Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of July.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Yesterdog is celebrating 50 years this summer with events that kick off Tuesday, July 21 at Wealthy Theatre with a screening of 'American Pie' and Q&A by Adam Herz — continuing Wednesday with live music and concluding Thursday with a ribbon-cutting and meet-and-greet at 1505 Wealthy St. SE.
Grand Rapids airport has launched a new digital wayfinding app in partnership with GoodMaps to help travelers with disabilities navigate its busy terminal, offering turn-by-turn audio directions (supporting over 27 languages), augmented reality visuals, and haptic feedback.
A three-day volunteer project is underway at Gerald R.
Ford Academic Center where volunteers are replacing outdated playground equipment with a new $350,000, fully accessible playground — funded by donations, sponsorships, and bond dollars.
Celebration Cinema on Beltline is showing Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in a rare 70mm IMAX format — one of only 30 theaters worldwide with this setup.
The screening offers a behind-the-scenes look at threading an 11-mile film reel and has already sold 10,000 tickets for a limited run.
Health officials reported that a bat in Ottawa County tested positive for rabies today—the first animal case this year—and urged residents to avoid handling bats and seek prompt medical care if bitten.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that confirmed cyclosporiasis cases rose to 3,762 as of Wednesday morning, up from 3,309 the day before.
Officials advised that thorough washing of salad greens, especially lettuce (a suspected source), can help protect families as interviews continue to trace the outbreak.
Wildfire smoke from Canada has prompted a statewide air quality alert as local health expert Dr. Timothy Daum warns that older adults, children, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart disease should stay indoors and keep windows closed today in West Michigan.
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.
VIP Album Signing with Lou Gramm
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Acrisure Amphitheater — Concert tickets sold separately — Meet the legendary singer Lou Gramm up close and get your album signed.
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