Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food lovers will enjoy the first-ever Dumpling Fest today at 555 Monroe Ave NW from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — presented by the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation in partnership with ArtPrize. The event will feature diverse dumplings and treats, and Ace Marasigan expects about 3,500 visitors — vendors will offer items like empanadas, spicy wontons, and milk teas. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Grand Rapids veteran who lost his ability to read and write after a stroke has his artwork featured at ArtPrize in Veterans Memorial Park. Aaron Russell used colored pencils and watercolors (in his series God Created Therapy and Free Flying) to portray butterflies and animals while marking a long recovery journey. FOX 17
- ➤ ArtPrize held its opening party Friday evening in downtown Grand Rapids — the event started at Rosa Parks Circle with a lantern workshop and a beer garden before live music, a parade at 7:45 p.m., and a fireworks show over Grand River took place. Visitors can view 931 art entries across 155 sites and the competition will announce winners on Oct. 3 while ArtPrize wraps up the next day. WOOD TV
- ➤ Artist Leon Lou is offering free portrait sessions lasting 15 minutes to ArtPrize visitors at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum—he plans to paint about 150 faces and compile a collage of the portraits as his official submission. ABC 13
- ➤ This weekend in West Michigan many events are on the go—ArtPrize in Grand Rapids began on Sept. 19 with live music, a beer garden, and a parade today at Rosa Parks Circle. Today the Donut and Beer Festival takes place at LMCU Ballpark while the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in Grand Haven offers live music and cultural treats. MLive
- ➤ UK-based Architects of Air have installed the 9,000-square-foot Arborialis Luminarium at 555 Monroe for ArtPrize—this three-story structure offers colored chambers, natural sound, a required shoe removal policy, and an on-site beer garden for guests 21 and older. The installation is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.—it closes on Mondays and requires purchasing tickets online. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ City High Middle School student Elliot Williamson won ArtPrize’s 2025 SMART Art Competition when officials announced his woodburned piece 'Renewable Energy Will Make The World Bright' on Sept. 19—he earned a $2,000 scholarship and an Apple laptop. His artwork will be on display at City Hall throughout the competition. MLive
- ➤ Gentex Corporation has partnered with Outdoor Discovery Center to launch a nature-based preschool at 3845 88th Ave for employees' families—this center is designed to address ongoing child care challenges with indoor classrooms and fenced outdoor areas. The preschool will open in the next month or two once it secures its final permits. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new HAWK signal was installed this week near Pinery Park across DeHoop Avenue to improve pedestrian safety along the Kent Trails. The light, the second of its kind in Wyoming, will become active Monday — it stays dark until a button is pressed and then cycles from flashing yellow to solid yellow and red. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coldwater native Eric Bach made his Major League Baseball broadcasting debut for the Washington Nationals — filling in on the official radio broadcast during a game against the Atlanta Braves. He credited years of hard work in minor leagues and college broadcasting for earning the opportunity and looks forward to more challenges next season. ABC 13
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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Lecrae Live in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience Lecrae's unique blend of faith and hip-hop as he performs from his latest project, Church Clothes 4.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the electric atmosphere of the iconic Rock of Ages musical featuring classic rock hits.
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Ben Folds with Grand Rapids Symphony
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket info TBA — Experience the influential sounds of Ben Folds in a grand orchestral setting.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the classic rock musical with premium seating and hospitality options.
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