Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County completed finishing touches on three houses in Grand Rapids with volunteers from Foundation Systems of Michigan, helping make housing more affordable.

The team bought the lots at a low cost from a land bank and supported homebuyers in getting bank approvals — a key part of the project.

Ah-Nab-Awen Park is a 6.4-acre space along the Grand River that was once home to an Indigenous village and was named in 1979 by the Three Fires Council (Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawatomi) to honor the native past.

City officials and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. plan to redesign the park over the next five years while keeping features like plum trees that celebrate its history.

John Ball Zoo is vetting the Fenske Landfill property—located at Millennium Commerce Park along the Grand River and M11/ Wilson Avenue in Walker—for a proposed large-scale aquarium that could rival the best in the country.

AAA expects a record 2.6 million Michiganders to travel during Fourth of July week—2.4 million by car, 96,000 by air and 160,000 by other means—up nearly 3% from last year.

Kent and Ottawa County officials have opened cooling centers in Holland and Grand Haven as temperatures are expected to reach the 90s today and a hot dome will last until June 26.

They urge residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Ron du Preez, a 73 year old pastor, started his challenge to walk 50 kilometers in 50 states on May 15th and reached Michigan where he visited Rivergate Health Care Center in Riverview to boost seniors' health — he will finish his journey by July 4th.

GR Lit Fest Book Fair

4-5 p.m. — Speciation Cellars — Free entry — Celebrate local literature with an adult book fair featuring numerous authors and delicious food from a food truck.

2025 STEM Summer Camp

1-4 p.m. — Amped Virtual Reality — Snack included — Kids explore STEM through fun, hands-on activities and virtual reality experiences.

Mastering the Poetic Figure or Portrait Workshop

10 AM – 4 PM — Franciscan Life Process Center — $570 — Explore poetic techniques to enhance emotional resonance in your creative works.

Pepper Concert

8 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets required — Experience the Kona Dub-Rock sound from Hawaii's reggae-rock ambassadors.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the passion and energy of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as they perform fan favorites and powerful messages.

Art of Gardening Class at Fulton Street Market

12-1 p.m. — Fulton Street Market — Free entry — Explore seasonal produce through scavenger hunts and engage with market vendors.

Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run

12-2 p.m. — 3535 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the 4th of July with a community fun run in Grandville.

Vintage and Handmade Marketplace

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Discover 60+ vintage and handmade vendors while enjoying live music and tasty treats.

2025 Frederick Meijer Gardens Experience

8:15 AM – 7:30 PM — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park — $125 — Experience the beauty and artistry of nature in a world-class botanical garden.

Virtual Reality Experience

1 PM – 6 PM — Amped Virtual Reality — Ticket required — Dive into an hour of exciting virtual reality adventures with friends.