Good morning, Grand Rapids.

On Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., Gift of Life Michigan will host Donate Life Night at John Ball Zoo to honor organ, eye and tissue donors and transplant recipients; the event features exhibits, face painting, a scavenger hunt and a special program at 6:45 p.m. (registration required).

Hudsonville Ice Cream announced Tuesday that its Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Ice Cream Sandwich won People Magazine Award for Best Ice Cream Sandwich and Most Innovative Ice Cream Novelty at the IDFA competition in mid-April — the treat launched in January is part of its growing dessert lineup.

A local man diagnosed with multiple system atrophy is sharing his story ahead of the Grand River Ride to End MSA at Ada Park on Saturday, Aug.

29. Cyclists can choose from four routes spanning 10 to 100 miles to raise funds for Mission MSA.

Speak Up Conference 2026

July 9-11 — Prince Conference Center and Hotel — Registration required — A premier event for Christian writers to learn, network, and share their messages.

HOME @ THE BOB

Evening time — The B.O.B. — Check event details for cost — Experience the infectious grooves of DaFunk Gang, a dynamic hip-hop, funk, and soul cover band from Grand Rapids.

Cozy Worldwide

9:00 – 10:30 PM — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ages 21+ — Enjoy an exciting night filled with cozy vibes and live performances.

Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K-8 Inquiry-Based Educators

Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. That’s why we’ve crafted one amazing STEAM conference, filled with practical, teacher-tested ideas that will fuel your teaching fire. Experience NGSS-aligned sessions focused on cutting-edge, inquiry-driven, and classroom-ready strategies.

Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K-8 Inquiry-Based Educators

Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. That’s why we’ve crafted one amazing STEAM conference, filled with practical, teacher-tested ideas that will fuel your teaching fire. Experience NGSS-aligned sessions focused on cutting-edge, inquiry-driven, and classroom-ready strategies.

Derek Hough Live Performance

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets from $85 — Enjoy a thrilling evening of dance and entertainment with Derek Hough.

Shakey Graves Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets from $67 — Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Shakey Graves at this beautiful outdoor venue.

Upheaval Festival 2026

13:00-21:00 — Belknap Park — $29.79 – $2,979.00 — Experience an epic two-day rock festival featuring top artists in Grand Rapids.

Upheaval Festival Featuring Papa Roach

12-9 p.m. — Belknap Park — Saturday Pass Only — Experience a day filled with exciting performances from Papa Roach, Bilmuri, and more.

Buddy Guy Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets starting at $129 — Experience the legendary blues artist Buddy Guy live in concert.

Johnny Mullenax Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a funky country bluegrass good time with Johnny Mullenax, a genre-bending musician from Tulsa.