Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 22 for the Amway Stadium (a $175 million, 8,500-seat soccer venue that will host games for a yet-to-be-named Major League Soccer Next Pro team and community events like concerts) in downtown Grand Rapids.

Today, Grand Rapids is hosting its 16th annual City-Wide Community Cleanup with registration at 8:30 a.m. at neighborhood sites and cleanups starting at 9:15 a.m.—volunteers will then enjoy a free lunch and activities at John Ball Zoo starting at noon.

On Thursday evening, Grand Rapids broke ground on a new $2.3 million park in the Plaza Roosevelt neighborhood on Cesar E.

Chavez Avenue SW near Rumsey Street SW—its design includes a welcome area for vendors, an inclusive play space, rentable shelter, art installations and sustainable landscaping. The city said the park will open in spring or summer.

Fulton Street Market, which has been a tradition for over 100 years, will return to Grand Rapids on May 3 and run through October offering dairy, meats, coffee, prepared foods and local produce.

Markets will open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.—they will also host events like a BIPOC Night Market series, seasonal rummage sales and Art! at the Market.

Mochinut Grand Rapids opened April 25 in Kentwood, offering Japanese doughnuts, Korean corn dogs, Boba tea and a DIY ramen bar.

Owner Nguyen Tran said the shop makes corn dogs to order in about ten to twelve minutes—promoting a free item for every $10 spent during its grand opening and operating daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Former Grand Rapids officer Christopher Schurr asked a federal judge to issue a gag order on Patrick Lyoya’s family and attorney to prevent social media posts from prejudicing jurors ahead of his second-degree murder trial that begins Monday, April 28 (critics say the move may limit important free speech).

A special election will be held in West Michigan communities on Tuesday, May 6, where voters will decide mostly on school district millage and bond proposals.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. with early in-person voting available until May 4 — check with your local clerk for details — to ensure all registered voters can cast their ballots.

The Kent County Clerk’s Office will partner with the state to host a mobile SOS office in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 300 Monroe Ave NW (first floor) to help residents upgrade to a REAL ID, and no appointment is needed (bring a current driver’s license or state ID with required documents).

Isaac TeSlaa was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the NFL Draft on April 25 — he became the first Unity Christian High School graduate drafted into the NFL.

Grand Rapids Ballet: Be Here Now

2-3:30 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting return of Le Grand Jazz! with a mix of classic and contemporary jazz tunes.

Shinedown Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets from $32 — Experience the electrifying energy of Shinedown live in concert.

Texas Stars vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (Playoff Game)

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Texas Stars face off against the Grand Rapids Griffins in an action-packed playoff game.

Science and Sensory Night

4:30-5:30 p.m. — South Godwin Head Start — Free entry — Engage in hands-on science activities and enjoy delicious walking tacos.

Marvel Years Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electric soul of Cory Wythe as he showcases his guitar mastery at The Stache.

Invent Animate + Silent Planet - Tour 2025

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Elevation — $33 — Experience a powerful night of music with Invent Animate and Silent Planet in Grand Rapids.

Giovannie & The Hired Guns Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the explosive blend of alt-metal and country from the dynamic band that defies musical boundaries.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets available — Experience Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performing their debut album along with Knifeplay in an intimate setting.

Grand Rapids Griffins Playoff Game 2

7:59 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement of Round 3 as the Griffins battle for victory at home.

Amway River Bank Run

Saturday, May 10th — The Chop House Grand Rapids — Registration fees apply — Participate in one of the largest running events in Michigan along the scenic riverbank.