Good morning, Grand Rapids.

An act of kindness brightened the day for an East Grand Rapids couple today as Senior Helpers’ Emily Gugino and her son James delivered handmade Valentine's cards from Goddard School of Cascade to lift their spirits.

The couple, who rarely see children, called it the highlight of their Valentine weekend.

The 81st annual Grand Rapids Boat Show at DeVos Place awarded the $1.5M Pursuit S 428 from Walstrom Marine as ‘Queen of the Show’ on Thursday, Feb.

12. The 43-foot vessel, powered by four Yamaha engines producing 1,800 horsepower, is among over 400 boats on display.

Special Olympics Michigan is hosting the Grand Rapids Polar Plunge fundraiser at LMCU Ballpark today to raise about $85,000 for athlete competitions, with local sponsors supporting the chilly event.

Additional plunges are planned later at Kalamazoo on Feb. 21 and Muskegon on March 7.

Today, high school sweethearts Bradley + Ariana Carr from East Kentwood celebrated their lasting bond as they recalled how a band camp meeting sparked their relationship, which led to marriage in September 2023 on this Valentine's Day.

Stems Market in Grandville is gearing up for a busy Valentine’s week as nearly 50,000 flower stems arrive—including about 10,000 roses—and extra staff and extended hours will help serve around 2,000 customers by Friday and Saturday.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum reopened its 1928 Spillman Carousel on Friday, Feb.

13 with new accessibility features including ramps + a redesigned chariot so wheelchair users can enjoy the ride together. The museum extended hours until 8 p.m. to welcome the community.

Executive director George Bayard will open the Grand Rapids African American Museum next week on Sheldon Street in a 30,000 sqft facility showcasing its first exhibit, Nobody Knows, which features a copy of President Gerald Ford’s proclamation marking Black History Month and will offer live events in the future.

Ice Guru Events is reviving 50 ice sculptures with a red rose and unveiling a swan-engraved bench at Rosa Parks Circle for Valentine’s Day at Grand Rapids.

The team will host My Blood Valentine: A Silent Disco Party at JW Marriott later this weekend + deliver a distinct ice experience.

Sophie Saylor—an 18-year-old Muskegon native—competed on Netflix’s Star Search and returned to West Michigan this week after reaching the semifinals; she said the show helped her embrace her unique voice while she plans to pursue more singing gigs.

Local economic agency The Right Place unveiled a three-year growth plan to create 4,500 jobs, raise wages to $30 per hour, attract $700M capital and form 100 education partnerships by 2028.

The plan addresses local concerns - noting opportunities in advanced manufacturing, health sciences and artificial intelligence.

Officials at the National Weather Service (NWS) and Emergency Management warned residents that ice jams may form on local rivers as warm weather and rapid temperature shifts can lead to flooding.

Residents can sign up for alerts by texting Grand Rapids to 888777 or visiting the city’s emergency management website.

Michigan is set to test the Great Bubble Barrier in downtown Lansing this fall to remove plastic nurdles from the Grand River.

Federal legislation targeting nurdle pollution will support upstream controls, according to experts at the Annis Water Resources Center.

Grand Rapids saw over 40 inches of snow since Jan.

1, and public works crews are prioritizing major roads when snowfall reaches one inch and local streets after three inches. The city aims to clear 41 plow routes within 24 hours — urging residents to move parked cars for safety.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ole 60 Concert

7-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Tickets from $73 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Ole 60 in vibrant Grand Rapids.

Beer Fest Pre-Party

6-9 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — All ages welcome — Enjoy a night of live music featuring local breweries before the Winter Beerfest.

Iowa Wild vs Grand Rapids Griffins

7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Streaming available — Catch the action as Iowa Wild battles Grand Rapids Griffins in an exciting hockey matchup.

Noodle Fest

11 AM – 6 PM — Calder Plaza — $6 noodle bowls — Experience West Michigan’s noodle showdown with exciting spice challenges and live entertainment.