Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Downtown Market vintage marketplace returns tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Market Shed and surrounding lot, featuring over 60 regional vendors, live music from a DJ, food from local merchants, and vintage-inspired cocktails. MLive
- ➤ Kent District Library announced that all 22 branches are closed due to a computer system outage. Digital services like Libby & Kanopy remain available as staff work to restore access by 9:30 a.m. today. MLive
- ➤ After a period of evaluation, the John Ball Zoo board parted ways with CEO Peter D'Arienzo and is seeking a new leader with national search firm help. Board chair Rob VerHeulen said operations and the otter exhibit opening on Memorial Day weekend remain on schedule + updates will follow. ABC 13
- ➤ Grand Rapids leaders held closed 'Tokyo' meetings last summer to discuss John Ball Zoo's plan for an aquarium at 555 Monroe Ave. NW over Walker. They reviewed funding and site feasibility using state brownfield incentives while aiming for an opening by 2031 (the project remains in early planning). MLive
- ➤ Frank’s at 134 E. Main St. in Zeeland closed on April 18 after a fire started in the grill area, while its companion Frank’s East at 136 E. Main St. reopened Tuesday with a limited menu and repair work is underway before the original site can reopen (fire chief said the incident was accidental). MLive
- ➤ Residents in Zeeland and Jamestown townships gathered at Ottawa Executive Airport on Friday to learn how to file interventions against the proposed 200‐megawatt Silver Maple Solar Farm that aims to power 34,000 homes, and local officials are finalizing a renewable energy ordinance to guide review moving forward. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Social services nonprofit Samaritas closed its facility at 2172 Dean Lake Ave. NE on Mar. 31, laying off 58 workers after a federal contract was not renewed; it will work with partners to transition youth to continued care. MLive
- ➤ Framery, a Finnish maker of soundproof office pods, will convert a Zeeland logistics center into its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the second half of 2026 to produce a product line (designed for North American offices); production will scale in 2027 with local staff growing to 40. MLive
- ➤ Ivanrest Hardware celebrates 70 years in Grandville as rising development brings more competition from large retailers while the family-owned store maintains strong community ties (owner Luke Werkhoven said the customer service remains unmatched). FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Live Nation is offering $30 tickets for 24 upcoming shows at Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids; general sale runs from April 29 to May 5 with early access available now. The new venue will open on May 15 and host artists such as Parker McCollum and Santana. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Justin Morgan of Morgan Composting explains basic seed starting steps in a Green Thumb segment today where he shows locals the importance of using organic soil, planting seeds shallow and watering from the bottom for healthy growth. The guide also highlights the need for supplemental lighting on gloomy days. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids was named a 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking its 28th year of commitment to urban forestry. The tree canopy increased from 34.6% in 2008 to 37% and brought the city closer to its 40% sustainability goal set in 2012. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority plans to turn the old Butterworth landfill into a 780-spot parking lot for downtown workers & provide shuttle service to the central business district. Construction may start by year's end and be finished next year, pending funding details. ABC 13
- ➤ The City of Wyoming announced odd-even outdoor water restrictions starting May 1 through June 15 to ease water system demand during construction on a new transmission main; city officials denied rumors linking the measures to data center operations. FOX 17
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2026 Service Above Self Award Dinner
5:30-9 p.m. — Goei Center — Free entry — Celebrate outstanding community service and honor the dedication of Andy DeVries.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
~ Warren Buffett
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