Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Byron Township neighbors debated the future of the Whistlestop Park dog park during a May 12 meeting—residents complained about ongoing noise and safety issues while both sides want a new park built. Township Trustee Jay DeKleine confirmed plans to relocate the park to 92nd Street, though timing remains uncertain. FOX 17
- ➤ Grand Rapids leaders said the new Acrisure Amphitheater attracted 12,000 fans during its inaugural Friday night concert with Lionel Richie (with only one noise complaint and smooth traffic), and they will adjust road closures ahead of Kid Cudi’s show on May 27. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Library is hosting Dungeons & Dragons nights for adults drop-in sessions on Thursday, June 11 and Aug. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the West Side Branch (713 Bridge St. NW). Registration is first-come, first-served and events feature one-shot campaigns for players 18 and older. MLive
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Museum will open a new veterans exhibit on Friday, May 22, honoring five Michigan heroes from the Revolutionary War to Artemis II — free admission is offered to veterans and up to five family members May 23–25. MLive
- ➤ On Monday, May 18, the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission honored five projects at the Public Library auditorium, including Silva’s renovation of a furniture factory into a venue that blends dining and entertainment. The awards celebrate work that preserves historic character while boosting community benefits (residential, commercial and neighborhood efforts). MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in West Michigan are about $1.50 higher than last year for Memorial Day weekend, but easing refinery issues — leading stations to lower prices — may help stop further increases. That means drivers from Grand Rapids could see small price drops as the holiday lifts. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ GRCC board unanimously appointed Jamie Gordon (executive director of human resources at Kentwood Public Schools) as trustee effective May 18 through Jan. 1, 2027; the remaining term will be filled in an upcoming general election. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After Monday's severe weather, Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services warned residents to be wary of contractors who may use high-pressure tactics to secure cash or app payments (such as Venmo) and advised verifying credentials with trusted sources. ABC 13
- ➤ On May 14, cranes lowered the final 175+foot pedestrian bridge over the Rogue River for the South Rogue River Trail; roadway closures will lift this week and crews will pour the concrete deck as Plainfield Township nears project completion. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials in West Michigan say fentanyl is being mixed with potent synthetics like nitazenes, making overdoses harder to reverse and sometimes requiring extra naloxone doses; Community Mental Health of Ottawa County has installed Narcan dispensing boxes & a naloxone vending machine to help those at risk. FOX 17
- ➤ Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons sold in Michigan and 16 other states have been recalled over salmonella concerns from milk powder used in the seasoning blend (UPC code 0 11110 81353 4), and customers are advised to contact Sugar Foods LLC if they purchased the affected 5 oz. pouch. ABC 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 19, ICCF Community Homes held a ribbon-cutting at 2017 Eastern Ave. SE in Grand Rapids as they unveiled 15 mixed-income apartments for income-qualifying households. The $4.5 million redevelopment — incorporating both accessible first-floor units and historic preservation — repurposed underused space while honoring a local landmark. MLive
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cody Johnson Concert
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with country sensation Cody Johnson.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Dan Rickabus Album Release Event
7-10:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets start at $74 — Experience a memorable evening with live music from Dan Rickabus in Grand Rapids.
-
The Wallflowers Concert
7:00–8:30 p.m. — Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater — Ticket info available — Enjoy a live performance by The Wallflowers in a beautiful garden setting.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Grand Rapids
A free Grand Rapids community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaygrandrapids.com/sitemap