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    Monthly Newsletter

     
                                                                        April                                                            May
     

    Listed below and within the Monthly Newsletter is information on events that the Office of Special Events (OSE) helps 'Make Happen'. Please visit other sites below for more events happening with the City of Grand Rapids. If you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter email list please email specialevents@grcity.us

     

    May 2013

    • Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Tuesday Starts Apr.16 - Oct.8)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free swing dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (4th)
      www.makingstrideswalk.org/grandrapidsmi
      Rosa Parks Circle
      3.5 mile 5K walk through downtown GR. Registration and activities will be held at Rosa Parks Circle from 6am to 12pm. 
    • AHA Big Brew Day (4th)
      www.sicilianosmkt.com
      Calder Plaza
      48 Brew Kettles brewing 'Beer City IPA'. Event will be held at Calder Plaza from 9am to 6pm. The Big Brew Day is a way to get a number of home brewers together in one location to promote the hobby of home brewing. Brewers will be conducting all aspects of the brewing process that they would normally do at a home setting including boiling the wort on propane burners, adding hops during the boil and then cooling with immersion chillers.
    • Cinco De Mayo (4th)
      www.arenadistrict.com/cinco
      Area 3 downtown GR (across from McFaddens)
      Downtown Fiesta with a food and drink celebration honoring Hispanic Culture. Even begins at 12pm and goes until 10pm
    • Access Hunger Walk (4th)
      www.accessofwestmichigan.org
      Various Downtown Sidewalks
      A band of one thousand heroes will come together this May to take a stand against hunger. The annual Access Hunger Walk brings together twenty-four hunger-fighting agencies for a family-friendly 5k walk beginning in downtown Grand Rapids. We will walk to raise funds and awareness for the hungry in our community and around the world. Uniting together, we can be heroes in our community. This event will bring over one thousand walkers and volunteers to the area. Anyone who wants to join the fight against hunger and poverty is welcome. We want to make this a fun event, so we are asking all participants to dress as a super hero! Join Access of West Michigan and 23 other hunger-fighting agencies at the Hunger Walk this year. We need more hunger heroes. We need you.
    • Bike and Hike Right to Life (4th)
      www.grrtl.org
      Riverside Park-Riverbend Shelter
      Bikers and hikers gather together and travel the designated route at Riverside Park on May 4th from 9am to 1pm. 
    • Walk for Lupus (5th)
      www.milupus.org
      Riverside Park-Bandshell Shelter
      A walk to raise money to find a cure for lupus and create awareness. Event will be at Riverside Park from 2pm to 5pm. Proceeds of this event go to LAAMI to provide monthly support for group networks, annual educational seminars with leading medical advisors, patient advocacy at state and federal levels and research advancements through the Lupus Research Instiitute.
    • 5/3rd River Bank Run (11th)
      www.53riverbankrun.com
      Various Downtown Streets and Calder Plaza
      This year will be the 36th annual Fifth Third River Bank Run which includes a 25k, 10k, 5k run and 5k walk. The walk has 2 heats. One at 7am and the second at 7:30am. 10k is at 8am. 25k wheelchair and handcyclists will be at 8:20am. 5k walk is at 8:45am.
    • Police Memorial Day (16th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      The annual Police Memorial Service is held to honor 31 fallen officers from the Grand Rapids and Western Michigan area, as well as those who have had ties to the area. The Guest Speaker will be State Representative Winnie Brinks 76th District. A reception will follow at the Grand Rapids Police Department on the third floor. This event is free and open to the public. Ceremony begins at 10am at Rosa Parks Circle downtown Grand Rapids.
    • Active Commute Week/Get Down (Town) National Bike to Work Week (17th)
      www.bikegrandrapids.org
      Rosa Parks Circle
      From 4:30pm to 8pm at Rosa Parks Circle Get Down (Town) will host the National Bike to Work Day event, part of Active Commute Week of Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition. There will be bands, vendor tables, award ceremony and bicycle tune-ups.
    • Special People Meet (18th)- EVENT CANCELLED
      Rosa Parks Circle
      In honor of National Bike to Work Week, we challenge you to think actively this spring when
      considering transportation in Grand Rapids. The Second Annual West Michigan Active Commute Week will be held from May 13-17 this year and includes an Active Commuting Challenge throughout the week with great prizes.  Friday, May 17th, from 7am to  9am, there will be pit stops set up throughout the community with free refreshments to refuel on the way into work.  Join us on Friday from 5am to 9pm for the Active Commute Week Celebration at Rosa Parks Circle. There will be FREE live music by great local bands, educational information, FREE mini-tune ups, and local food vendors on site. We will also be announcing the winners of the Challenge and awarding some great prizes.
    • Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk (18th)
      www.cff.org
      Calder Plaza
      The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will hold the Great Strides Walk On Saturday, May 18th, at 10am. Great Strides is the largest fund-raising event for the CF Foundation, the leading organization committed to finding new therapies and ultimately a cure for CF. Nearly 90 percent of every dollar of revenue raised is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education. This event provides an opportunity for our community to get involved forming teams through their workplace, through clubs and organizations or with friends and family. Walk day is a fun, family-oriented celebration that includes a healthy walk, Kids’ Corner activities, food, and festivities that participants look forward to year after year!
    • Build A Better Block - re:STATEState St. (18th-19th)
      www.betterblockgr.com
      State St. from Jefferson to Madison
      In 2012, the American Planning Association honored the Heritage Hill Neighborhood by listing the historic neighborhood in their top ten Great Neighborhoods in America. The neighborhood has beautiful historic buildings, a lovely tree canopy and a diverse group of citizens dedicated to their neighborhood, but what it does not have is a strong neighborhood business district; the closest thing in Heritage Hill would be State Street. This lack of a thriving business district is what spurred a group of local advocates to start the Build a Better Block re:STATE project for State Street.
    • Eastown Community Picnic in the Park (18th)
      www.eastowngr.com
      Sigsbee Park 
      On May 18th, Picnic in the Park will be from 9am to 11am at Sigsbee Park. Eastown residents and volunteers will help with general clean up of Sigsbee and Wilcox parks, as well as help with existing gardens. Noon to 4pm we will have a community picnic at Sigsbee Park with food, kid’s activities, bands and more. More details to be announced!
    • State High School Rowing Championships (18th)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Stomp Out Stigma Rally for Mental Health (18th)
      www.themhf.org
      Riverwalk
      Annual walk for mental health held on May 18th, at Grand Valley State University’s downtown Pew Campus at 8:30am. The event is held in conjunction with National Mental Health Month. Planned collaboratively with and sponsored by local mental health service providers, the annual event strives to raise awareness that the stigma associated with mental illness is one of the greatest barriers that keeps people from seeking help. We had over 1,200 walkers in 2012 and we continue to grow. The walk will travel from the Grand Valley campus for 3 miles through beautiful downtown Grand Rapids along the Grand Rivers boardwalk.
    • Walk MS (18th)
      www.walkmsmi.org
      City sidewalks within Fulton Heights
      Walk MS will be held Saturday, May 18th, at the Donnelly Center at Aquinas College. Check-in and registration begins at 9am. The walk will start at 10am. When you participate in Walk MS, the funds you raise give hope to the more than 18,000 people living with MS in our community. The dollars raised support promising research to stop the disease, restore function that has been lost and to end MS forever. Your dollars also help fund local programs for people living with MS right here in our community.
    • Memorial Day Parade (27th)
      Veterans Memorial Park
      On Monday, May 27th, the annual Memorial Day Parade will be held downtown Grand Rapids. The parade will begin at 10am and head down Division to Fulton ending at Veterans Memorial Park.

