Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and Calder News is back from our Spring Break.
Before we move on, I need a drum roll… 🥁
The Calder News team has grown again - we’ve brought on an incredible writer for our newsletter.
Starting Friday, you’ll have introductions, jokes, and of course, helpful insights coming from someone other than little ole me.
Anyhow, thank you for taking the time to read today’s issue. Let’s dive in!
~LeQwane L.
Local Dogs National Stage
Yesterdog
Grand Rapids’ very own Yesterdog is on a national stage.
Yesterdog’s walls are already plastered with photos of celebrities, presidents, and fans of the restaurant from around the world.
The popular hot dog spot just got national recognition, winning second place in the America’s Best Hot Dog Championship. The championship was decided by popular vote between 64 other hot dog spots from around the nation.
Who won overall? A hot dog place called “Urban Hotdog Co.” in Albuquerque, NM. We know who’s better, but I guess I’ll give those guys a shout-out on the win as well.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Recreation
Free Outdoor Fitness Returns
The city is bringing back its free outdoor fitness series from May 11 through Aug. 20th. There will be 16 weekly classes in local parks and spaces across the city. You’d be able to participate in yoga, Zumba, line dancing, Pilates, barre, and more with no registration required. Weather cancellations will be posted by Parks and Rec. | See the full schedule
Community
Creston Gets an Earth Day Fest
The Creston neighborhood is hosting an Earth Day Fest on Saturday, April 18, from 12 to 4 p.m. at City High Middle School in Plainfield. The free event will feature a repair fair for bikes, clothes, small appliances, and tools, plus plant giveaways, a clothing swap, wellness activities, and environmental education. Basically, if it can be fixed, swapped, or planted, this is your kind of afternoon. Also, you don’t need to be from the area to attend | See more details
Leisure
Vote on Sunset Cinema
Sunset Cinema is coming back to Studio Park in Downtown with another summer of free outdoor movies, but first, the lineup needs your vote. Last year's series showed movies like Shrek, Mean Girls, and Dirty Dancing, and now locals can help pick what hits the screen this summer. | Vote here
City
Grand Rapids Wants Your Input
The city has opened its yearly Community Survey, giving us a chance to share our thoughts on housing, safety, development, city services, and more. If you got a survey invite in the mail, the city wants you to complete that version, but everyone else can still respond online. The survey closes next Monday (4/20), so now is a good time to make your opinions official. | Take the survey
Have news to report? Click here.
Concept of The Week
Concept of a regional transit system
A couple of weeks ago, a local transit enthusiast created the concept of what a full-fledged transit system, including buses, railways, and other forms of multi-modal transportation for the Grand Rapids region.
Talk Of The Town
🧑🤝🧑 Neighborhood Summit
The Annual GR Neighborhood Summit is happening next Saturday (4/25). The event will bring together community leaders, businesses, and local government to learn, strategize, and strengthen neighborhoods and a sense of belonging in our community.
🎨 Art Scavenger Hunt
A month-long, character art-driven Scavenger Hunt called Peace It Together is set to start downtown on Friday. Led by local artist Dorelle Henri, the hunt will involve a blend of abstract character designs hidden around downtown. Learn more here!
🚐 Roll’N Out Food Truck Fest
The Roll’N Out Food Truck Fest is set to return on May 2nd. The festival will include 34 different food trucks, trailers, tents, live music, live performers, an art market, and of course, activities for the family. This year’s event will be located at 250 Seward near Las Canchas.
⚠️ Update for our bookworms/ library enjoyers over on the NE side. The Yankee Clipper Branch is closed temporarily due to flooding. The branch will reopen on Monday.
Opening
LaFONTSEE Galleries & Framing → The popular LaFONTSEE Gallery is set to host its grand opening on Saturday (4/18) from 6 PM - 9 PM
The Shop Pickleball and Fitness → A new indoor pickleball center is opening on Friday (4/17)
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, April 14th
Disney’s The Lion King | DeVos Performance Hall | (All Week) Various times | $49+ (limited)
2000's Music Trivia | Long Roads Distillers | 6:30 PM | Free
Swing Dancing | Grand Rapids Public Museum | 7 PM | $10
Comedy Night | Garage Bar and Grill | 7 PM | Free
Wednesday, April 15th
Baseball: MSU vs. WMU | LMCU Ballpark | 6 PM | $12
Thursday, April 16th
Coffee with Creators | The Factory | 8 AM - 9 AM | Free
23rd Annual Rummage Sale | Hamilton Ave | (Thu - Sat) Various times | $5+
Comedian: Derrick Stroup | Derrick Stroup | 8 PM | $28
Friday, April 17th
Dial M for Murder | GR Civic Theatre | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $30+
Fluorescent Mineral Expo | Kentwood Parks and Rec. | 2 PM - 8 PM | ?
Presto- Family Friendly Magic Show | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM | $33
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Indy Ignite | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19
Comedian: Kathleen Madigan | GLC Live | 7:30 PM | $50+
Comedian: Mad About | The BOB | 8 PM | ?
Live Music
Wednesday, April 15th
Kxllswxtch | The Stache | 7 PM | $35
Aly & AJ | The Intersection | 8 PM | $44
Thursday, April 16th
Kevin Schaffer | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
Lily Rose | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $35
Music in the Stacks - Samuel Nalangira | GRPL Main Branch | 7 PM | Free
Skonie and the Klouds + Big Timmy and the Heavy Chevy's + Cabildo | Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $21
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Quintet Revelations | Royce Auditorium | 7:30 PM | $45
Chapter IV / All Points Bulletin / Church Bus / No Collar Coyote | Mulligan’s Pub | 9 PM | Free
SoniManic | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | Free
Friday, April 17th
In Color | The Stache | 7 PM | $22
Kathleen Madigan | GLC Live | 7:30 PM | $52
DUUNES x Runner and Bobby | Founders Brewing | 8 PM | Free
Manic Focus + SunSquabi | Elevation | 8 PM | $31+
Igor and Red Elvises | Tip Top | 8 PM | $28
Kavic & Prim | Broad Leaf Underground | 8:30 PM | Free
AniMayhem! | Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM | $12
Kyndred | BackForty Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Steeple Hill Band | Firebird Bar GR | 9 PM | $5
Manic Focus | The Intersection | 9 PM | $30+
O Odious Ones and Friends | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Big Shrimp | The Philmore | 10 PM | $13
*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…
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