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Have you ever walked by a small, local business or watched in awe as underground projects blossom? Do you know people who do great things but are under the media radar? If you've ever thought anything in GR deserved some press time, then we're here for you. On The Rapidian, you can connect directly to your fellow Grand Rapidians.

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After a successful first event in April, the Pyramid Scheme is reprising its Grand Rapids Vinyl Swap, dubbing it the “se...
09/10/2026

After a successful first event in April, the Pyramid Scheme is reprising its Grand Rapids Vinyl Swap, dubbing it the “second pressing.”

Vinyl Swap is modeled after the annual Last Chance Holiday Market, but instead of artisans, it features vendors and personal collectors selling their records. This event is free and open to the public, running from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. | Read more online at: https://therapidian.org/vinyl-swap-goes-into-its-second-pressing-at-the-pyramid-scheme

Blandford Nature Center (BNC) invites the public to celebrate fall with them by offering free admission throughout Septe...
09/09/2026

Blandford Nature Center (BNC) invites the public to celebrate fall with them by offering free admission throughout September. The free month, sponsored by Meijer, includes a day pass, usually $5 for non-members, through Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center, located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Blandford Farm, including the farm animals and Children’s Garden, is included in the free pass. In addition to these daily offerings, two events are free to the public this month: Butterfly Big Day and the Native Plant Exchange. | Read more online at: https://therapidian.org/blandford-nature-center-offers-free-admission-throughout-september

After months of complaints from Grand Rapidians and a lawsuit from nearby residents, a Kent County Circuit Court judge h...
09/09/2026

After months of complaints from Grand Rapidians and a lawsuit from nearby residents, a Kent County Circuit Court judge has ordered Acrisure Amphitheater to follow the City’s noise ordinance.

Judge J. Joseph Rossi’s Aug. 21 ruling comes after the amphitheater’s inaugural summer season. The lawsuit, filed by Plaza Towers condominium owners, argued the venue’s exemption from Grand Rapids’ noise ordinance allowed concerts to become disruptive, especially during evening hours. | Read more online at https://therapidian.org/judge-orders-acrisure-amphitheater-to-comply-with-grand-rapids-noise-ordinance

Among the key ballot issues voters will be asked to consider in November is a proposal to renew a millage supporting cou...
09/08/2026

Among the key ballot issues voters will be asked to consider in November is a proposal to renew a millage supporting county corrections and detention.

The millage was originally approved in 1990 and renewed in 2008. Now, voters are being asked to consider renewing the millage for another 20 years. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link for this article will be in the comments.

After a heartbreaking, month-long shutdown, East Hills’ beloved bookshop is returning. Books & Mortar, revamped under ne...
09/03/2026

After a heartbreaking, month-long shutdown, East Hills’ beloved bookshop is returning. Books & Mortar, revamped under new ownership, will reopen its doors Friday at 10 a.m.

The new joint owners are Julie and Christine Bylsma, and their close friend Will Noyes. Julie, who previously founded and ran a nonprofit, will be the store’s full-time staffer. Noyes, a finance director at a startup, will handle the books. Christine, a teen librarian at Kent District Library, will work weekends and handle ordering. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link for this article will be in the comments.

Bestselling author Erin A. Craig is bringing her book tour home to West Michigan to celebrate her newest young adult nov...
09/03/2026

Bestselling author Erin A. Craig is bringing her book tour home to West Michigan to celebrate her newest young adult novel, “Our Strange Duet,” published on Sept. 1. Barnes & Noble at Woodland Mall will host a discussion and book signing on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Craig is a proud longtime Michigander. After attending the University of Michigan to study theatre and subsequently working as a stage manager around the country, she settled back in West Michigan in 2020. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link to this article is available in the comments.

Photo Credit: "Our Strange Duet" by Erin A. Craig

The Ladies’ Literary Club of Grand Rapids opened the doors of its historic clubhouse on Sunday, inviting the community i...
09/02/2026

The Ladies’ Literary Club of Grand Rapids opened the doors of its historic clubhouse on Sunday, inviting the community in to see the club’s next chapter. The tour went through the club's main spaces, highlighting historic artwork and a ghost story in the basement green room.

“Our vision is to preserve this extraordinary building, revive the institution it was created to house, and open it wider as a home for literature, art, music, performance, education, and meaningful leisure,” said Club President Heather Hope Monroe. “You are standing inside in something that is awakening, and you are here at its beginning.” | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link to this story is available in the comments.

Lotus Brew, an East Hills coffee shop and dry bar, is inviting Grand Rapids residents to submit photos of the people, pl...
09/02/2026

Lotus Brew, an East Hills coffee shop and dry bar, is inviting Grand Rapids residents to submit photos of the people, places and moments they care about for a growing mural fundraiser benefiting the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF).

The fundraiser began a month ago and has already raised over $500 for GRTF, which empowers and builds opportunities for transgender folks in the city. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link to this article is available in the comments.

There’s a statewide shortage of poll workers ahead of the general election on Nov. 3, but Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel H...
09/01/2026

There’s a statewide shortage of poll workers ahead of the general election on Nov. 3, but Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp says he has a different problem: Grand Rapids needs more Republicans to sign up.

Michigan election law requires election administrators to appoint an equal number of poll workers to each precinct “as nearly as possible … from each major political party.” Each precinct needs at least three poll workers—also called election inspectors—plus a chairperson. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link for this article is available in the comments.

September is serving up something a little different in Grand Rapids—and it’s completely plant-based. For the second con...
08/31/2026

September is serving up something a little different in Grand Rapids—and it’s completely plant-based. For the second consecutive year, the Vegan Chef Challenge is bringing local chefs and restaurants together for a monthlong competition, encouraging diners to explore creative vegan dishes while giving restaurants a chance to expand their plant-based offerings.

Funded by Vegan Outreach, the challenge runs throughout September, inviting diners to try participating restaurants, discover new flavors and vote for their favorite dishes. For chefs, it’s an opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and test how customers respond to more inclusive, allergen-friendly menu options. | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link to this article is available in the comments.

Photo Credit: Sarah Hyden

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