Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Construction at the Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids reached its halfway point on March 14th when crews placed the final steel beams for its large canopy—workers will soon add paneling and seating as the project will be finished by May 2026.

Celebration Cinema at RiverTown Crossings is undergoing over $5 million in renovations—adding a new facade, heated recliners, a full bar and a premium auditorium with 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound.

Poag Development Group and Studio C are leading the upgrades, and work on the auditorium will finish in May.

Gas prices in Grand Rapids jumped by 15.7 cents to an average of $3.22 per gallon this week, while Kalamazoo and Lansing saw smaller hikes to about $3.18 and $3.17 per gallon.

GasBuddy said the national average rose by 6.3 cents to $3.08 per gallon as the seasonal shift to summer fuels takes effect.

Five years after COVID restrictions, West Michigan businesses are still changing how they work as tourism has rebounded above pre-pandemic levels while downtown office use remains low and manufacturing has fewer workers due to more automation.

Local developers are converting office buildings into apartments expected to be completed next year, showing how the region is adapting to new work patterns.

Starting next week, Monday, March 31, Walker will begin rebuilding and widening Fruit Ridge Avenue between 3 Mile Road and Northridge Drive — including a rebuilt I‑96 bridge and a new nonmotorized path.

The $30 million project funded partly by a $25 million grant will cause detours, close the Walker Rest Area, and affect I‑96 ramps until December — so drivers should plan for delays.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced $150,000 in grant funding to 28 registered animal shelters to improve animal care.

The grant will support programs that include mobile adoption services and community education—funds raised by taxpayers checking the Animal Welfare Fund box on their returns.

Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Texas Stars

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Cost varies — Catch the Griffins in their 2024-25 AHL season matchup against the Texas Stars and enjoy a night of hockey excitement.

MIB International Networking Event in Grand Rapids

9-11 p.m. — 317 Coffee — Free entry — Empower and connect with like-minded women at a supportive networking meeting featuring guest speakers and business growth opportunities.

Columbus Fury at Grand Rapids Rise

7-11 p.m. | Van Andel Arena | Ticket prices vary | Experience thrilling soccer action as the Columbus Fury takes on the Grand Rapids Rise.

The Bad Bunny Party

9:00 PM — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticketed event — Celebrate the vibrant music of Bad Bunny at a lively party atmosphere.

John R. Miller Concert

7-10 p.m. | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy an evening of live music with John R. Miller's soulful tunes.

Jeffrey Lewis Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Buy tickets online — Experience an exciting night with Jeffrey Lewis and opening acts Voltage, Grasping Straws, and SHRiNK.

Lenten Prayer Services

11 a.m. & 7 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Soup Supper available — Experience Lenten meditations with prayer and song, focusing on The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Emma Bieniewicz Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Buy tickets — Enjoy an evening with Emma Bieniewicz, Harlow, and The Skinny Limbs at this vibrant venue.

60 Minutes of Virtual Reality Experience

April 4-27 — Amped Virtual Reality — Ticket required — Immerse yourself in traditional VR or collaborate in multiplayer escape rooms for a thrilling hour of fun.

Grand Rapids Rise vs. Vegas Thrill

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Check out this exciting matchup between the Grand Rapids Rise and the Vegas Thrill.