Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is waiving fishing license fees on Feb. 14 & 15 so families can try free ice fishing at Holland State Park, with the benefit extending to both inland and Great Lakes waters without a recreation passport. FOX 17
- ➤ Construction will begin this year on a skybridge that will link the parking garage on Pearl Street with the YMCA and Amway Stadium — providing safe access over Lake Michigan Drive and Winter Avenue. Grand Action 2.0 plans to start work in spring or summer. MLive
- ➤ A memorial celebration honoring Jacqueline Neill and her sons will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, with visitation at 10 a.m. (4575 Remembrance Road NW) and a service at 11:30 a.m. at Remembrance Church in Grand Rapids. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Steelcase is working with Disability Advocates of Kent County to test and improve its office furniture; the initiative features accessible & inclusive designs like adjustable desks and autism support pods. The tours began last year and will continue into new locations. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dekker Huis Museum in Zeeland now shows the 'We the People' exhibit (exploring local Native American history and Dutch immigration) funded by a $25,000 grant from America250 Michigan in collaboration with the nearby Holland Museum. ABC 13
- ➤ Today, free Black History Month events kick off across Grand Rapids and Muskegon; Overbrook Theater hosts a film screening at 6:30 p.m. in Muskegon while local libraries and community centers schedule workshops, art shows and live music later in February — celebrating African American heritage through diverse cultural activities. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Alpine Elementary, Watch D.O.G.S. was relaunched after COVID restrictions when volunteer dad Nestor Vazquez organized a December event to boost father involvement in school activities. The program supports classroom instruction, breakfast routines and recess activities to strengthen student safety and family bonds. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A neighbor in Forest Hills reported that a snowplow damaged their mailbox while winter weather continued. The Kent County Road Commission inspects each case and will replace a mailbox if hit directly by county equipment (damage from snow thrown off falls to the homeowner). FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Diana Bitner reminds community members that February is Cancer Prevention Month and urges residents to change habits and get early screening; research shows that up to (50%) of cancers may be prevented with these simple steps. FOX 17
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved $10.63 million of TIF funding for the Lake Eastbrook Apartments Redevelopment Project on the former Orbit Room property near Woodland Mall. Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2026 for 132 units (60 affordable) and finish by early 2028. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Fresh Coast Freeze, a new junior hockey team in West Michigan, is giving local players a chance to play at higher levels while staying close to home. The team, led by head coach Kyle Gagneau and co-owner Jake Lainesse, has also hosted outreach events with local schools. FOX 17
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Groundhog Day Marathon and Half Marathon
8 AM – 2 PM — The Meadows at Millennium Park — Registration required — Embrace winter with a race alongside Grand Rapids' own groundhog Gus.
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2026 World of Winter Festival
9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience the largest winter festival in the Midwest filled with stunning art, performances, and fun activities for everyone.
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Comedy at the Club
8:00 p.m. — Gilda's Club Grand Rapids — $25 — The Family Improv Workshop offers an evening full of laughter for all ages.
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Magic and Comedy Date Night
9:00 – 10:30 PM — AllArtWorks Viewing Studio — $25 — Experience a unique blend of magic, comedy, and poetry this Valentine’s night.
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2026 World of Winter Festival
9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter wonderland with light installations, performances, and activities for all ages.
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SAS Vendor Exhibit & Trade Show 2026
12 PM – 6 PM — DeVos Place — Exhibit participation cost varies — Explore innovations in analytics and software at this vibrant industry trade show.
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Trey Kennedy - The Relatable Tour
7-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Trey Kennedy's humorous storytelling and audience interactions.
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The Lou Fighters and Blender
8-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience high-energy rock from The Lou Fighters and unique 90's hits with Bender The Blender.
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Kameron Marlowe Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening with country singer Kameron Marlowe known for his heartfelt performances and rich vocal style.
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Manitoba Moose vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets available — Celebrate the Griffins’ milestone season with an exciting match against the Manitoba Moose.
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