Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Michigan’s Best Bier Fest will return to Riverside Park Sept.

26–27 with family-friendly contests and new VIP options. The two-day event will feature a dachshund dash at 1 p.m. on Saturday and is expected to draw over 10,000 guests as it enters its 44th year.

City Built Brewing launched a new official beer on Monday—an limited edition light lager made to mark Grand Rapids' 175th anniversary.

It is available on tap at the brewery’s taproom and at local venues, and its can design was created by Abe Jannenga, a Kendall College student.

Costco recalled its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene because the bottle may shatter unexpectedly—customers who bought it between April 25 and August 26, 2025 must dispose of it as directed and bring their recall letter to a warehouse for a refund.

A ribbon-cutting Monday marked the museum’s move to its new 30,000 square foot building on Sheldon St. SE — about three blocks south of Fulton Street.

The larger space will let the museum add classrooms and a library while hosting plays, lectures and screenings in its auditorium.

ArtPrize, a 16-day international art competition, will kick off this Thursday with over 900 entries shown across downtown Grand Rapids—featuring interactive exhibits and special events like parades and artist workshops.

The event will offer a $100,000 grand prize and boost local tourism by drawing visitors to museums, parks, and restaurants.

A recent MLive poll of 28 readers shows that Michigan native Billy Strings tops the wish list for Acrisure Amphitheater’s inaugural concert season, which will open in May 2026 along the Grand River; country pop star Russell Dickerson is booked for a May 30 performance and more concerts will be announced soon + the venue was built through a public-private partnership.

Gas prices in Michigan have dropped—Grand Rapids now records an average cost of $2.87 per gallon compared to a state average of $3.05, according to AAA.

Lower demand and increased domestic supply helped reduce prices from last month and last year.

Tech Week kicked off Monday with a keynote from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who advised Grand Rapids to boost curiosity in elementary classrooms to build a strong tech hub — he said tech companies need skilled workers.

His comments follow a plan that has added over 5,000 tech jobs since 2021 — a move that local leaders say is key to the area’s growth.

A Grand Rapids school board meeting Monday night drew larger crowds and extra security as the board president — warning that police might be called if order was not maintained — addressed rising tensions over teacher pay.

The session followed last week's meeting that was cut short by overcrowding as teachers and community members pressed for competitive pay to fill vacancies.

Grand Rapids is planning a single-hauler trash system for most single-family homes and small buildings and is asking residents to attend public input sessions (Monday at Sibley Elementary at 6 p.m. and Thursday at GRPS University at 6 p.m.) to share ideas on how to improve service and reduce truck traffic. City officials said the plan, which may offer flexible cart sizes and pay-per-tip options, is expected to begin in 2026 with a target launch in July 2027.

Josh Zimmerman composed a song called 'Finding Peace' to honor the memory of his brother Justin, who died by suicide 11 years ago—he said the piece moves from deep grief to hope as he finds comfort in his faith in Christ.

The song reflects his effort to share his healing journey and encourage others to seek help when facing loss.

Rock of Ages Musical Performance

6:30-9:00 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Tickets available — Experience the rock-n-roll musical set in the 1980s with iconic hits and a fun storyline.

Jon Pardi: Honkytonk Hollywood Tour 2025

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jon Pardi live in concert for an unforgettable night of honky-tonk music.

Wade Bowen Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Check for ticket prices — Experience an evening with one of country music's finest as Wade Bowen showcases his captivating songwriting and performances.

Luke Severeid: Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Ambrosia Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a night of laughter with the metal-loving stand-up comedian Luke Severeid.

Northlane Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Varying prices — Experience the dynamic heavy music of award-winning Australian band Northlane at their Grand Rapids show.

Leo Kottke Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets starting at $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by guitar legend Leo Kottke.

Rock of Ages

7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy rock musical featuring iconic anthems from the 80s.

Jack Van Cleaf Live Performance

6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the viral sensation Jack Van Cleaf as he performs tracks from his introspective new album 'JVC'.

Austin Snell Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — $ — Experience the raw emotional sound of rising country star Austin Snell with hits and heartfelt storytelling.

Starcrawler Live in Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive energy of Starcrawler's live rock performance with their electrifying frontwoman and talented band.