Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Abo Coffee Company, an Indigenous-owned business, is set to open before the end of this year at 1801 and 1803 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids — the 3,200-sqft space will offer a locally inspired menu crafted by founders Rohmell Matthews and Madeline Haadsma.

A cherished independent bookstore in Grand Rapids will close on Aug.

8 after 10 years of service, with sale days planned from Aug. 1 to 8 — after which parts of its online shop will remain open.

Viking has ordered two new 665 ft cruise ships that will join its Great Lakes itineraries in 2030 and 2031.

The vessels will be built in Italy and are designed to navigate the St. Lawrence River with superior maneuverability.

New Holland Brewing Company plans to open a second takeout concept named Pinwheel Kitchen at Terra Square in Hudsonville this fall (the space formerly housed Bosco’s Pub).

The restaurant will offer exclusive pepperoni pinwheels with limited seating and expects to hire 10 to 15 workers.

GVSU received state approval to move forward with its $166M Blue Dot tech hub project.

The university plans to begin construction by the end of 2026 on the renovated 10-story Eberhard Center and a new Blue Dot Lab addition in downtown Grand Rapids.

State officials continue testing drinking water in Cascade Township; they sampled 20 to 30 homes on Aspenwood Drive and will soon install groundwater monitoring wells as they work with local agencies to secure funding for a long-term water solution while residents worry about PFAS exposure.

Ottawa County is asking voters on Aug.

4 to approve a 0.30 mill renewal that will fund community mental health services for 10 years, helping fill funding gaps not covered by state or federal funds.

State health officials updated guidelines after early test results suggest lettuce or salad greens might be linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak — over 2,600 cases prompt residents to properly wash or cook greens for safety.

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.

Grand Rapids Symphony: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back In Concert

7:30-10:30 PM — Acrisure Amphitheater — Check event page for pricing — Experience the iconic score live as the classic film unfolds on the big screen.

The Format Live Concert

12-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical rebirth of The Format as they debut new songs and celebrate their roots.

Grand Rapids Speed Dating Event for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

6-8 p.m. — O'Toole's Public House — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Little Stranger Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic alt indie hip-hop duo bringing their unique sound to Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Ballet School: Adult Summer Showcase

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