Gerry T
Jul 22, 2026
Sponsor Spot |
|
Grand Rapids is booming — a new amphitheater, a rising stadium, an expanded riverfront museum, and even the return of the Grand River's rapids. But amid all the top-down development, locals have some wishes of their own. A Reddit poll of the r/grandrapids community drew over 250 replies, and the results were passionate and wide-ranging. The loudest call was for a regional train or tram system connecting West Michigan's cities, echoing the streetcars the city once had. Residents also want later bus hours, more nightlife options for the 30-plus crowd, and — perhaps most mourned — the return of the 24-hour grocery store, a casualty of the pandemic that Grand Rapidians clearly haven't forgotten. |
| Read More... |
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a brief but memorable stop at the Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, before heading back to Washington, D.C. The visit came after she joined Bernie Sanders at a rally supporting Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed ahead of a closely watched Michigan primary. Owner Jon Bailey described AOC as "very kind and more than willing to take photos" with staff and customers. The Lantern, an award-winning local favorite open since 2013, got a little extra buzz from the high-profile morning visit. |
| Read More... |
Paws With A Cause (PAWS) is bringing its second annual PAWS in the Park 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the evening of August 6. Open to walkers, runners, and wheelchair users of all ages, the event supports PAWS's mission of pairing custom-trained assistance dogs with individuals in schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and beyond. Beyond the race, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music, local vendors, and a beverage garden. Registered participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and finisher medal. As PAWS CEO Michele Suchovsky puts it, every step helps change someone's future — because the right person paired with the right dog can make all the difference. |
| Read More... |
If your ideal dinner comes with a side of scenic water views, the Grand Rapids, Michigan area has you covered. Locals recently shared their favorite waterfront restaurants with Experience Grand Rapids, and the results are a worthy dining bucket list. Standout picks include Rose's on Reeds Lake, beloved for its picturesque setting and menu that pleases even the pickiest eaters, and MDRD, a Spanish-inspired spot perched atop the Amway Grand Plaza with sweeping views of the Grand River. For a full vacation feel, The Score delivers sandy beaches, palm trees, live music, and craft beer. Whether you prefer lakeside calm or a lively riverside buzz, there's a waterfront table waiting for you just outside the city. |
| Read More... |
Ahoy, Grand Rapids! The Grand Rapids Summer Theatre Camp is setting sail with a youth production of Treasure Island, hitting the stage on July 23 and 24 at Davies Hall's Chucker Auditorium on the Minnesota North Itasca campus. The family-friendly adaptation follows young Jim Hawkins on a swashbuckling quest for buried treasure, complete with pirates, sailors, and audience participation throughout the one-hour show. Tickets are just $12 for adults and $1 for children five and under, available one hour before each performance. The auditorium is ADA accessible, and concessions will be on hand. |
| Read More... |
Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan, offers an unexpected slice of the Dutch countryside just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids. The centerpiece is De Zwaan, a fully operational 1761 windmill — standing 125 feet tall and listed on the National Register of Historic Places — that was shipped from the Netherlands and reassembled here in the 1960s. Spread across nearly 40 acres, the park features a historic Dutch carousel, a hand-carved street organ, and a charming drawbridge over the Macatawa River. Each spring, over 180,000 tulips burst into bloom during the city-wide Tulip Time Festival, drawing visitors for a spectacle locals describe as "a living rainbow." The gardens are open daily April through October, with admission starting at just $13 for adults. |
| Read More... |
🗓️ West Michigan Events | July 21–27, 2026 |
Grand Rapids & Grand Rapids Township Buddy Guy – "Buddy Guy 90 Tour" at Meijer Gardens
KALEO with Dawes at Meijer Gardens
An Evening with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Meijer Gardens
St. Vincent with the Grand Rapids Symphony at Meijer Gardens
Byron Center West Michigan Italian Festival (Festa Italiana)
Holland Holland Summer Concert Series — Toppermost Beatles Tribute Walker Jazz in the Park — "Tribute to Chet Baker" |