    June 2013

    • Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Tuesday Starts Apr.16 - Oct.8)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free swing dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Local First St. Party (1st)
      www.localfirst.com
      Downtown in front of Bistro Bella Vita (Weston St.)
      Free community event celebrating local food, local music, and local beer. Event goes from 4pm to 12am.
    • Construction Truck Petting Zoo (1st)
      www.grpl.org
      Veterans Memorial Park
      Construction trucks will be on display for kids to touch and look at. This is a collaboration of the Grand Rapids Public Library and the Children's Museum. 10am-2pm.
    • Spectrum Health Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Starts Jun.4 - Sep. 24)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Southeast Areas Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Friday Starts Jun.7 - Nov.1)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Avenue for the Arts: The Market (8th)
      www.avenueforthearts.com
      Avenue for the Arts (between Fulton and Cherry streets)
      From 12-8pm the Market will be taking over the sidewalks of South Division between Fulton and Cherry with vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers.
    • Westside 5K (8th)
      Riverside Park - Bandshell Shelter
      Fun run/walk through the Westside neighborhood to encourage the Westside neighborhood to get outside and get active. The event highlights the good things happening in the neighborhood and is a collaborative event by Servants Community Church and The Other Way Ministries. Event starts at 8am starting and finishing at The Other Way Family Center on 839 Sibley St. NW.
    • Festival of the Arts (7th-9th)
      www.festivalgr.org
      Downtown GR/Rosa Parks Circle/Calder Plaza
      3 Day are festival featuring music, art and food.
    • Zumba at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Monday Starts Apr.10 - Aug. 19th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free zumba lessons every Monday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 5:15pm.
    • Blues on the Mall (Every Wednesday Starts Jun.12 - Aug.21)TENTATIVE
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Line Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Thursday Starts Jun.13 - Aug.15)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free line dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Relay for Life (14th-15th)
      http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY13GL?pg=entry&fr_id=50252
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      24 hour event starting Friday at 1pm and ending Saturday at 1pm. Teams overnight walking overnight in order to raise funds. There will be various activities throughout the event.
    • Life Walk (15th)
      http://prcforlife.org/events/
      Catholic Central High School
      Lifewalk is an annual fundraiser. Event starts at 8am with registration, walk at 9am and ends at 10am.

