Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — your go-to place to get wiser to what’s happening around town.
Before we get into today’s newsletter, I’d like to say thanks to the Calder Crew.
You always show up, support the newsletter, check out our partners, and it’s all while taking a moment out of your day a few times a week to make that happen.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to do all of this for you. 🤟
~LeQwane L.
Mental Health Tip Of The Month: Thanksgiving Conversations
Together with: Ivy Leaf Counseling
Click the image to learn more about mental health
Holidays can surface lots of emotions.
If you’re feeling nervous about where the Thanksgiving table conversation might go, here are 3 phrases that Ashleigh from Ivy Leaf Counseling shared to keep conversations healthy:
“I do not think now is the best time to discuss this. Could we change the subject?”
“I appreciate that you want to have open conversations, but let’s focus on the holiday today.”
“I feel uncomfortable when we talk about this.”
Boundaries are not guaranteed to be honored, but these phrases can be a good start to being true to yourself while remaining respectful.
Want a place you can process authenticity, relationships, boundaries, or what’s on your mind?
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Parks
GR Bike Park Upgrades
Grand Rapids has received $300K in state grants to upgrade the bike park at Plaster Creek. The upgrades will include trail features, a pavilion, and paved parking. The work will start late next year or possibly in 2027. | Learn more
Community
Mel Trotter Crushes Turkey Drive
Earlier this week, Mel Trotter Ministries wrapped up its annual Turkey Drop with 5,900+ frozen turkeys donated across all of WM. A crazy outcome, given this year’s goal was just 5,000. | Read more
Civil
Neighbors Sue Over Gaslight Development
A group of East Grand Rapids residents has filed a lawsuit to combat the city’s process behind the pending 147-unit mixed-use development in Gaslight Village. After a protest petition and a referendum effort were ruled invalid, residents are asking the courts to require a public vote. City leaders will review the issue at their meeting next week. | Learn more
Top stories this week
Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
Are you traveling out of town for Thanksgiving?
Santa Parade Returns
The Santa Parade is happening on Saturday (Nov 22nd) at 5 PM.
Quick overview of what to expect:
Free parade + family activities afterward
Santa arrives at Rosa Parks Circle around 6:30 PM
Kids can write letters to Santa and USPS will deliver them
Tree lighting + meet-and-greet with Santa
Route:
Starts 5:15 PM at Division Ave & Michigan St
Heads south on Division to Pearl St
Turns west on Pearl to Monroe Ave
Turns south on Monroe to Rosa Parks Circle
Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy downtown all lit up for the season.
Talk Of The Town
Heads up!
Most of the city offices are closed 11/27 & 11/28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Along with that trash, recycling, and yard waste services are delayed one day for the holiday.
🚎 Holiday Trolley Returns
The free holiday trolley is back in town starting tomorrow. Run by Downtown GR Inc., the holiday trolley will operate this Saturday and next weekend (11/29). To see the routes, theme, and where to catch it, check here.
🎄 Christkindl Markt Opens
The Christkindl Markt has opened for you to enjoy. The markt features a festive vibe with food, 60+ vendors, artists, and plenty of activities for families to enjoy. The event will take place through December.
Talking Shop
🍵 Global Infusion → This weekend, Global Infusion is doing special sales and product releases to celebrate its 21st anniversary.
☕ Foxtail Coffee → At the end of the month, Starbucks inside of Amway Grand Plaza will be closed to make room for a Foxtail Coffee.
🧁 Dolly’s Delights → The newly opened Dolly’s Delight Bakery, located at 313 Division (set to open on Monday), has announced they’re giving away free Thanksgiving meals to the homeless for the holiday’s
Quick Bites
City Built Brewing x Los Panchos → On Wednesday, City Built Brewing announced that they’re teaming up with Los Mariscos De Pancho to provide food for its customers. The taproom stays the same. But now they’ve got amazing meals from Panchos.
What’s Happening?
Friday, November 21st
The Tempest Ballet | Calvin University | (Fri,Sat) Various show times | $45
CreativeMornings | Civic Theatre | 8:30 AM | Free
GR International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival | DeVos Place | (Fri, Sat) 4 PM, 2 PM | $25+
Friendsgiving | FIKA | 4:30 PM | ?
Hustle Explosion | The Kroc | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Christmas Light Drive Thru | Everett’s Gardens (Byron Center) | (Fri, Sat) 6 PM - 8 PM | $10
World of Wizarding | Servant’s Church | (Fri, Sat) 6 PM | $10
Ice Guru Silent Disco | Blue Bridge | 6 PM | $6
Country Dance Night | The Grand | 6 PM | ?
Vintage Parlor Orchestra | Wealthy Theater | (Fri, Sat) 7 PM | $28
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Charlotte Checkers | Van Andel Arena | (Fri, Sat) 7 PM | $28+
A Porch Sit And A Street Parade | Alger Park Church | 7:30 PM | Free
Comedy Hour | Founders | 10 PM | $20
Saturday, November 22nd
FROZEN: The Musical | GR Civic Theatre | Various Times thru Dec. 21st | $25+
CHRISTKINDL MARKT | Downtown Market | (Sat, Sun) 10 AM
Holiday Craft Show | HSB, INC | 9 AM
Holiday Market | KDL Kentwood | 9 AM
Pop Up Art Market | The Stray | 10 AM
Made Market Grand Rapids | The Goei Center | 10 AM - 5 PM | $5
Holiday Art Market | City Built Brewing | 12 PM - 4 PM
Winter Wonder Walk | LMCU Ballpark | 5:30 PM | $15+
A Day/ Evening in the World of Wizards | Servant’s Community Church | 6 PM | $10
90’s Dance Party | Amway Grand Plaza | 7 PM | $20+
Disco Pickleball Mixer | Dinks & Dingers | 7 PM | $12
Creepy Improv Comedy | The Comedy Project | 9 PM | $17
Sunday, November 23rd
Turkey Trail | Riverside Park | 7:30 AM | $17+
Holiday Sip & Shop | Noco Provisions | 12 PM
Silva Spoon Variety Show Audition | Silva GR | 3 PM | Free
Deck The Halls | CIty Life | 5 PM | free
NIght of Thanksgiving | Greater Life | 6 PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, November 21st
The Polar Express in Concert | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM, 2 PM | $50+
Simply In Time | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Jackyl | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $28
Kevin Reeves | Downtown Market | 7 PM | Free
The Night Owls and The Thomas Tran Quartet | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
GRCC Musical Moods Collage Concert | NE GR | 7:30 PM | $8+
EATER | The Stache | 8 PM | $15
Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
Cozy Worldwide | Elevation | 9 PM | $14+
Klay N' The Mud | Log Cabin | 9 PM | Free
Wilson Ave & New Troy | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Illusion of Fate, Goddokira, Filth Spewer, Neqriem | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, November 22nd
Sunchaser | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Borrowed Time | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $5
Crimewave | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $24
Sebastien Bordeaux with Kitten and The Tonics | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
Trapped on Mars | Spectrum Entertainment Complex | 9 PM | ?
Sunday, November 23rd
Bach Chorale Fall Concert | Reformation Heritage Books | 4 PM | $20
Enchanted Strings Duo | Downtown Market | 5 PM | Free
Whitechapel | The Intersection | 6 PM | $41
Full Cord Quartet | Testa Rossa Italian Ristorante | 6 PM
Soulful Sunday | Billy’s Lounge | 6:30 PM | $10
*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…
⭐ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.
📧 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.
Connect: Linkedin
Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids