5 at 5: Grand Rapids
Living in Grand Rapids means your day doesn’t end when work does. Once 5 o’clock hits, you can enjoy live music, riverfront trails, happy hour menus, art, and Lake Michigan just a short drive away. Here are 5 things to do when your workday ends in GR!
1. Take a free outdoor fitness class
The Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation offers free outdoor fitness classes throughout the summer. A variety of classes ranging from yoga and Zumba to HIIT and cardio drumming are hosted by local instructors in parks and public spaces across Grand Rapids for 16 weeks. Lace up your sneakers, get outside and make some new friends!
Some of the classes you’ll find include:
- Yoga @ Mulick Park
- Zumba @ Rosa Parks Circle
- Line Dancing @ MLK Park
- Barre @ The Blue Bridge
- Sunset Yoga @ Lookout Park
- Pumped Up Strength @ Cherry Park
- Sunrise Yoga @ Indian Trails Golf Course
- Mat Pilates @ Riverside Park
- Hip Hop Barre @ Pleasant Park
- Turn Up Dance Fitness @ Garfield Park
2. Explore the Downtown Market
Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market is a hub of 21 indoor food merchants and restaurants, public events, a great shopping for unique food products—all under one roof! Grab a table at Rák Thai, snag a sandwich from Juju bird, or the catch of the day from Fish Lads. If you’re looking for a great spot for happy hour, check out Sav Sav by Squibb for a delicious curated menu. Head upstairs at the market for open seating and cool views from the upper level. Before you leave, don’t miss a boba tea or a pastry for the walk home!
3. Grab a drink with a view
There are plenty of great options for a drink al fresco within walking distance of downtown offices! Check out the view from Knoop, the rooftop bar at the Canopy hotel, or soak up the energy of the West Side from the rooftop at Rapid River Stillhouse.
Other patios to check out:
- The Winchester (East Hills)
- New Holland Brewing (Bridge Street)
- Gin Gin’s (West Side)
- The Friesian (Medical Mile)
- Our Brewing and the adjacent Picnic (Wealthy Street)
- Broad Leaf Underground Bar (Bridge Street)
- Butcher’s Union (Bridge Street)
- Founders Brewing Co. (Heartside District)
4. Go for a walk along the Grand River
Grand Rapids continues to expand its river trail network, and from downtown it’s a breeze to hop on the path and stretch your legs.
Exciting progress is underway to build connections from the existing riverfront trails to more than 30 public parks along the river, creating what is known as the Grand River Greenway. Popular spots along the river include Canal Park, which is undergoing a $7.5 million renovation to create a universally accessible play space, an accessible kayak launch, river outlooks, seating terraces and a multi-purpose plaza with an enclosed pavilion. Lyon Square has been transformed with pedestrian paths, greenery, seating, colorful lighting and a spacious platform overlooking the river. A snowmelt system keeps the gathering space event-ready in every season.
Pick up the trail at the newly refreshed Lyon Square and head north toward Canal Park for a nice riverside walk that takes you to the Monroe North Neighborhood’s great restaurant options. City Built Brewing, Garage Bar, and Silva are all conveniently on your path!
5. Enjoy dinner and a show in Uptown
The concentration of great restaurants in this one district is truly impressive. Uptown consists of the Eastown, East Hills, Heritage Hill, and East Fulton neighborhoods and stretches along Cherry, Wealthy and Fulton Streets just east of downtown Grand Rapids. In Eastown, check out happy hour at Terra or grab a pizza at Quaratino’s. If you’re craving delicious Mediterranean, head to Zivio in East Hills, or find funky 1970s style at The Commons, tucked into a residential building on Cherry Street. Find crave-worthy Japanese and Korean dishes at KCM on Diamond Street, or elevated comfort food in a stunning renovated chapel at Vivant Brewery and Spirits.
All of these spots are walking distance from Wealthy Theatre, a true community gem that hosts a range of films and live events spanning every interest. The Grand Rapids Community Media Center, Grand Rapids Film Society, WYCE and other groups offer classic films, cult favorites, as well as screenings of short films, works-in-progress, and music videos from local filmmakers and creatives. You’ll also find improv and standup comedy, magic shows and film festival tours.