Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News — wishing you a warm and bright start to your Monday.
It’s a fresh week, with fresh energy, so let’s kick it off together with what’s going on around G-town.
P.S. I’ve never heard anyone call Grand Rapids, G-town. I just made it up.
~LeQwane L.
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Sports
GR Soccer Team Named AC Grand Rapids
West Michigan’s first pro men’s soccer team will be called AC Grand Rapids. The club will be a part of MLS Next Pro in 2027. And they’ll play at the upcoming Amway Stadium on the west side. The venue, backed by Grand Action 2.0, is expected to host national matches, community tournaments, and bring in ~160K visitors annually. | View the team’s brand
Safety
First New Fire Station to Open In Decades
The new fire station on Kendall Street has opened as the city’s first new fire station in 37 years. Station 12 will serve the Third Ward with modern facilities, private dorms, a fitness room, and community space in its 12,600-square-foot building. | Read more
Community
150-year-old Church Being Restored
Hermitage at Diamond, a former church built in 1875, is becoming a community arts space in East Hills. The nonprofit behind the project is marking the building’s 150th anniversary with a $150K campaign to finish restoring stained glass and the exterior. The upgrades will make room for the venue to be used for concerts, performances, and exhibitions inside the historic space. | Learn more
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Local Impact: ArtPrize
ArtPrize is in full swing.
And local businesses are already seeing a big impact.
Experience Grand Rapids reported a 6% jump in visitor spending and a 4% increase in tourists last year. With early numbers showing this year’s event could bring even more travelers.
While events like ArtPrize draw crowds (and traffic), it also boosts local businesses and adds to the city’s steady economic growth.
Talk Of The Town
🦛 Name That Hippo
John Ball Zoo has opened a naming contest for its new pygmy hippo. The Zoo staff have chosen 3 naming options and will leave it up to the community to select the best option. You can vote here.
🚶♀️ Glida Club Took Over West Side
On Saturday, Gilda’s Club hosted its 11th annual West Side Walk. The event drew over 400 people to celebrate the Gilda Club’s work supporting those with cancer or fighting grief. The walk raised $200k+.
🦖 T-Rex At The Museum
On October 11th, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is unveiling its new T-Rex exhibition. The temporary exhibit will feature fossils, modeled skeletons, and other T-Rex related artifacts.
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, September 30th
Music In Motion | Ivanrest Church | 9:30 AM | Free
Business Meetup for Women Entrepreneur | 6 Eight | 9 AM | Free
Art Talk | SILVA | 5 PM | Free
Wine Glass Etching | Three Blue Brushes | 6 PM | $30
Beyond26 Banquet | Goei Center | 6 PM | ?
Lord Of The Rings Trivia | House Rules | 7 PM
Swing Dancing | Rosa Park Circle | 7 PM | Free (Donation suggested)
Wednesday, October 1st
Pulaski Days | 6th St. Hall | (Wed - Sun) All Day
Halloween Haunted Home Contest | 4151 Remembrance | 12 PM | Free
Start of Mums at Meijer Gardens | Ends Oct 31st
Intro to Knitting Class | Unwind GR | 5:30 PM | $35
Top Shelf Comedie | Nightwatch Lounge | 7:30 PM | $35
All Week
ArtPrize | Various locations | Free
Poutine Week | Various locations
Community Access | Blandford Nature Centure | Free admission (ENDING TUESDAY)
Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week
Live Music
Wednesday, October 1st
The Surfrajettes Wsg Kitten & The Tonics | Tip Top | 6 PM | $28
Lecrae | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $45
The Automatic World Tour | Van Andel Arena | 7:30 PM
The California Honeydrops | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $55
*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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