Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ One year after construction began, the reimagined Canal Park on Monroe Avenue is taking shape along the Grand River — its features include a multi-use plaza, pavilion, immersive playscape, 14‑ft trail and accessible canoe launch — with final completion expected this fall. MLive
- ➤ The city has set up a parking strategy that offers 8,000 spots within a half-mile of the Acrisure Amphitheater, with street options, ramps, reserved lots, free DASH buses, and rideshare drop-offs for upcoming summer and fall concerts downtown. FOX 17
- ➤ Grand Rapids will offer free weekend events for teens aged 12–17 under the 'It Takes a Village' program starting early June; activities include sports, music, art and digital sessions at the Gerald R. Ford Center, LifeQuest Gym and MUSE GR — aiming to provide safe evenings. MLive
- ➤ Multiple Memorial Day events will honor fallen soldiers on Monday, May 25 across Grand Rapids and nearby areas; parades, ceremonies and musical tributes are set to take place at venues (Veterans Memorial Park, downtown Zeeland and Rosewood Park) as communities remember their heroes. MLive
- ➤ Ottawa County Parks launches The Pirate Project—a free summer adventure supporting foster care children—from May 23 through July 25 across parks. The program starts with a launch at the Pump House Museum from 10 a.m. to noon and ends with a wrap-up at Tunnel Park, which offers free parking coupons. MLive
- ➤ John Ball Zoo ruled out the former Fenske Landfill in Walker as the site for a large-scale aquarium Thursday after a year-long review with community stakeholders, and officials will consider other Kent County sites (near I-196 and Wilson Avenue SW). MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The new bar and event space The 1850 Room will open on June 1 at 53 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Owner Norma Gordon renovated the former House of Wine and will serve shareable plates plus coffee for casual gatherings. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Marvelous Kidz Learning Center has provided affordable childcare to children aged 6 months to 11 years in Kentwood for nearly a year with financial aid and state MDHHS support available to families. The center will expand its services by the end of summer—helping more local families access quality care. FOX 17
- ➤ Governor Gretchen Whitmer, an alumna of Forest Hills Central High School, delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremony on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Calvin University's Van Noord Arena (graduates received a set number of tickets for family and guests). FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids has adjusted its rideshare zones after receiving feedback, designating pickup and drop-off areas on Fulton Street Bridge and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue (the change will be in effect for Lyft during today's Acrisure Amphitheater show while Uber's update is pending). MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Portage native Carson Hocevar, fresh off his NASCAR Cup win last month at Talladega, could return to Berlin Raceway soon. Berlin Raceway president Mike Bursley said that if an early June race is held, fans may see him racing up close. ABC 13
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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.
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Cody Johnson Concert
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with country sensation Cody Johnson.
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Comedy Bang! Bang!
8-11 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians and great entertainment.
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The Rare Occasions Live Concert
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience explosive garage rock anthems with LA-based indie band The Rare Occasions.
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