Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Hundreds gathered on Thursday at 5 p.m. on the Blue Bridge for the annual Blue Bridge Walk — a highlight of Autism Acceptance Month.

Participants enjoyed a pre-walk fair with a DJ, bubbles, art, and furry friends before crossing to the Public Museum for a sensory night.

Celebration Cinema added Oscar's Restaurant & Bar at RiverTown Crossings as part of a $5.8 million renovation that upgrades heated recliners & a Dolby Atmos sound system.

The restaurant will host its grand opening on April 27 and offers pizzas, sliders & quesadillas for moviegoers and shoppers.

Five single mothers graduated from Hope Workforce Institute in downtown Grand Rapids on Wednesday to mark the end of a 12-week program that offers career training, life skills, and a cleaning certification — some already have jobs while the next cohort will begin in June.

Bethel Community Education in Plainfield Township uses a modern one-room schoolhouse model that mixes ages and supports individualized learning; founded in 2019 by Amy Zwiep, the school groups students by needs rather than grades — a method that fosters peer mentoring and advanced study.

Starting May 1, Wyoming will enforce outdoor water restrictions to ease water main construction by letting odd-numbered addresses water on odd days + even-numbered addresses water on even days until June 15.

The measure covers select neighborhoods and applies only to watering lawns, landscaping, or filling pools.

Kent County Parks Department will host an open house on April 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Parks Administration Building (1700 Butterworth St. SW) to gather feedback on safety, connectivity, and accessibility along Indian Mounds Drive.

Residents can enjoy children’s activities and light refreshments during the event.

Ada Township leaders are drafting a new ordinance to boost pedestrian safety at the busy Fase Street crossing amid rapid development and rising traffic.

A complete streets pilot program + data collection at major crossings will support the planned safety upgrades before a public hearing.

Hope Network Centers for Autism in Holland serve nearly 100 Michigan families by offering quick evaluations from pediatric psychologist Dr. Sharon Getz and specialized therapies that help children like 13-year-old Lydia VanKoevering communicate and gain independence.

East Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a plan to split the Brookby Estate at 250 Plymouth Road Southeast into five lots — preserving the mansion and requiring outbuilding demolition and deed transfers within 90 days.

Developers must secure site plan approval before new homes can be built.

Kalamazoo native Nolan McCarthy, now with the Detroit Tigers organization, made his first home start for the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday in Lansing (he said the agent call was a personal highlight) as he went 1-for-3 in a 7-1 win.

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.

Ingrid Andress in Concert

6:30-10 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt performance of GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress as she celebrates her latest single and upcoming album.

Mother's Day Gift Fair

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Explore unique gifts from local vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food.

Geoff Tate Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic voice of Geoff Tate as he performs classic hits from his illustrious career with Queensryche.