Recent Cityscene Articles

women-owned businesses West Michigan

Visit These Women-Owned Businesses!

Much like many folks in our community, we love showing local love whenever possible. Come along as we touch on a (far from exhaustive) shortlist on some of our loved local women-owned businesses, perfect for your summer activities, whether you're shopping, dining,...

Dive Into Summer Fun at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Dive Into Summer Fun at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) comes alive this summer as more than just a backdrop for its headline summer exhibition, Sharks; it becomes a stage for community, discovery, and creativity. Here’s a look at the jam-packed summer schedule at the GRPM. SHARKS,...

West Michigan adventures

Seeking Thrills: West Michigan’s Most Exciting Experiences

Want to get your adrenaline pumping or blow off a little steam? There are so many exhilarating things to do in and around West Michigan, from downright daring to straight-up fun. Here, we've collected a few of our favorite ideas for when you're ready to get your...

water safety tips

Water Safety: Fact or Fiction

As summer draws near, focusing on water safety is imperative. The CDC reports that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 14 in the U.S., with about 4,000 fatalities annually. Do you know everything you need to know about...

Juneteenth Jam

Don’t Miss the 2025 Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam!

Taking place Thursday June 19, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Calder Plaza in Downtown Grand Rapids is the fifth annual Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam, a celebration that centers Black art, entertainment, culture and experiences. The event pays homage to Juneteenth, also...

Chasing Rainbows: Gay Bars Across West Michigan

Chasing Rainbows: Gay Bars Across West Michigan

When you're looking for a safe space to hang out with likeminded people, gay bars are the place to be. While West Michigan could certainly use more dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces, the spots we do have are excellent institutions that have persisted for a reason. Also, as...

Uptown: Where Local Lives Loud

Uptown: Where Local Lives Loud

Picture this: While visiting Grand Rapids, you find yourself in the midst of a vibrant, walkable district; its brick-cobbled streets lined with eclectic shops, delicious dining, funky pubs, eye-catching artwork, historic architecture, and best of all, unforgettable...

independent bookstores West Michigan

Bountiful Book Shops

Looking for a good read? Perhaps even coupled with a welcoming space to enjoy it in? Come along as we share some of our favorite local independent options for bookworms and lovers of all things literary. Books and Mortarbooksandmortar.comBooks and Mortar is Grand...

West Michigan events summer

Summer Festival Fun and Special Events

You'll want to mark your calendar for these festivals, farmers markets and seasonal favorites. ArtPrizeartprize.org | September 18 - October 4, 2025A celebration of ideas, conversations, experimentation and inclusiveness, ArtPrize welcomes over 800,000 visitors...