News
News & Updates from GR&
Stay informed about the rapidly evolving Grand Riverfront. This is your central hub for information, news, stories, and announcements about the exciting developments happening along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids and impacting the surrounding areas.
June at the Amphitheater: Your Guide to Every Show on the River This Month
The Acrisure Amphitheater hit the ground running in May with a sold-out inaugural concert featuring Lionel Richie. June keeps the momentum of its debut season going with a packed lineup of country, hard rock, hip-hop, and legacy acts, plus a highly anticipated reunion 20 years in the making. Here’s who’s taking the stage, who’s opening, and what to spin before you go.
Michigan Strategic Fund Board Approves Transformational Brownfield Plan for Fulton & Market
State approval of the Transformational Brownfield Plan clears the way for a $795 million Fulton & Market project, unlocking new housing, a luxury hotel, retail, and public green space along the downtown Grand Rapids riverfront.
Why the Grand River Doesn’t Fully Freeze (and What That Tells Us)
Even in bitter cold, the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids rarely freezes solid, thanks to fast-moving water, frazil ice formation, and human influences that keep the river in motion all winter long.
30 Years of Griffins Hockey: A Catalyst for Grand Rapids’ Growth and a New Era with AC Grand Rapids
From Van Andel Arena to Amway Stadium, investment in sports and community continues to shape the city’s identity and future.
Plan the Perfect Holiday Outing in Downtown Grand Rapids
Discover the best holiday activities in downtown Grand Rapids.
Fall Along the Grand: Your Downtown Riverfront Color Guide
Discover the Best Fall Views and Riverwalk Spots in Downtown Grand Rapids.
A New Era for Soccer in West Michigan: Athletic Club Grand Rapids Arrives
West Michigan Soccer unveils the new Athletic Club Grand Rapids. The team name for the MLS NEXT Pro team coming to Amway Stadium in 2027.
Magellan Brings National Development Expertise, Shared Vision to Fulton & Market
Magellan Development Group joins Fulton & Market in Grand Rapids, bringing national expertise to a transformational, mixed-use riverfront project.
ArtPrize at 15: A Riverfront Story Still in Motion
ArtPrize marks 15 years of transforming Grand Rapids’ riverfront into a vibrant stage for public art and community connection.
5 Riverfront Milestones That Show Grand Rapids is on the Rise
Discover how Canal Park, Gillett Bridge, Amway Stadium, and the Acrisure Amphitheater are reshaping the Grand Rapids riverfront.
Acrisure Amphitheater: What to Expect from Grand Rapids’ New Era of Music on the River
Acrisure Amphitheater opens in 2026, bringing a world-class outdoor music venue to Grand Rapids’ riverfront.
Beneath the Surface: Honoring the Craft of Carousel Upholstery
Grand Rapids Public Museum restores its 1928 Spillman Carousel with original horsehair upholstery, preserving history for future generations.
Making Room: The Rise of Adaptive Reuse in Grand Rapids Housing
Downtown Grand Rapids is undergoing a housing transformation, but not everything is being built from scratch. Instead, developers are adding new homes by converting old hotels, office buildings, and even factories into fresh, modern living spaces across the city’s core and along the Grand Riverfront.
Where City Life Meets the River: A Day in the Life Along the GR& Riverfront
Discover the best of downtown living in Grand Rapids—walkable streets, local cafes, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy city convenience, outdoor dining, and urban charm in the heart of West Michigan.
July 2025 Riverfront Construction Update: Where Dreams Take Shape
Explore the latest July 2025 updates on Canal Park, 111 Lyon, Amway Stadium, and more as Grand Rapids' riverfront transforms into a vibrant downtown destination.
From Sunrise to Sunset: Grand Rapids’ Best Riverfront Routes
Explore the best riverfront trails in Grand Rapids and West Michigan for walking, jogging, or unwinding—from sunrise at Butterworth Trail to sunset at Riverside Park.
10 Must-Snap Photo Spots Along the GR& Riverfront
Capture iconic views, vibrant murals, and scenic riverwalks. These top Grand Rapids photography locations are picture perfect.
Summer by the River: Festivals, Food, and Fun in Downtown Grand Rapids
From June through September, the city fills with festivals, concerts, and community events that bring people together all summer long.
Five Perfect Picnic Spots Along the Grand Riverfront
Explore five must-visit picnic spots along the Grand Riverfront in Grand Rapids—perfect for summer views, food, and fresh air.
Spring Construction Milestones: A Season of Progress Along the Grand Riverfront
Discover spring construction milestones along the Grand Rapids riverfront, from the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium to Canal Park’s transformation and more.