Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Staff from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital rode stationary bikes for 10 hours at their Grand Rapids lobby to boost awareness for the Gran Fondo cycling event scheduled for June 27. The annual ride (Michigan’s largest) supports hospital programs and has raised over $140,000 in the past two years. FOX 17
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Pride Center announced that its two-day festival, scheduled for June 20 and 21 at Calder Plaza, will offer festivities this summer as organizers seek sponsors, vendors + volunteers amid repairs after recent flood damage. ABC 13
- ➤ A West Michigan father and realtor released his debut children's book, Percy the Goose and the House on Bluebell Bend, to help kids feel less alone when moving homes. He will write a second book to help children start new schools (inspired by his own family experience). ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Foxtail Coffee Co. is opening a new downtown spot in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel today to replace the former Starbucks. The redesigned space at 187 Monroe Ave NW features local art and offers extended hours with coffee, teas, pastries, and later beer and wine additions. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Meijer Gardens welcomes Michigan’s largest-ever Dale Chihuly glass exhibition, 'CHIHULY: Radiant Forms,' opening tomorrow (Saturday, May 2) and running through Nov. 1. The display spans indoor galleries and outdoor sites, with timed-entry tickets available for the added installations. MLive
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Museum unveils an expansion of its Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit today that includes recreated spaces of the Kent Scientific Institute and Dr. Holmes’ dental office on the accessible second floor. The exhibit features artifacts donated by community members and is included with general admission. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Grand Rapids face rising gas prices due to the war in Iran and refinery snags, with local pumps charging nearly $5 per gallon and prices up $1 compared to last year. Experts project national averages will hit $4.50 soon, prompting many locals to rethink travel budgets. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A group of Grand Valley State University students studied how to redesign US — 131 as a low-speed boulevard and street grid to reduce traffic and pollution. They hosted a community workshop at the L.V. Eberhard Center on April 30 — locals shared ideas for future changes. ABC 13
- ➤ West Michigan Community Tennis in Grandville offers free youth tennis programs that combine skill-building with mental health support through tutoring and mentoring. The non-profit partners with a mental health foundation and plans summer reduced-cost sessions at local parks to help students boost both their game and confidence. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Zeeland Township Board unanimously approved a resolution opposing RWE’s Silver Maple Solar project application with the state on Wednesday & authorized up to $100,000 for contested case proceedings. The Michigan Public Service Commission is reviewing the proposal with a pre-hearing scheduled for June 4. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Patients at Mary Free Bed Outdoor Therapy Garden enjoyed visits from healing hens on Thursday — the therapy chickens helped ease stress and spark cherished memories. The program, started during the COVID pandemic, also visits assisted living, memory care, and hospice facilities. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ East Grand Rapids graduate Meg Simon was named winner of the national Hockey Humanitarian Award for her community service that began at East Grand Rapids High and continued at Middlebury College. She flew to Las Vegas for the award ceremony after keeping the honor secret for several weeks. FOX 17
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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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Schubertiade Concert by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets available — Experience a delightful evening of Schubert's masterpieces performed by renowned artists.
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Plain White T's Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with the Plain White T's in a local venue.
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Dance Gavin Dance Live Concert
5:30-7 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the dynamic sounds of Dance Gavin Dance alongside The Fall of Troy.
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
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