    • Rock the Block Culture Fest (15th)
      Madison Square
      Community fair for health and wellness. Event starts at 11am and goes until 6pm. There will be resource tables, children bounce house, entertainment, food, raffles, horse rides, chess tournament and more.

    • Summer Stroll for Epilepsy (15th)
      http://www.epilepsymichigan.org/page.php?id=23
      Sixth St. Park
      Inspirational morning walk bringing people together to raise epilepsy awareness and raise funds for the foundation. Event starts at 5am and goes till 12pm. There will be opening and closing ceremonies, continental breakfast, face painting, clowns, raffle prizes, trophies and a walk.
    • West Michigan Pride Fest (15th)
      http://www.westmipride.org/
      Calder Plaza
      Gay pride festival with arts, music, food, beer and vendors starting at 1pm. Event goes until 10pm.
    • 3 Fires Pow Wow (15th-16th)
      Riverside Park - Bandshell Shelter
      More info coming soon.
    • Strawberry Shortcake Festival (20th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • New Belgium Brewing "Clips of Faith, Beer and Film Tour" (21st)
      http://www.newbelgium.com/clips.aspx
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      Movie in the park. Event takes place from 7pm-11:30pm.
    • Grand Rapids Public Museum Moonlight Ride (21st-22nd)
      GRPM/Riverside/Fifth Third Ballpark
      A Grand Rapids Public Museum Moonlight Ride and Twilight Family ride and Midnight Cycling Event. Participants will gather at the museum for pre-ride family activities at 6pm (bike decorating, face painting, etc.) At 8pm the Twilight Family Ride will begin. At midnight the Moonlight Ride will begin.
    • Eastown Bizarre Bazaare (22nd)
      http://www.eastowngr.com/
      Wealthy St. from Lake Dr. to Atlas
      A juried artisan/craft fair with entertainment starting at 9am going until 5pm begining at 1118 Front N.W.
    • Mo Dive Chalk Flood (22nd)
      Monroe Ctr.
      Family friendly event allowing guests to flood the downtown streets with sidewalk chalk. The event will go from 11am-4pm.
    • Regatta State Games (22nd)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • The Well Being Rx Run (22nd)
      http://www.grwellbeing.com/
      Sixth St. Park
      Walk/run supporting improved mental health through fitness. Starts at 8am.
    • Grace in the City (23rd)
      http://gftnc.org/
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Open air worship featuring musician guests and inspirational presentations from 1pm-9:30pm.
    • State Games of Michigan - Cycling Time Trial (22nd)
      YMCA downtown GR
      More info coming soon.
    • Refugee Walk (22nd)
      https://goal.bethany.org/event/refugee-walk
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      Walkathon and world refugee day celebration event to support Bethany Christian Services Refugee Recruitment Program. From 3pm-7pm.
    • Grand Rapids Criterium (29th)
      http://www.grcyclingclassic.com/race
      Around the Van Andel Arena
      Bike race downtown GR.
    • MSU Gran Fondo (29th)
      http://msugranfondo.com/
      The B.O.B.
      MSU College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo fundraiser/community participation cycling event. There will be live bands, food stations, and microbrew tasting.

    July 2013

    • Zumba at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Monday Starts Apr.10 - Aug. 19th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free zumba lessons every Monday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 5:15pm.
    • Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Tuesday Starts Apr.16 - Oct.8)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free swing dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Spectrum Health Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Starts Jun.4 - Sep. 24)
      Crescent Park
    • Teazers Bar Blues on Ottawa (Every Wednesday Starts Jun.6 - Aug.29)
      Teazers
    • Blues on the Mall (Every Wednesday Starts Jun.12 - Aug.21)TENTATIVE
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Line Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Thursday Starts Jun.13 - Aug.15)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free line dancing every Thursday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Southeast Areas Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Friday Starts Jun.7 - Nov.1)
      Crescent Park
    • 4th of July Celebration (4th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon
    • Hollyhock Lane 4th of July Parade (4th)
      TBD
      More info coming soon
    • Classic Rock 5K (4th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon
    • Livefest (6th)
      MLK Park
      More info coming soon
    • City Lights Music Festival (19th-20th)
      www.citylightsmusicfestival.com
      Calder Plaza
      Live music, art, and food.
    • West Michigan MudVenture 5k (20th)
      On the property of Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
      The West Michigan MudVenture 5k is a mud/obstacle run for young and old, and all athletic abilities. You will find challenges, camaraderie --and plenty of mud. It will be a day you won’t forget. Check us out at www.MudVenture5k.com
    • ADA Celebration (23rd)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon
    • Grand Rapids Childrens Museum 15th Birthday St. Party (31st)
      Sheldon St. in front of museum (Fulton to Library)
      More info coming soon

