Good morning, Grand Rapids.

City officials marked the midpoint of a $9.6M riverfront trail project on Monday that will connect downtown to Riverside Park along the Grand River; the 0.75-mile pathway features new lighting, benches and landscaping and is expected to finish by year-end.

Creative Community Entertainment will host its third annual Celebration of Service on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20 on the Muskegon lakeshore.

The event features a drone light show, food trucks, and STEM+A activities, and a downtown Grand Rapids Marine Corps Ball is planned this fall.

16-year-old Cale Peters with Down syndrome in Forest Hills Northern is applying for summer jobs at local spots like Chick-fil-A, but he faces a tough, competitive market while local advocates work to boost job opportunities for teens with disabilities.

Democracy Cafe is set to spark local civic conversation at public events across Grand Rapids this spring and summer.

Run by local college students, it will attend the Asian Pacific Festival on Friday and will join block parties for World Refugee Day, the Hispanic Festival, and A Glimpse of Africa.

Vivant Brewery will begin converting 3,500 sqft of its former brewhouse at 925 Cherry St. SE into a 150-person event venue this summer after city approval, with construction expected to finish by fall and bookings starting in 2027 (including weddings, corporate gatherings, and community events).

Grand Rapids Pride festival runs Saturday, June 20 (noon to 10 p.m.) and Sunday, June 21 (noon to 8 p.m.) downtown at Calder Plaza and Ottawa Avenue.

The event features over 150 vendors, family activities, food trucks and live acts including Grammy Award-winner Durand Bernarr with free admission.

At Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, Eva Gray Tent Two of the Daughters of Union Veterans meets monthly to preserve Civil War history (sharing artifacts and marking monuments).

On August 23 at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Byron Township, they will honor Ludwig Holzgen with a headstone ceremony.

A traveling exhibit titled Unseen Oceans will open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on June 20, featuring interactive displays, high-tech robotics + virtual experiences that explore marine life and runs through Jan.

2.

A proposed Panhandle Market at 52nd and Wilson Ave may increase traffic and raise safety concerns as neighbors caution about busy conditions.

City Council will review the rezoning request on July 6 and Aug. 3 (the plan includes a Trader Joe’s and 73% support in a recent survey).

Emerald Lake Condominium development is under construction near I-96 on 3231 and 3245 Dean Lake Avenue in Grand Rapids Township.

Construction began in November 2025 and first homes are expected this summer — only two lake-view lots remain for custom builds in the Forest Hills Schools district.

West Michigan Salesforce User Group Q2 Meeting

9-11 a.m. — Steelcase Learning + Innovation Center — Free entry — Collaborate with local Salesforce professionals on practical tips and hands-on problem solving.

Grand Rapids Ballet School Adult Summer Showcase

8:15-11:15 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the growth and artistry of adult dancers in a special ballet showcase after a week of intensive training.

I ROCK MY OWN

I ROCK MY OWN is a Natural Hair photo shoot – celebrating the cultural significance of Natural (Afro-texture) Hair through portraiture. Come to Bamboo (2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI) between 3-7 p.m. on June 19th, 2026 to get your free Natural Hair portrait. This event is made possible by Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Experience Grand Rapids, and several of the city's best photographers who are donating their time and equipment for this event. Visit the event page (link below) for more information, and examples of portraits from previous I ROCK MY OWN events.

Legally Blonde Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the vibrant and entertaining production of Legally Blonde live on stage.

Free Pinball Event

4-10 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Free entry — Enjoy a night of free pinball with all ages welcome until 8 p.m.

An Evening with Pink Martini All-Stars

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Ticket Prices from $35 to $248 — Experience a captivating concert featuring the diverse sounds of Pink Martini.

King Buffalo Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enthralling sounds of heavy psych rock from King Buffalo.

Jacob Williams Comedy Show

8-10 p.m. — Lucky Strike Grand Rapids — In-person event — Enjoy a night of laughs with Jacob Williams and local comics.

Goldfinger - Ska The Lot

3-7 p.m. — The Intersection — Check for ticket prices — Experience the chaotic energy of Goldfinger, a ska-punk legend from the '90s.

Little Feat Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Ticket prices range from $54 to $280 — Experience an unforgettable evening with the legendary band Little Feat at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Unofficial The Guess Who Pre-Party

5-9 p.m. — The Intersection — $4 drafts and wells — Enjoy music, food, and games before the shows with food from Being Cheesy.