Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids restaurants are offering creative twists on classic poutine (with Korean BBQ jerky, apple-sage gravy, and a pickle version) during Poutine Week hosted by the Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority, which runs through Oct 4.

Guests can collect stamps at 10 spots to earn a free T-shirt and enjoy a complimentary trolley ride on Oct 3-4 from 5 to 10 p.m.

A new Burlington discount retailer will open on Oct.

3 at 4655 Canal Ave. SW in Grandville. The store will hold a ribbon-cutting at 8:45 a.m.—offering a $5,000 donation to East Elementary teachers and a $10 Bonus Card for the first 100 customers aged 18 and up.

Swift Printing is celebrating 75 years today at a party at 433 Bridge St featuring live music by the Bridge Street Band and a celebrity dunk tank — the family business thanks its neighbors for years of support.

Ohana Growth Partners announced on Sept.

24 that it acquired 10 West Michigan Planet Fitness clubs from JP Fitness—members will keep receiving the same service at these locations and at a Rice Lake club opening by year-end.

ArtPrize 2025 began Sept.

18 in Grand Rapids when over 1,110 international artists submitted 931 works—from small paintings to large displays—and will continue with a Mardi Gras-themed parade, fireworks and interactive exhibits until Oct. 4.

The ArtPrize Halftime Show will take place at Sixth Street Park from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 26, featuring country singer Tiera Kennedy—who is on Beyonce's Cowboy Carter—and other performers while the top twenty entries from each festival district will be announced as public voting remains open until 10:00 p.m. October 2.

Grand Rapids artist Esan Sommersell 3D printed the sculpture Emergence for display at Rev Luxury Juice Bar downtown, and the work shows a Black woman breaking free from barriers (a design inspired by his mother) using a grant and a 3D printer over two months.

It joins another piece at Rev that honors personal history and local stories.

Fredrik Meijer Gardens will host Michigan’s largest chrysanthemum display this October—the 27th annual Mums at Meijer Gardens event included with general admission.

Autumn Nights will also return on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. featuring garden highlights and live performances.

A roundtable and panel discussion held Wednesday in Grand Rapids highlighted creative new plans to solve a growing childcare shortage—research shows 55% of Michigan zip codes face a deficit that costs local employers $2.8 billion in lost productivity.

Leaders unveiled a $52 million housing project that pairs on-site childcare with apartments and said they will expand the model to Holland soon.

On September 10th, 472 Michigan high-school juniors were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and 38 from West Michigan counties—Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon—received recognition from contest results; the finalists will later be selected after meeting additional requirements for the scholarship awards.

Kat Munsell, a 25-year-old Kalamazoo resident treated at Mary Free Bed, began making progress walking again Monday after a Sept.

11 spinal cord injury left her with a loss of leg sensation. Dr. Jonathan VandenBerg said her T-11 injury spared many nerves — and her recovery is highlighted during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month in West Michigan.

As summer ends, Dr. Diana Bitner of True Women's Health advises setting clear health goals and focusing on 10 wellness areas—like activity, body composition, and sexual health—to help people stay on track this fall.

Cosmic Baseball will debut in Michigan next year at LMCU Ballpark when the Chili Peppers face the Glow Mojis in a neon glow-in-the-dark game—fans can sign up for ticket updates early in October.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gordon Food Service Food Show 2025

Oct 7-8 — DeVos Place — Free entry — Explore a wide range of chicken products at the Gordon Food Service Show.

White Reaper Live Performance

6:30-8 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy sound of White Reaper, blending glam and grit for an unforgettable night of music.

Rooftop Gas and Electric Training Class

9 AM - 12 PM — Young Supply Company - South Grand Rapids — Cost not specified — Dive into the intricacies of DDC and non-DDC control systems under expert guidance.