    August 2013

    • Zumba at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Monday Starts Apr.10 - Aug. 19th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free zumba lessons every Monday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 5:15pm.
    • Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Tuesday Starts Apr.16 - Oct.8)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free swing dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Spectrum Health Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Starts Jun.4 - Sep. 24)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Teazers Bar Blues on Ottawa (Every Wednesday Starts Jun.6 - Aug.29)
      Teazers
    • Blues on the Mall (Every Wednesday Starts Jun.12 - Aug.21)TENTATIVE
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Line Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Thursday Starts Jun.13 - Aug.15)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free line dancing every Thursday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Southeast Areas Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Friday Starts Jun.7 - Nov.1)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Color Run (3rd)
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon
    • National Night Out (6th)
      Location depends on your Neighborhood Association
      More info coming soon
    • Millenium Triathlon (9th-10th)
      Millenium Park
      More info coming soon
    • Cattle Barrons Ball Dinner (11th)
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • GRandJazzFest (16th-18th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Steeple Fest (17th)
      Stocking St.
      More info coming soon.
    • Polish Festival (23rd-25th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Yassou Greek Festival (24th)
      Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
      More info coming soon.
    • 28th St. Metro Cruise(25th)
      28th St.
      More info coming soon.
    • Eat. Pray. Run. (25th)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Labor Fest (23rd-24th)TENTATIVE
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Soul of the City (24th)
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.

    September 2013

    • Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle (Every Tuesday Starts Apr.16 - Oct.8)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      Free swing dancing every Tuesday at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 7pm.
    • Spectrum Health Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Starts Jun.4 - Sep. 24)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Southeast Areas Farmers Market (Every Tuesday Friday Starts Jun.7 - Nov.1)
      Crescent Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Mayor's Community Bridge Walk (2nd)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Hispanic Festival (26th-8th)TENTATIVE
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • Celebration on the Grand (6th-7th)TENTATIVE
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • Grand Valley Pow Wow (6th-8th)TENTATIVE
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Creston Car Show (7th)
      Plainfield Ave. (Lafayette to Page)
      More info coming soon.
    • GPNA Arts and Crafts Fair (7th)
      Garfield Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Walk to Defeat ALS (8th)
      Sixth St. Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Walk to Cure Diabetes (14th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Mexican Festival (13th-15th)TENTATIVE
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • Aids Walk + Run (14th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • LMCU Bridge Run - formerly RUnGR Bridge Run (15th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Eastown St. Fair (14th)
      Wealthy St. (Lake to Atlas)
      More info coming soon.
    • Mayor's Grand River Clean-up (14th)
      Sixth St. Park
      More info coming soon.
    • ArtPrize (Sep. 18- Oct.6)
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • Dog Day in the Park (21st)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Pagan Pride Fest (21st)
      Richmond Park
      More info coming soon.

    October 2013

    • ArtPrize (Sep. 18- Oct.6)
      Calder Plaza
      More info coming soon.
    • Pulaski Day Parade (5th)
      TBD
      More info coming soon.
    • Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes (5th)
      Rosa Parks Circle
      More info coming soon.
    • Urban Adventure Race: ArtPrize Edition (5th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Heart Walk (12th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Bark in the Park (12th)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Grand Crossings Mayor's Community Bridge Walk (18th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • GR Marathon Road Race (19th-20th)
      TBD
      More info coming soon.
    • Run Thru the Rapids (19th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Bras Across the Grand (19th)
      Gillett Bridge
      More info coming soon.
    • Zombie Dash (26th)
      Ah-Nab-Awen Park
      More info coming soon.

    November 2013

    • ​Veterans Day Parade (11th)
      Veterans Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Santa Parade (23rd)
      TBD
      More info coming soon.

    December 2013

    • The Ugly Sweater Run (7th)
      TBD
      More info coming soon.
    • Whoville 5K (15th)
      Riverside Park
      More info coming soon.
    • Hot New Year's Eve Celebration (31st)
      TBD
      More info coming soon.
    Please check the following sites for more events:
    www.GRNow.com
    www.visitgrandrapids.org
    www.downtowngr.org
    www.experiencegr.com