Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hudsonville Ice Cream is celebrating 100 years by lighting up Holland’s skies with over 1,500 drones on May 9 during Tulip Time, and the company will unveil limited-edition flavors as part of the milestone. This event highlights the brand’s local roots and century-long legacy. ABC 13
- ➤ Grand Rapids’ new Acrisure Amphitheater, a 12,000-capacity venue featuring a 10,000 sqft stage (costing $184M), will open on May 15 at 201 Market Ave SW. Designed as a model for future venues, the concert hall promises grand productions. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ GVSU approved a 4% tuition hike and a 2% parking permit increase at its April 17 meeting. The changes add about $650 per year for resident students and will take effect in the 2026-27 academic year (updates also support campus improvements). MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Flood-hit communities near Grand Rapids are facing a rush for water-damage cleanup as local stores run out of pumps and homeowners experience delays in hiring contractors. Alpena officials said 10,000 sandbags were distributed earlier this week and warned against reselling city-provided supplies. MLive
- ➤ A bear was caught on camera roaming a Hudsonville neighborhood early Friday, leading nearby schools to keep students indoors; the Michigan DNR urged residents to secure trash and pet food — a preventive step to discourage wildlife. FOX 17
- ➤ City officials assure locals that the upcoming Restore the Rapids project will not increase flood risks downtown as crews begin work July 1 to remove low head dams and add boulders to open the river channel — a plan confirmed using an Army Corps hydraulic model. FOX 17
- ➤ Kent County will launch a free food scrap composting program Wednesday, April 22 with drop-off containers set up at select locations in Grand Rapids and Rockford. Residents must register on the metroKEY app to access the service — free buckets are available from DPW. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Construction on an expansion of Resthaven’s Maple Woods Cottage in Holland is underway to add 24 new units and common areas for residents with cognitive issues. The project, funded by a capital campaign that raised $2.1 million, is set to open in spring 2027. MLive
- ➤ Realtor.com says this week is peak for listing homes as buyers pay 99% of list price, prompting local agents to advise sellers to price strategically — a sign of intense competition — while buyers are urged to get pre-approval — a key step — to strengthen offers. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hudsonville senior Jovaan Daniels became his school’s all-time leading scorer last month when he scored a defining third-quarter layup during a game; he plans to continue his basketball career at Ferris State University next season. FOX 17
-
STOMP Performance
7-10 p.m. — Forest Hills Fine Arts Center — Check the event page for ticket prices — Experience an electrifying performance that transforms everyday items into captivating rhythms.
-
Disney Presents The Lion King
7:30-10:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets from $93 — Experience the magic of The Lion King live on stage in Grand Rapids.
-
Hail The Sun Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Elevation — $62 each — Catch an electrifying performance from Hail The Sun live in Grand Rapids.
-
Grand Rapids Ballet: In the Countenance of Kings
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket Prices Vary — Experience a breathtaking ballet by acclaimed choreographer Justin Peck.
-
Grand Rapids Ballet: In the Countenance of Kings
2-5 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the breathtaking ballet 'In the Countenance of Kings' featuring electrifying choreography by Justin Peck.
-
Joan Osborne Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful interpretations of Bob Dylan's songs performed by acclaimed artist Joan Osborne.
-
Gimme Gimme Disco
8-11:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticketed — Dance to ABBA and classic disco hits from the 70s and 80s at this vibrant DJ party.
-
Sam Grisman Project Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Big Room — Tickets available — Experience a joyful celebration of acoustic music and the Grateful Dawg legacy.
-
Dog Man - The Musical
4-7 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket information available — Experience a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with Dog Man as he battles Flippy and Petey in this lively musical.
-
DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tour
6-9 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience an unforgettable night with DAYSEEKER's vibrant performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
About Good Day Grand Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Grand Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Grand Rapids, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Grand Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Grand Rapids.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Grand Rapids
A free Grand Rapids community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaygrandrapids.com/sitemap