Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Visitors are invited to join the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s community ofrenda celebrating Día de los Muertos from Oct.

16 to Nov. 9 at the Creative Learning Center (101 Monroe Center St. NW) where guests add personal mementos to an altar honoring loved ones. The event includes art sessions for making tissue paper marigolds on Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Kent County Animal Shelter celebrated its 85th anniversary yesterday at 740 Fuller Ave NE where staff hosted fall treats, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and an $85 adoption special — they also introduced a new mascot whose name was revealed at the event.

On Wednesday, the remains of Pfc.

Harold Dulyea, a Korean War soldier from Michigan, were brought to Grand Rapids by his great-nephew, American Airlines pilot Casey Brouhard, who flew the final leg from Texas after the remains arrived from Hawaii. His father Larry was aboard—marking the first flight he piloted with his dad—and Brouhard asked passengers to take a moment to honor military families.

On Oct. 15, a West Michigan organization held a walk downtown Grand Rapids to mark White Cane Awareness Day—aiming to help people learn about the challenges faced by those with impaired vision.

The Better Business Bureau of Michigan has released simple cybersecurity tips during Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help local users protect personal and business data.

They advised creating unique, 12-character passwords and using extra login protection—especially on public Wi-Fi—as research shows hackers launch a new cyberattack every 39 seconds.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. approved rent grants for Grand Rapids Game Show and ArtRat Studio to cover up to half their rent for 18 months—Game Show is set to open this fall while ArtRat Studio, an expansion of ArtRat Gallery that opened in 2021, began operations in September 2024 to help lower downtown vacancies.

Catholic Central High School will cut tuition in half for qualifying families starting with the 2026-27 school year after alumni Dan and Sherry Bowen donated the largest gift in the Diocese’s history—families with incomes under $300,000 and active parish registration will pay $6,000 annually while the Catholic Promise fund covers excess costs. Applications will open November 1 to begin the enrollment process.

The 33rd annual GRPS Turkey Trot has reached over 1,000 runners for its downtown 5K run more than a month before Thanksgiving.

Last year’s race saw 6,435 participants and raised over $300,000 for GRPS Athletics — registration remains open online until the race starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids was voted the best small airport in America by USA Today readers after an online poll ran from Sept.

8 to Oct. 6; the airport expanded Concourse A with a wine wall and playrooms for kids as part of a $110 million project last year — features that set it apart from other finalists.

A government shutdown may stop SNAP benefits next month, and local nonprofit Servants Center is worried for its 276 clients who rely on about $80,000 a month in food support.

The center said that if benefits end, clients will face hunger and local food banks could be overwhelmed—prompting a call for food donations.

State officials warned seniors to be cautious of scams during Medicare open enrollment from Oct.

16 through Dec. 7—do not share your Medicare ID unless you enroll. Authorities advise contacting 1-800-MEDICARE if you suspect a scam—callers will never visit your home unexpectedly.

Holland Hospital is building a 63,000-square-foot specialty center near Zeeland in partnership with U-M Health to offer more local health services.

The Westpark Specialty Center will cost about $45 million and is set to open in late 2027 as construction begins in December after a ceremonial groundbreaking later this month — aiming to fill gaps in care like pediatric, oncology and neurological services.

Forest Hills Northern senior Lexie Stotenbur reached 3,500 assists and maintained a 4.0 GPA as she is being considered for the state's Miss Volleyball award — an honor that recognizes top high school athletes — and she will play Division I volleyball next year.

Head coach Megan Ayars praised her strong leadership on and off the court as she sets high standards for her team.

The 22nd Grand Rapids Marathon will run on Sunday, October 19 with a new start and finish line near GVSU Pew Campus and Blue Bridge due to construction for a new downtown soccer stadium – runners and residents should plan for road closures on several downtown streets.

Packet pickup and the expo begin Saturday at the YMCA.

Southeast Area Farmers Market with Friends of GR Parks Pumpkin Party

3 p.m. — Dean Lake Park — Free admission — Celebrate fall with local vendors and pumpkin-themed fun for the whole family.

Cage The Elephant Concert

6-9 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ticketed event — Experience an evening with the uniquely self-aware and poignant sounds of Cage The Elephant.

Storytime for Young Readers

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Allendale Twp Library — Free entry — Enjoy storytime with songs and early literacy fun designed for kids under 6 with a caregiver.

Neon Trees Live in Grand Rapids

8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience an evening of dynamic rock and heartfelt authenticity with Neon Trees as they promote their new album.

Tate McRae Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices range from $132 to $218 — Experience an electrifying evening with Tate McRae live in concert.

Chris Thile Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets required — Experience the multifaceted musical talents of Grammy-winning mandolinist Chris Thile live in concert.

Manitoba Moose at Grand Rapids Griffins

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Low cost tickets available — Enjoy an exciting AHL matchup between the Manitoba Moose and the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Electric Citizen Live Show

7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying rock sounds of Cincinnati's Electric Citizen in a vibrant live performance.

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

6:30-8:00 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket information available online — Experience the unforgettable tribute to ABBA with dazzling performances and all their classic hits.

2025 Great Lakes Summit

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — L.V. Eberhard Center — Registration required — Engage with industry experts at Michigan's inaugural summit for data and analytics professionals.