Good Day
Grand Rapids
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Grand Rapids will host two free tours for families 9 and older to learn about water treatment. The first is May 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant in West Olive, and the June 13 event offers a shuttle to a recovery facility. MLive
- ➤ Sparta Town and Country Days begins May 13 at 5:30 p.m. with a kids’ bike parade and continues through Sunday with a carnival, free games and Saturday’s parade honoring America’s 250th anniversary — a cherished local tradition. FOX 17
- ➤ BISSELL Pet Foundation will host its Blocktail Party on Tuesday, June 2 at Memorial Field at East Grand Rapids High School — a fundraiser featuring food from local restaurants, live music, golf-themed activities and a silent auction to support pet rescue programs. ABC 13
- ➤ Community leaders and veterans gathered Monday, May 11 in Cascade to dedicate Cascade Road’s new Veterans Memorial Bridge with a commemorative plaque; the ceremony also featured a community cookout at the Historic Stone House. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bunker Social GR is planning a new golf simulator facility in Walker that will bring a full club experience indoors with undulating greens and real sand bunkers; the facility will open in five to seven years for West Michigan golfers seeking refuge from unpredictable weather. ABC 13
- ➤ Target is planning remodels at eight Michigan stores — including locations in Wyoming near Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek — to boost fresh food sections and drive-up services. The updates will be completed by September with modernized interiors. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Over 900 Grand Rapids Public Schools students paddle the Grand River as part of The Grand Canoe Experience, a week-long program running through Friday that teaches wildlife, conservation, and boat-building at Riverside Park (organized by Parks and Recreation, GR Outside, and the school district). FOX 17
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ottawa County Water Resources uses a $3,359 grant to fund volunteer drain cleanups. One event is tomorrow along Holland's No. 40, No. 28 and No. 9 drains feeding the Macatawa River + another is planned for Sept. 19 along Rush Creek and the DeWeerd Drain in Georgetown Township. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids and Vaughan signed a Sister Cities agreement last Friday to boost cultural, economic and educational exchanges. The mayors expect the partnership to create new opportunities for student and art programs, business ties and local community events. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ West Michigan Sports Commission held a ribbon-cutting Monday in Rockford for the $13.5M expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex, which adds new fields, pickleball courts, a playground, and a permanent home for Aquinas softball — the 12-acre project is set to welcome 200 extra teams each year. FOX 17
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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.
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Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Taylor Swift.
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Daveonce Washington: The Motown Get Down
9 PM – 1 AM — Billy's Lounge — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy a high-energy dance party with Da'Veonce & DaFunk Gang featuring modern funk beats.
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Chicago Wolves vs Grand Rapids Griffins (Round 3 - Home Game 3)
7-8 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Watch the thrilling playoff clash between the Wolves and Griffins live on FloHockey.
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Big Boi with Chip tha Ripper
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Acrisure Amphitheater — $1 donation per ticket to The Big Bro Foundation — Enjoy a night of hip-hop while supporting youth empowerment initiatives.
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Prairie Drone Companion Album Release
7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Entry TBA — Discover the sounds of local music veterans launching their debut album.
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
The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.
~ Rita Mae Brown
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