ New
The first do-it-yourself auto shop and showroom, Wrench Club, is coming soon to the Westside. The shop will feature equipment, a library, and shared tools for its members.
September 18th, Eastown welcomes multi-vendor micro retail Riverside Market. With fine arts goods, jewelry, and more, the organization plans to open big by also hosting as an ArtPrize 2026 venue.
❌ Closing
Romance bookstore Pages and Peonies will be closing its storefront doors, just three months after its first anniversary. Worry not, they plan to maintain a strong online presence and host bookish events going forward.
❗ Updates
Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park has had its liquor license suspended after a steady stream of nonpayments throughout 2026. Their ability to serve is pending either payment of the fine or the end of the thirty-day suspension; whichever comes first.
Talk Of The Town
🎟️ Family-Friendly Fun in Eastown
The 53rd Annual Eastown Streetfair is scheduled for Saturday, September 19. An all-day, family-friendly celebration of arts, crafts, food, music, and the Eastown neighborhood, it’ll feature craft beer and cocktails, food, music, and over 100 vendors of art and organizations.
🗞️ No More Newsboys
Dec. 6 will mark the final print distribution of MLive’s 8 Michigan newspapers, after overwhelming reader adoption of digital delivery. The Grand Rapids newsroom’s staffing will not change, with only one full-time job expected to be lost across the Michigan facilities.
A Significant Symphony
Experience GR
ArtPrize will kick off its largest event yet with the world’s longest playable stringed instrument.
Free to the public, the performance will take place across the Pearl Street Bridge, transforming the street into a remarkably memorable for all who attend.
The Earth Harp, created by artist and musician William Close, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest stringed instrument. It’s designed to stretch over hundreds of feet from one central chamber to other buildings and structures nearby.
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What’s Happening?
Friday, September 4th
GrandCon (table top gaming) | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $25+
Open House | Makerspace | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
2026 Michigan Chess Open | Courtyard GR Downtown | 5:30 PM | ?
CONNECT: An Immersive Experience | One Oh Six Gallery | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
FREE SPIRIT GHOST IMAGE | Cocoon Art Space | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Saturday, September 5th
Cars, Karts, and Coffee | GR Grand Prix | 9 AM - 11 AM | Free
Summer Slowdown Reiki Sound Bath | 3368 Beltline CT | 1:30 PM - 3 PM | $35
Glow of the Grand | Riverside Park | 6:30 PM | ?
Sunday, September 6th
Sunday Soul Line Dance | Rosa Parks Circle | 12 AM | Free
Live Music
Friday, September 4th
Sam Wakeman Quartet | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
River Rogues Jazz | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
King Ink + Feeding Grizzlies + Midwest Skies + Beachglass | Pyramid SCheme | 7:30 PM | $21
Quilter & August (Indie) | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Saturday, September 5th
Ostia World Music | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
LIVE at CBJ: Curt Hines | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free
MINUS THE BEAR | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $45
Summer Music Series: Last Campfire | Vander Mill | 7 PM | Free
Ben Quad + Macseal + Aren't We Amphibians | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $33
Jay Webb | The Stache | 7:30 PM | $20
Organ Fairchild | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM | $17
Shake Junt - Dogfood - Mellow - DJ Kech | Billy's Lounge | 9:30 PM | $10
Fermented Plague/ Godstine/ Dischorded | Mulligan's Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, September 6th
Sophia McKintosh | The Score | 12 PM | Free
Jazz Jam w/ Tommy Pancy | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM | Free
Doomblade (EP release) + Izzy Reign + Broken Like Me + Stevie Reidz | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $21
All White Everything With A Splash Of Colors | Billy's Lounge | 9 PM | Free
Monday, September 7th
David Cisco | The Score | 12 PM | Free
The Cheap Dates | The Score | 6:00 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
📢 A Request for Proposals has been released by the City of Grand Rapids, seeking artists to assist with the design and building of a memorial to honor lives lost and affected by gun violence in all its forms.
⚠️ In the coming weeks, expect traffic delays around Cherry Street as Consumers Energy installs energy upgrades, intended to provide reliable energy for Trinity Health and surrounding businesses.
🚧 The old Kent Community Hospital near I-196 will be demolished starting next week, making room for a new Kent County administration building.
⛲ Tassel Park, along the riverside near Cascade Road, will be revitalized in the next several weeks, with further construction expected in 2027. Updates will include a new walkway and pavilion spaces.
🚘 Amidst major expansion, a new parking ramp is in the works for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Expected to open by the end of the year, it will be located at 220 Wealthy St. SE and can fit up to 350 vehicles, with uplifting murals throughout.
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