Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds of volunteers cleaned city streets in a two-day celebration of America’s 250th birthday + their work shows community pride in Grand Rapids as cleanup activities continue today for public participation. FOX 17
- ➤ A stranger returned a 50-year-old letter to Navy veteran Mark Wilson after it was found behind a cabinet during kitchen renovations at a St. Clair Shores home — community tips from a Facebook post reconnected him to a cherished piece of his past. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Acrisure Amphitheater at 201 Market Ave. SW will open on Friday, May 15 with Lionel Richie performing and is expected to draw 12,000 concertgoers, prompting nearby bars and restaurants to add staff & update service. City officials will pilot a downtown shuttle service starting May 4 to ease parking congestion. MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids-based Vivant Brewery partnered with Saugatuck Brewing Company (Douglas facility) last fall to produce core beers for wholesale, reducing production costs and boosting capacity. The arrangement may allow Vivant to rehire sales staff as it plans to launch a new Beer City Light lager later in May at the Frederik Meijer Gardens concert series. MLive
- ➤ At Railside Orchards, growers are using propane-powered fans and fires to push off a frost that could damage budding apple trees today. President Aaron Roth said the techniques (which saved most of the crop in 2022) will be used whenever temperatures dip. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Holland’s Tulip Time Festival (97th annual) is underway as locals enjoy nearly 800,000 imported tulips and other spring displays in town. Special guided tours, Dutch dancing, and festive parades scheduled for May 7 and May 9 will offer visitors more to explore. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in West Michigan jumped after a BP refinery power outage, and experts warn that higher oil costs will raise food prices over the next six months. Rising fuel costs may push up prices for produce, meat, and dairy as transportation expenses climb. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Former Zeeland superintendent Brandi-Lyn Mendham said board actions took a toll on her health during a May 1 work session & later the board voted not to renew her administrator role. She said she never chose to leave and hopes her experience reminds public systems to treat staff with dignity. MLive
- ➤ Ravenna Public Schools will ask voters on Tuesday, May 5, to back a $22.6M bond for facility, safety, and technology upgrades at local schools. Proposed improvements include major upgrades at Beechnau Elementary and transportation updates, and the district expects no tax increase (using revenue from a solar farm). MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Walker Fire Chief Russell (Rusty) Shoultz died Friday after a medical emergency, leaving a legacy that transformed department operations with 24-hour coverage and strengthened public safety. City officials will announce service details soon. MLive
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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.
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High Score Comedy
8-10 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughs with a lineup of local West Michigan comedians at this vibrant comedy showcase.
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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Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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