Good morning, Grand Rapids. Welcome back to the real world!

For those of you returning from the long weekend, I hope the unexpected sunshine made it brighter.

Today’s newsletter will be quick, but you’ll learn about ArtPrize advancements, new cuisine, and canine closings.

Have a great (short) week!

~ Sara B.

A New ArtPrize

Experience GR

ArtPrize is a bit different this year.

On Sept. 18, ArtPrize returns to Grand Rapids, running for 22 days rather than 17, as in past years.

Over the three weeks, you can vote on art across the city through the web app, designed for daily voting, so long as the vote takes place within ArtPrize venue bounds.

With new additions, such as the preview week taking place Sept. 12-17, the festival will also be taking on a new style for its closing ceremony.

Previously held at Studio Park or Rosa Park Circle, Acrisure Amphitheater will host the closing ceremony for the event. Accompanied by a ballet, symphony, opera, and drone show, a runway fashion show vying for a world record will be open to guests, with free tickets available now.

Business News

✅ New

Rasa Indian Cuisine has opened, bringing new management and an emphasis on authenticity. Since the closure of the former Curry Leaf, Rasa has focused on returning to the roots. Visit them at 2222 44th St. SE.

❌ Closing

Saturday, Sept. 19, The Pack Indoor Dog Park will close their (doggy) doors after six years.

❗ Updates

Flanagan’s is getting a fresh look. Keep an eye out for the next phase of Flanagan’s Social House.

Talk Of The Town

🎨 Calling all Creatives

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking artists for a public memorial to honor local lives impacted by gun violence. Proposals are accepted until September 21. Learn more on Bidnet Direct.

What’s Happening?

Tuesday, September 8th

Wednesday, September 9th

Thursday, September 10th

Friday, September 11th

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Tuesday, September 8th

  • BRENA | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • Rhyme Time Music and Movement | Alpine Township KDL Branch | 10 AM - 11 AM | Free

Wednesday, September 9th

  • Full Cord Album Release Party | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Punch Brothers w/ Liv Greene | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | 7 PM - 11:30 PM | ?

  • Music Bingo // Wednesdays // Kentwood | Dinks & Dingers | 7 PM - 8:49 PM | Free

  • Open Band Night At The Stray | The Stray | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | Free

Thursday, September 10th

  • Pitbull | Acrisure Amphitheater | 8 PM | $130+

  • Pajamas – Relax at Rosa | Rosa Parks Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free

  • CONNECT: An Immersive Experience by Carolyn Ferrari | One Oh Six Gallery | 1 PM - 4 PM | Free

  • Rock the Uke | KDL Comstock Park Branch | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free

  • CBJ Blue Tomás Esparza Blues Band | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Lush | The Score | 6 PM - 10 PM | Free

  • BJustClever | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Lachlan Patterson Comedy | The BOB | (9/10 - 9/12) 8 PM | $12+

  • Matt Gabriel | Michigan Moonshine Distillery | All day | Free

  • (The Return of) Outside Pocket | The Old Goat | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Aaron Schaut Celebration Of Life | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM - 11 PM | Free

Friday, September 11th

  • The Browning - Burn This World | Elevation | 6 PM | $25+

  • Innuendo | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • Deadlands - NY | The Intersection | 6 PM | $23+

  • Rebekkah Rhys | The Score | 12 PM | Free

  • The Moonrays (cosmic surf rock) | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM | Free

  • Vespa | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • The Claudettes | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill | 8 PM | $12

  • House Party | The Intersection | 9 PM - 11:59 PM | $22

  • Midwest Skies | Mulligan's Pub | 9 PM - 11:30 PM | Free

  • Mariachi Herencia de México | Calder Plaza | 7 PM | Free

  • Houseplant | The Philmore South | 7:30 PM | $15+

  • Billy Idol | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7:30 PM | $30+

  • Uncle Klunk | Twisted Bull | (9/11 - 9/12) 9:30 PM | Free

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

  • 🏢 New Town Hall: In Ada, a $9.6 million budget and an intent to build a new town hall have been published. The space would primarily house departmental offices.

  • 🏠 New Housing: Hillside housing project planned for Belknap neighborhood could bring new, accessible housing options to Knapp’s Corner.

  • 🫂 Funding You: Over $76,000 awarded in Neighborhood Match Funds to support community belonging through family-friendly events, workshop series, sports programs, and more.

  • 🎖 New Vets. Home: Six years after new accommodations opened, demolition of the former Grand Rapids Veterans Home off Monroe Ave. is almost complete. Residents look forward to fountain and green space developments coming in summer 2027.

Have news to report? Click here.

That’s All…

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Made for Grand Rapids locals by locals. 📍

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