Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Monster Jam returns to downtown Grand Rapids and will thrill local fans with daring truck stunts soon.

The event draws enthusiasts from surrounding neighborhoods + promises an exciting day on the streets.

John Ball Zoo began its 135th season last Friday and will host the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival from April 8 to June 14 while opening a larger otter habitat on May 22.

Returning animals including Juniper the snow leopard and Hugo the pygmy hippo will be seen in their refreshed spaces.

At around 8:20 a.m. Friday, a building on 71st Street near I-196 in Casco Township caught fire.

Firefighters used hundreds of feet of hose in muddy conditions to save several animals including goats, a horse & a dog while officials investigate the cause.

Service Reproduction Co, a longtime supplier for local artists operating for 78 years, will close on April 4 due to challenges from nearby Amway Stadium construction and rising costs.

From March 28 through April 12, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is hosting spring break themed days with neuroscience fairs, LEGO competitions, live concerts, and dinosaur screenings (rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel and planetarium shows available) with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under.

The GRCC Board approved a 2.36% tuition rate increase on March 16, raising in-district tuition by $3 to $130 per contact hour for the 2026-27 school year in Grand Rapids.

Rates for non-resident and out-of-state students will rise by $3 and $9, a change expected to boost revenue by $820,000.

Recent testing at the former Fenske Landfill (2637 Wilson Ave SW) in Walker found contaminants above state thresholds, prompting officials to call for more sampling after rain before finalizing John Ball Zoo’s aquarium site plans.

Zoo officials said further evaluation will decide if the site meets safety requirements.

Grand Rapids will test a new parking app in April that lets event visitors reserve a spot at downtown ramps before they arrive.

The app charges a 15% user fee + 3% fee + 20¢ processing fee to ease parking hassle at busy events.

Local drivers face increased solar glare hazards during morning and evening commutes as the low sun angle from the recent equinox makes visibility difficult.

Commuters on east west roads should clear windshields and use sunglasses to lessen glare and drive safely.

Jacob Charron matched on Friday at Trinity Health Muskegon Family Medicine Program near his West Michigan hometown.

The twin dad balanced medical school with raising twins and will now begin his residency to serve local patients.

Rachel Raak, a West Michigan innovator, developed SolaceShield (a 3D printed device that cuts hearing aid feedback from winter hats) based on her own experience.

She now offers it in multiple sizes to help others overcome the issue.

Grand Rapids housing market is heating up as buyers and sellers prepare for a busy spring season with lower interest rates and rising inventory.

Realtors say increased activity may lead to competitive offers on homes.

Monster Jam is coming soon to Grand Rapids to feature thrilling truck stunts and off-road action.

The event will travel through Michigan, offering local families a high-energy experience.

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.

Quinn XCII Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticketed event — Experience the genre-bending sounds of Quinn XCII with energetic live performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Sam Bush Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Sam Bush blending bluegrass with jazz and rock influences.

Anthony Gomes Live Concert

8-11 PM — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying blues and rock fusion from Canadian guitarist Anthony Gomes.

Super Future Live

9 PM – 12 AM — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience a unique electronic journey with Super Future's eclectic sounds and high-energy performance.

K-Pop Kids Dance Party

10:30 AM – 4:30 PM — Elevation — Family-friendly event — Dance along to K-Pop remixes and iconic pop anthems while dressed in your favorite costumes.

Candlelight - 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the essence of 90s hip-hop reimagined through strings in a magical candlelit setting.

Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party

9 PM – 12 AM — Elevation — Entry details not specified — Relive the 2000s with top hits and nostalgic vibes from your favorite artists.

Annual Easter Brunch Buffet

10 AM – 4 PM — Reds at Thousand Oaks — Adults $39, Children 5–12 $16 — Indulge in a delightful array of breakfast favorites and holiday specialties.

The Lion King Stage Musical

7:30-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets available — Experience the breathtaking artistry and unforgettable music of this award-winning Broadway classic.