Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Grand Rapids is rapidly transforming the riverfront with key projects underway. Work nears completion on the Acrisure Amphitheater and progress continues on Amway Stadium, new trails, high rise towers, and dam removal to enhance water flow and recreation — promising a renewed city edge. MLive
- ➤ Parking lots at Gerald R. Ford International Airport are mostly full as spring break travel begins, leaving only the economy lot with over 1,000 open spaces (including a 24/7 shuttle to the terminal). Travelers are advised to consider alternate park-and-stay options and check the airport app for real-time updates. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Our Brewing Company will soon open a new location on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids at the former Woosah Outfitters site. Picnic will run an outdoor garden with three local food trucks opening May 1 while the brewery has not announced its full opening date. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tickets for the annual Grand Rapids Lantern Festival are on sale for members and will be public on March 9. The event runs from April 8 through June 14 at John Ball Zoo and offers handmade lantern displays and Chinese cultural performances (Realms of Wonder). MLive
- ➤ After its 20th anniversary celebration on Feb. 28 at LMCU Ballpark, the Michigan Winter Beer Festival was ranked eighth in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice list for best beer festivals. Thousands sampled over 90 local brews, enjoyed live ice-carving demos and tried new food truck options. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Experts warn that rising tensions in the Middle East are driving up oil prices, which may soon push gas and grocery prices higher in Grand Rapids. Local stores report no change today, though about 5% of global shipping is stalled near the Persian Gulf (delays in goods could appear within weeks). ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Whitmer announced that Kevin Polston and Ryan Irvin, both Grand Valley alumni, will join the university board on eight-year terms starting in 2027. Polston, the Kentwood superintendent, will replace Susan Jandernoa, while Irvin brings experience from Change Media Group. MLive
- ➤ Parents in Kentwood attend free English classes provided through a partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan to better support school communications and their children’s education. The program is offered across Kent County including Kentwood and Wyoming (helping remove language barriers) and will open enrollment next school year. FOX 17
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Next summer, the Grand River restoration project will remove four low-head dams downtown to restore natural rapids and improve aquatic habitat; over 125 boulders and three J-hook structures will be added (the $14 million lower reach work approved by the city aims to boost outdoor recreation and local ecology). MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Phoenix Training is expanding its wellness gym to a two-story, 5,000-sqft facility in Plainfield Township near the Northland Drive and Brewer Ave intersection — the new center will offer yoga, personal training, martial arts and nutrition coaching and is expected to open by the end of 2026. MLive
- ➤ A recent study shows expert birdwatchers have denser brain areas linked to attention and perception. Today, the Grand Rapids Audubon Club hosts a free birding walk at Millennium Park in Walker (membership is available to support its mission). FOX 17
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new $78 million mixed-use development at 1420 28th Street SW in Wyoming will build 200 workforce apartments and 8,000 sqft of commercial space including a childcare center near the new pedestrian bridge (a local revitalization effort), and it will complete by the end of 2027. MLive
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Gimme Gimme Disco
8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Not specified — Dance the night away to ABBA and classic disco hits for an unforgettable party experience.
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Dancing With The Stars Tour
7-10 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets available online — Experience the excitement and glitz of Hollywood's favorite dance show live on stage.
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Ultimate Sport Show 2026
1 PM-5 PM — DeVos Place — Varies by exhibitor — Experience the excitement of the 81st Annual Ultimate Sport Show with over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest outdoor gear and adventures.
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& Juliet Performance
& Juliet — 7:30-10:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Starting at $44 — Experience a vibrant musical reimagining of Shakespeare's classic tale.
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EKHS All Class Reunion Bash
5:30-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets start at $64 — Celebrate with music from multiple local bands at this class reunion event.
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Grand Rapids Gold Free Ticket Event
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Free tickets for DSAWM members — Catch the Grand Rapids Gold live in action with a special ticket giveaway!
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Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey
7:30-10:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets start at $45 — Experience an enchanting musical exploration of Europe with Rick Steves.
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Branford Marsalis Quartet Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket information available — Experience the profound talent of Branford Marsalis, a jazz luminary renowned for his dynamic performances and rich musical heritage.
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Mega 80's vs. Class of 98 Showdown
9 PM — Elevation at The Intersection — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of music as the 80s and 90s battle it out on the dance floor.
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Secondhand Serenade Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt music of Secondhand Serenade in the intimate setting of a local venue.
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