Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Remember on Tuesday when I said summer was practically over? Well, I was totally wrong.
There’s still so much fun to be had before Labor Day, starting with not just one, but two festivals happening this weekend. And then a festival every weekend after that!
I feel like Oprah. Festivals for everyone!
~Jenny F.
August: What We’re Looking Forward To
Photo courtesy of Experience GR
Summer is refusing to go quietly. Make the most of these last warm days at one or more of these free upcoming events.
Happening THIS weekend, August 7th and 8th at Calder Plaza
Food, music, dancing, and more
Happening August 15th at Calder Plaza
African music, fashion, and food
Happening August 22nd and 23rd at Sixth Street Park and surrounding areas
(NOT at Calder Plaza!)
Art exhibition, craft fair, and music festival all rolled into one
Happening August 28th to 30th at Calder Plaza
Polka, pierogis, and Polish beer: who could ask for more?
Business News
El Burrito in East Hills
El Burrito has officially moved into The Green Well’s old spot in East Hills and is currently offering lunch and dinner during their soft opening. The grand opening is scheduled for August 10th.
✅ Other new businesses
Bruce Hayden, a.k.a. The Rotten Barber, has signed a lease to open his own barber shop on Plainfield Avenue next to Lowe’s.
Do you know that Founders grab-and-go window right after you get through airport security that is always empty and makes you wonder if they even serve food there anymore? Well, mystery solved! They don’t. Instead, Tacos Locos will be making good use of that space.
For dry saunas and cold plunges, check out The Wellness Club in Ada, which opened the first of August.
❌ Closing
Rincon Criollo, a Caribbean restaurant on the corner of Caesar Chavez and Clyde Park, hasn’t been able to recover after construction in the area blocked their foot traffic for eight months. They close their doors after 10 years, but still plan on keeping their food truck and catering businesses.
Local Trivia of The Week
GR Environmental Services
How many gallons of water does The City of Grand Rapids collect and treat daily?
The correct answer will be at the bottom of today’s newsletter 👇
Read Zines, Support Local Artists
Grand Rapids Zine Fest returns for its 13th year on Saturday, August 8th, at Fountain Street Church.
What is a zine? It’s a self-published magazine created for art or knowledge, without profit in mind. The topics can range from music to politics and everything in between. They can be personal and/or funny. They can be written or drawn.
This year’s fest offers 60 tables of zines for you to explore.
The event is free, although the zines have a small cost.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
🚚 Highway Havoc: On Saturday, a 10-car pileup, including a jackknifed semi, closed northbound 131 for three hours. It wasn’t pretty.
💰 Money for Schools: For only an extra $12 a month per household, Grand Rapids Public Schools now has extra money for infrastructure and safety updates, thanks to a passed millage. See more details.
🌊 Walk Along the Grand: Progress was made as construction wrapped on the sidewalk and terraced seating at the northern edge of the Greenway trail. Still to come: a kayak launch, bench seating, and more. Stay up to date.
🦦 Above All Otters: The new otter exhibit at John Ball Zoo isn’t just cool to see. It offers better care for the otters than their old habitat. Read more here.
❗ In our Tuesday newsletter, I slipped an error. We mentioned that Creston’s Neighborhood event was on Thursday. It was actually Tuesday. Sorry if that added any confusion!
LeQwane L.
Have news to report? Click here.
What’s Happening?
Friday, August 7th
Nana's Naughty Knickers | Aquinas College Performing Arts Center | (8/6 - 8/22) Various times | $35
Vince Carone | Dr. Grins Comedy Club | (Thu - Sat) Various times | $10
126th U.S Open: Chess | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) ? | ?
Hispanic Festival | Calder Plaza | (Fri - Sat) Various times | Free
Sparta Celtic Festival | Rogers Park | (Fri - Sat) Various times | Free
Ten & Sidewalk Sales | Ada Village | 10 AM - 6 PM | Free
Makerspace Open House | 25 North Park St. NW | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Knitfaced w/ Unwind GR | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Do Nothing “Party” | AllArtWorks | 6 PM | $20
Night At The Park | 847 Greenbrier Dr SE | 6 PM | Free
BNC Adult Summer Camp | Blandford Nature Center | 6:30 PM | $20+
BCM After Dark | Byron Center Meats | 8 PM | Free
Tropical Nights Silent Disco | JW Marriott | 9 PM - 1 AM | $20
Saturday, August 8th
Repair Fair | Creston Farmers Market | 9 AM - 12 PM | Free
TCG Cards Expo | MSA Woodland | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free
The Mitten Vintage Market | 555 Monroe | 11 AM - 5 PM | Free
East Hills Artisan Market | East Hills Business District | 3 PM - 8 PM | Free
2nd Annual Back To School Giveaway | Casa Del Rey | 1 PM - 5 PM | Free
Sunset Cinema: Interstellar | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free
Sunday, August 9th
Cars and Coffee | Mahle Behr Industries | 10 AM - 1 PM | Free
ART! at the Market | Fulton St. Market | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free
Community Line Dancing | Rosa Park Circle | 4 PM | Free
80s New Wave Night | The Intersection | 6 PM | $10
Monday, August 10th
Play That Funky Music | Circle Theatre | (All Weekend) 7 PM | $25
Live Music
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Calder News Job Board
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Special Education Director/Teacher @ Rockford Public Schools $65,000 – $85,000/yr |
Assistant Club Director @ Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth is searching for a dynamic individual to join our team as Assistant Club Director for our Steil Club location |
Senior Manager, Talent Management @ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park |
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That’s All…
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