Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News, the local newsletter that helps you fill an empty calendar with things to do around town.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
City
Mayor LaGrand Talks Shop
Mayor David LaGrand used his second State of the City address to spotlight three big priorities for Grand Rapids: public safety, housing, and new development. The speech comes at a busy stretch for City Hall and offered a broad look at where local leaders say the city is headed next. | Review the recap
Jobs
GR Helps Employ the Youth
Grand Rapids’ GRow1000 summer youth jobs program is now taking applications for 2026. Launched in 2020, the program has connected ~1,400 young people with paid jobs across local businesses, nonprofits, colleges, and government. Participants earn $15 an hour and get to shadow job opportunities before starting. Applications and paperwork are due May 8. | Apply here or share it!
Have news to report? Click here.
Easter in Grand Rapids
Easter is around the corner. If you or someone you know has a family, there is a good chance there is an Easter event nearby that’s for you.
Here are a few things happening that are worth a spot on the calendar.
Grand Rapids: Outdoor family Easter egg hunt | March 28 at 10 a.m. | Details
Cascade Charter Township: Easter egg hunt | Cascade Township Recreation Park | March 28 at 10 a.m. | Details
Walker: Easter egg hunt | 4151 Remembrance Rd. | March 28 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Details
Grand Rapids: Mel Trotter Ministries Community Easter Meal | | 225 Commerce Ave. SW | April 1 from noon to 2:30 p.m. | Details
Byron Township: Easter egg hunt | Whistlestop Park | April 4 at 11 a.m. | Details
Grand Rapids: Easter egg hunt | Bridge Street Market | April 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Details
Talk Of The Town
👟 Vintage Market Returns To The Plaza
Thanks to the delays in construction, the popular Mitten Vintage Market is set to return to Calder Plaza for multiple days during this upcoming season. Review the days here.
🛍️ Grandville Spring Shop Hop
Downtown Grandville is hosting its annual Spring Shop Hop - an event that provides discounts, special deals, and an overall fun shopping experience at locally owned businesses in the area. This year’s event includes a “passport” that’ll give you a chance to win $250 in gifts.
📜 Grand Rapids Public School History
This Saturday (March 28th), the GRAAMA is hosting a workshop to explore the history of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Hosted at the GRAAMA, the workshop will cover the 2000s & 2010s.
🔗 P.S. It was brought to my attention that the link to the “Grand River Revitalization Project” was dead in the previous email. This should work as long as the city doesn’t repost it. :)
Business
The former vegetarian restaurant Gaia House Cafe in Creston is set to close at the end of March. And the building’s owner is now looking to turn the location into a bar, hookah lounge, and event space.
Sports
🏒 The Grand Rapids Griffins have been crowned Champions of the Central Division of the AHL
What’s Happening?
Friday, March 27th
Cottage & Lakefront Living Show | DeVos Place Convention Center | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $12
Jumpstart 2026 | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $20+
Fool House - The Ultimate 90's Party | The Big Room | 7 PM | $25
Grand Rapids Gold VS Birmingham Squadron | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $15
LaughMasters! | 2 R S T | 8 PM | $15
Saturday, March 28th
Introduction to Clay for Kids | GRPL Main | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free
be nice. Family Fun Fest | DeVos Place | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free
Boho Bazaar | GR Downtown Market | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free
Adult 3 v 3 basketball tournament | YMCA (Downtown) | 11:30 AM | $20 (unsure on pricing to watch)
Ostara Spring Festival & Celebration | Hyatt Place | 1 PM - 11 PM | $29+
Grand Rapids Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19+
The Millennium Bug: A Y2K Nostalgia Trip | Pux Taphouse | 7 PM | Free
Community Art Bar | Harmony Brewing | 9 PM | Free
Sunday, March 29th
Vinyl & Vintage Spring Pop-Up Party | DAAC | 1 PM - PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, March 27th
6 Pak | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Mammoth | The Intersection | 6 PM | $48
Michael McIntosh Solo | Brickyard Tavern | 6 PM | Free
Gary Numan | Elevation | 7 PM | $48
The Robert Cray Band | GLC Live | 7 PM | $41+
The Honeytones | SpeakEz Lounge | 7 PM | Free
Anthony Gomes | The Stache | 8 PM | $39
Crimewave: Post Unk & Darkwave | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $24
Joshua Quimby and Matt Pless | Tip Top | 8 PM | $17
The New Models, Misplaced Memories, & The Bloody Pickups | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, March 28th
Funky Brewster | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
BOYS LIKE GIRLS | GLC Live | 6 PM | $56
Ironwood | The Stray | 6 PM | $11
Feeding Grizzlies | The Turtle Tank (basemate show?) | 7 PM | Free
Cody Parks and The Dirty South & Steel Panther | Intersection | 7 PM | $41
Mark Lavengood Band: John Prine Tribute | Midtown | 7 PM | $25
Union Guns | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | Free
Pretty Sure + Low Phase + Ficus + Riot Course | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $15
Six String Revival | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | $5
Heartsick w/ Flood The Desert, Midwest Skies, and Klinical Trial. | Mulligan’s Pub | 9:30 PM | Free
Sunday, March 29th
The Screwtape Letters | DeVos Performance Hall | 3 PM | $70
Monday, March 30th
Willy Tea Taylor Wsg Rowdy Fingers | Tip Top | 7 PM | $17
Nathan Walton | City Built Brewing | 7 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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