r/grandrapids • u/[deleted] • Mar 27 '24

Social List of Active Meetup Groups and Tips for Making Friends

161 Upvotes

I updated the list of which Meetup groups are active (groups that have 3+ people attending an event within the past/next 60 days). Meetup is a site/app for interest groups/hobbies/new friends. I grouped them by concept and included their self-written descriptions.

If you're in an active Meetup group that I've missed, list it in the comments. Non-Meetup groups are welcome too; include contact info and links.

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Tips for making friends as an adult attending a Meetup with a bunch of strangers:

  • Show up slightly early/on time. Plan to stay 10 minutes after the scheduled end time.
  • Introduce yourself, say it's your first time and why you're excited about this group; appear excited.
  • Ask individuals (this is where being early or staying late can help) open-ended questions (Why did you start/join this group? What has your experience been like? What recommendations do you have related to [Meetup group's hobby/concept]?)
  • If people ask you a question, answer it and add an open-ended question of your own or ask "what about you?"
  • People love giving recommendations. If it's a group conversation, ask for restaurant rec of a specific kind/place. "I haven't tried X yet, what do you guys think?" Tee it up to be a cuisine/concept you can talk more about or ask follow up questions.
  • If you are vibing with someone(s), ask if they'd like to hang out with a specific idea in mind (ex: You asked for pizza recs and found out that neither of you have tried that new place so suggest you go together), and give them your contact info to set up a time/date. I'd recommend attending the group 2-3 times first before this step.
  • Follow the 3:6 rule to turn that acquaintance into a friend. Aim for three meaningful interactions within 6 weeks of engaging.

Feeling a little more prepared? Great. Let's get into it. [Note: I made some grammatical edits after posting this for clarity/brevity.]

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AGE/ETHNICITY/GENDER

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BOOK CLUBS/FILM

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CRAFTING

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DANCING/MUSIC

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ENGINEERING/MAKERS/PROFESSIONAL

  • Coffee with Creators: For creatives: web developers, designers, videographers, and more--who want to hear about the latest trends in the digital space
  • Culinary Conversations Grand Rapids: Serving West Michigan’s food industry professionals (growers, producers, restaurateurs) in conversation about the region’s food creator system
  • Embedded GR: Engineers, hobbyists, students, and managers discussing the development, tooling, and processes associated with the creation of embedded systems.
  • GRPUG - Grand Rapids Python Users Group: Whether you're a certified Pythonista or just curious about getting started with the Python programming language, join us.
  • GRWebDev: Learn from each other about best web practices, cross-browser compatibility, Javascript frameworks, style hacks, project management, and web-related topics.
  • West Michigan 3D Printing: Whether you are a beginner or an expert, join us to share ideas, tips, and knowledge or just get together with other 3D printers (people...not machines).
  • West Michigan AI Lab: We explore the latest AI trends, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with like-minded enthusiasts and professionals.
  • West Michigan Azure User Group: A community of tech enthusiast [sic] who are interested in exploring, learning and using Azure.

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FINANCE/BUSINESS/PUBLIC SPEAKING

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FOOD/DIET/PSYCHEDELICS/SOBER/ALCOHOL

  • DRY Sober Social: Fitness, yoga, dancing, music, and socializing. A space where people can socialize without the pressure of drinking alcohol.
  • Grand Rapids Foodies: Our goal is to dine at restaurants in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area, as well as to participate in cooking classes and wine and cheese tastings.
  • Grand Rapids Natural Health and Healing: For anyone interested in healing through nutrition and natural substances like herbs and nutrients.
  • Grand Rapids Psychedelic Society: Whether you’re an experienced psychonaut or an individual who is simply curious about learning more, we're a space for you.
  • West Michigan Women Who Wine: Where interesting and intelligent women gather to relax, make new friends and socialize.
  • Will Forage for Food Grand Rapids Chapter: For folks interested in sharing knowledge on foraging and living from the land. All skill levels and ages welcome.

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GAMES/NERD CULTURE

  • Good Game Grand Rapids: We are largest tabletop gaming community in Grand Rapids and are committed to growing an inclusive community
  • Muskegon Area Gamers: For anyone interested in playing board games, card games, or any table top [sic] game. This group learns and teachs [sic] new games all the time.
  • We Hate Bards: This group is dedicated to pen and paper RPGs of all kinds.
  • Wednesday Friendsday Boardgame Group: We're folks in our 30s-50s who enjoy good conversation, good eats, and good games, in that order.
  • West Michigan Geeks: We help people meet friends that they want to hang out with outside of group events and have helped form more friendships/relationships than any other meetup.

