Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Grand Rapids will launch its holiday season tomorrow with a tree lighting, free treats, and a Santa parade—other communities in the area are planning tree lightings and festive events with special activities through early December. MLive
- ➤ Carolyn Baker moved into her new apartment at Diamond Place after leaving a women's shelter, supported by the 100 in 100 in Kent County program. The housing campaign has helped over 180 people in Grand Rapids stay housed with only a 3% return to homelessness—efforts that will continue with new case managers and a landlord liaison. FOX 17
- ➤ Christkindl Markt is back in downtown Grand Rapids as West Michigan’s largest traditional European village market near the Downtown Market off Ionia Avenue with more than 60 artisan food and gift vendors available through Dec. 23—this year’s CHEER theme includes special hours and a weekly visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. FOX 17
- ➤ 100.5 The River will switch to nonstop holiday music today at 9 a.m. as FOX 17’s Janice Allen and Andy Rent mark the change—listener polls helped choose the start time. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Antique store owners in the historic Sligh Furniture Co. building on Century Ave near Logan face a 30-day eviction as court paperwork forces a review of costly safety repairs estimated up to $2.5 million—hearing is set for Dec. 4. WOOD TV
- ➤ Foxtail Coffee will replace Starbucks at Amway Grand Plaza and is set to open in spring with a redesigned space that features expanded seating, a streetside patio, and a custom hand-painted mural. The new shop will offer handcrafted coffee, teas, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, gelato, beer and wine with extended evening hours while Starbucks closes on Nov. 30—ensuring downtown guests have a fresh option. ABC 13
- ➤ Intella Parts Company opened its new 11,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution warehouse at 135 Manufacturers Drive in Holland to support expansion into the U.S. — Canada and Latin America. The company also plans to add two jobs next year. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids will host 10 concerts in 2026 with Lionel Richie opening on May 15, 2026—ticket prices range from $24 to over $400, and tickets go on sale today. MLive
- ➤ Impact Powersports fixed Santa’s sleigh float after it fell into disrepair last year and spent over $4,000 and more than 100 hours repairing it—ensuring Santa and Mrs. Claus can ride in the upcoming Grand Rapids Santa Parade. WOOD TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Proper Beverage Co. is building a 300,000-square-foot plant in Kentwood that will package 225 million cans a year and create 100 new jobs when it opens in mid-2026. The plant will grow to employ 400 workers—using American-made equipment—while serving small and mid-sized drink brands. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new study by the University of Michigan shows that warmer water has made fish in local lakes smaller than they were 75 years ago. Researchers examined data from over 1,400 lakes collected from 1945 to 2020—finding that the smaller size may change predator feeding and affect fish harvest rules. WOOD TV
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said there have been 27 cougar sightings this year, the most in three record years since cougars were nearly gone. The agency is checking if these animals are wild or escaped pets—more facts are needed. WOOD TV
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Made Market - Grand Rapids Holiday Market
10 AM - 5 PM — Goei Center — Free entry — Explore 60+ local makers and their unique, handmade goods this holiday season.
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Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of vintage musical magic with genre-twisting covers and holiday classics.
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TVBOO Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying bass music and high-energy performances from rising star TVBOO.
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GR Turkey Trot 2025
8:10 a.m. — Van Andel Arena — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community spirit with the 33rd Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot 5K run/walk.
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Straight No Chaser Holiday Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets vary — Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer from the renowned a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the KalHaven String Quartet.
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Los Tigres del Norte Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets on sale — Experience the legendary Los Tigres del Norte live in a musical journey through their classics and new hits.
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A Magical Cirque Christmas
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience breathtaking variety acts and holiday magic for the whole family.
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Sips & Succulents Cocktail Class
6-8 p.m. — New Holland Brewing - Grand Rapids Brewpub — Ticket required — Craft cocktails while designing your own succulent arrangement for home.
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In The Christmas Mood With The Glenn Miller Orchestra
7-8:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with timeless classics performed by the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
~ J.P. Morgan
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