Good Day
Grand Rapids
Sunday, August 17th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 17th of August.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Greek Cultural Festival took place through Aug. 16 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church—where volunteers served gyros, baklava and souvlaki along with live music, dance performances and cooking demonstrations that attracted over 80,000 people. The festival marked 15 years of celebrating Greek culture and community in Grand Rapids. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gardeners in Grand Rapids have seen green tomatoes stay on the vine because high day temperatures and warm nights slow the ripening, experts from MSU Extension said. They advise trying southern-bred varieties and keeping plants well watered to avoid splits and fungal problems. MLive
- ➤ Michigan environmental regulators are asking citizen scientists with air quality sensors to share readings that help track wildfire smoke from Canadian fires this summer—filling gaps in official monitoring data. MLive
- ➤ Wildlife experts say the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly is returning to restored oak-pine savannas in West Michigan near Muskegon State Game Area, where surveys found several specimens. Conservation teams believe the Karner blue is a symbol that drives efforts to restore rare ecosystems—supporting native species that depend on these habitats. MLive
- ➤ A report warns that neonics are found at harmful levels in Michigan waters—tests show high amounts in rivers draining both agricultural and urban areas. State officials will gather more data to list impaired waters and guide pollution control measures. MLive
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery is hosting its peach festival today with peach pies, turnovers, peach ice cream and peach wine at 20% off. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features a mascot meet and greet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as well as live music and a car show from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. WOOD TV
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The Pink Stones Live Performance
7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Check for cover — Experience the unique blend of honkytonk, trucker anthems, and gospel from The Pink Stones.
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Member Nights at John Ball Zoo
6-8 p.m. — John Ball Zoo — Membership required — Enjoy exclusive member activities including zip lines, ropes courses, and special animal events.
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Conversations, Un-Corked: Chapter IV - The Iconic Wines of Emidio Pepe
7-9 p.m. — Grand Vin — $125 per person — Experience the elegance of Emidio Pepe’s wines with unique tastings and gourmet charcuterie.
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Moms with Moms Gathering
10-11 a.m. — Allendale Township Library — Free coffee and tea — Connect and bond with fellow mothers while children play.
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Small Foreign Festival
4:20-10:20 a.m. — Sullivan Field — Free entry — Celebrate summer with art, music, food, and a lively artist market in Grand Rapids.
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JP & The Energy Live Performance
6 PM – 12 AM — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Cover charge TBA — Enjoy a lively night with modern pop music and nostalgic throwbacks from up-and-coming band JP & The Energy.
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Angry Zeta Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Ticketed event — Experience the unique fusion of punk, country, and hillbilly sounds from Argentina.
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Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Free entry — Experience the live sounds of Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Kidz Bop Live: Certified BOP Tour
6-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic Kidz Bop Live with beloved songs and interactive fun for kids.
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GrandCon: Michigan's Premier Gaming Convention
10 AM – 10 AM — DeVos Place — Ticketed events available — Celebrate tabletop gaming with a weekend full of fun, including cosplay and tournaments.
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