Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Happy Cat Café in downtown Grand Rapids is celebrating eight years in business & nearing its 1,000th cat adoption since opening in 2017. The celebration began on Aug. 17 with a Birthday Bash and will offer more events today featuring kitten meet-ups and themed drinks. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Judge Christina Mims approved destroying all arrest records, fingerprints and biometric data from former officer Christopher Schurr’s trial for Patrick Lyoya’s murder in 2022—after a hung jury led Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker to decide against a retrial—under Michigan law. ABC 13
- ➤ James Denison—a 19-year-old worker with autism—was arrested at a Meijer store in Seven Hills for allegedly taking $110 worth of food over three months, and Meijer said the incident was handled badly and will use new rules to prevent similar issues in the future. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, an arts and music festival begins at Sullivan Field—welcoming over 40 vendors and eight bands—for a day of free shows. WOOD TV
- ➤ The Polish Heritage Society hosted the annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Calder Plaza starting August 22, and the three-day event continues today with Polish food, live music and activities for all ages. The festival will end on August 24. FOX 17
- ➤ The 28th Street Metro Cruise celebrated its 20th year last Friday at Rogers Plaza by drawing classic cars from across West Michigan, and pit stop events are happening today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at sites in Grandville, the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel, and Cascade Village—organizer Brandon Simmons said the event offers fun for all ages. WOOD TV
- ➤ Organizers of the American Quilter’s Society annual Quilt Week in downtown Grand Rapids expect over 15,000 visitors to view nearly 700 quilts and compete for cash prizes up to $54,550 at DeVos Place Convention Center. The event kicked off Aug. 20 and runs through today with set hours on Friday and Saturday — drawing local fabric enthusiasts. MLive
- ➤ The 20th annual Metro Cruise is set to turn 28th Street into a car lover’s paradise this weekend—with events that began on Friday and continue today at Rogers Plaza featuring an official cruise for collector cars, live music, and food stops. Thousands of enthusiasts are expected to join as local vendors and displays offer extra attractions along the route. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Whitewater said construction on the rapids restoration project will begin in July 2026 after the EPA awarded $2.1 million in grants to fight sea lamprey—longtime supporters have waited 17 years for a more accessible river that offers better recreation. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Plainfield Avenue has reopened all lanes as Plainfield Township paused construction for the next few weeks after finishing four new median islands and reaching about 75% completion; lane closures will resume after Labor Day when nighttime repaving begins and the project is set to finish in November—Plainfield. WOOD TV
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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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Back Outside: The Block Party
12-9 p.m. — Boston Square Neighborhood Association — Free entry — Celebrate Black culture and community through food, fun, and local vendors.
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Divine Service on the 12th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 – 11:15 AM — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Experience a joyful Divine Service filled with grace and community spirit.
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Fort Wayne TinCaps at West Michigan Whitecaps
6:35-8:05 p.m. — LMCU Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup between the TinCaps and the Whitecaps.
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Jason Aldean's Full Throttle Tour
7:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jason Aldean live with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and DeeJay Silver.
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Limewired - A 2000's Dance Party
9-10:30 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ages 21+ only — Dance the night away to your favorite hits from the 2000s.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.
~ Native American Proverb
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