Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Today, the East Grand Rapids Harvest and Beer Festival closes down Wealthy Street in Gaslight Village from noon to 6 p.m.—offering free admission and tasting tickets— and features 13 breweries, 2 wineries, carnival games, live music and food trucks that benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan.

Wedgwood Christian Services launched its Audere House program in Kentwood to help teens leaving the child welfare system learn essential life skills for independent living.

The 12-bed transitional housing facility features a kitchen, game room and common areas—teens have already applied and referrals will be reviewed to fill the rooms in the coming weeks.

An 11-year-old girl was adopted by her forever family in a Kent County courtroom last Friday—surrounded by classmates from her Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program to celebrate her new beginning.

Her adoption followed a move from Oklahoma to West Michigan so she could attend a specialized school, and her new parents are learning ASL to communicate with her better.

On October 17, an 11-year-old girl from Northview named Daizy Collingwood was adopted by her aunt and uncle at the Kent County courthouse after they cared for her following her father’s death and her mother’s health issues.

Classmates from Highland Middle School celebrated the ceremony by carrying daisies and she will turn twelve next week.

Meyer Music is closing its Holland store at 675 E.

Lakewood Boulevard after 150 years and will move operations to its Grand Rapids location and a Byron Center distribution warehouse on Oct. 31. The family-owned business said more customers are using its school-direct service & that the new facilities offer more space than its previous four stores combined.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport was voted the Best Small Airport in the Country by USA Today after recording over 4 million passengers in 2024—a record for the airport.

The poll ran from Sept. 8 to Oct. 6, and airport leaders thanked community support for the achievement.

Grand Rapids Public Museum showed progress on its $50 million expansion last Friday with plans to add a geology wall and accessible river walkway that will boost its learning programs.

Museum officials said the project—featuring a new outdoor classroom and seating area—is set to complete by early 2026 as part of the museum’s role in the city's 175th celebration.

Catholic Central High School will offer a new scholarship next school year that cuts tuition from about $13,000 to $6,000 for families with incomes below $300k—this aims to ease financial barriers while other local headlines include a Forest Hills petition for returning an athletic trainer and forthcoming restaurant openings along with airport updates.

Grandville voters will decide on two school funding proposals from Grandville Public Schools along with one from Kent ISD this November.

The measures include renewing an operating millage that provides over $18 million a year for education — and a sinking fund set to raise about $3.38 million annually for repairs, technology and buses.

The city of Grand Rapids is hosting a competition led by SAFE Task Force—offering $10,000 to up to five organizations—to reduce gun violence.

The contest has received 10 entries and pitch night is scheduled for Oct. 28.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry flock in Ottawa County—this is the ninth case since 2022 and the fourth this year.

The Grand Rapids Griffins began their 30th season at Van Andel Arena on October 17 at 7:00 p.m. — marking three decades of hockey and strong local support — and the team plans to build on its legacy in upcoming games.

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.

Trunk or Treat Event

6-7:30 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of treats, games, and family fun in a festive outdoor setting.