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OUTDOORS/CAMPING

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MISCELLANEOUS/PERSONALITY

  • Citizen Labs: Engaged citizens can improve their communities. We use open data and open source technology to promote transparency, and provide solutions that work.
  • Friday Fun Days: Live music/concerts, festivals, flea markets/thrifting, lunch/dinner outings, hiking, going to the beach, bowling, and much more.
  • Sign Language Social Meetup of Michigan: For anyone who would like to attend ASL events and meet up with other Sign Language users.
  • West Michigan Adventures with JIM: Cinema, live theater, sporting events, concerts, trade events, geo caching [sic], road trips, fitness, festivals, amusement parks, and travel.
  • West Michigan Out & About: Everything from hiking to concerts, from breweries to dancing, from cooking classes to biking and more.
  • West Michigan Shyness and Social Anxiety Meetup: Hang out with us in a judgment and harassment-free zone if you're shy, introverted, or just a bit awkward around new people.

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REAL ESTATE

  • Grand Rapids Real Estate Investor Network: Landlords, investors, and other real estate professional [sic] make connections, share ideas and strategies, and ask questions.
  • Lakeshore REIA: For individuals interested in wholesale properties, real estate group investments, and becoming successful real estate entrepreneurs.
  • Short-Term Rental Networking Group: Have you wondered about the success of Airbnb and similar rental marketplaces and how you can incorporate that into your income?

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SEXUALITY/DATING

  • Fun-Loving Singles Over 50!: This is a social group for youthful, SINGLE peeps in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
  • Holland Area LGBTQ+ & Allies Meetup: Enhancing the LGBTQ+ community to meet others, cultivate relationships in a social setting, and provide each other with support and fun!
  • Out on the Lakeshore: Join us for fun-filled events where you can meet like-minded individuals and create life-long connections

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TRAVEL

  • Michigan Day Trips: For people who love to spend a day checking out a different town/city, whilst meeting new friends! I will post a destination 2+ weeks in advance.

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WRITING/ACTING/DRAWING/PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Grand Rapids Drawing and Painting: This group is for everyone who’s interested in drawing or painting.
  • Illusory World Building: As writers lets get past the writing groups that discuss word choice or punctuation. and grapple with the BIG picture--world building.
  • Lakeshore Stationery Club: If you love fountain pens, gel pens, Traveler’s Notebooks, Hobonichi, bullet journaling, or planners this is for you. We journal, write, draw, and paint.
  • Writing Time: We meet on weekends to write in a group setting. Sometimes it's nice to work quietly with others.

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YOGA/MEDITATION/PHILOSOPHY/SPIRITUALITY

  • Community Meditation Circle: This is a non-religious, non-sectarian trauma-informed group to connect to ourselves, each other, and the community.
  • Grand Rapids Buddhist Meetup: For anyone interested in working with their minds, as well as deepening their spiritual life through the practice of Buddhist meditation.
  • Grand Rapids Forest Bathing, Forest Yoga & Foraging Classes: Join our ANFT certified forest therapy guide for guided forest bathing, forest therapy walks, and forest yoga classes.
  • Grand Rapids Free Yoga: Classes are meant to help you strengthen, lengthen, and connect to your spirit.
  • Meaningful Conversations Grand Rapids: Individuals of all beliefs gather together to engage respectfully and civilly in elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation, and learning.
  • Michigan Humanists: A secular community that promotes humanist values. Our vision is to lead an engaged, statewide secular society guided by the values of Humanism.
  • RfR - Grand Rapids/Holland, MI: We at Recovering from Religion are intimately familiar with learning how to live after questions, doubts, and changing beliefs. You are not alone.
  • Tai’ Chi Gung Classes: Learn the simple moving and breathing exercises created by Lao Tzu more than 3,000 years ago for health and longevity.
  • T&T - 20s & 30s Christian Social: To connect peers from Bible-believing, Christ-proclaiming churches, encouraging members to invest in their local church.
55 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Every-Ability8670 • 4d ago

33+ Things to do around Grand Rapids this weekend (10/23 - 10/26)

28 Upvotes

What Is Happening?

Friday, October 23rd

Saturday, October 24th

Sunday, October 25th

Live Music

Friday, October 23rd

  • The Wild Honey Collective | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
  • Judah & The Lion | The Intersection | 6:30 PM - 11 PM
  • Sophia McIntosh | Brickyard Tavern | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
  • Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Prior Noon | The Stache | 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
  • Jessica Audiffred | Elevation | 9 PM
  • Blood Druid/ Dischorded/ Venom of Virtue | Mulligan's Pub | (10/23 - 10/24) 10 PM
  • Kylee Phillips, Grace Theisen Trio | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM
  • Mickey & The Heart Throbs + Secret Satan | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

Saturday, October 24th

  • R&B Fest – A Celebration Of 90’S & 00’S R&B | Elevation | 4 PM - 9 PM
  • The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty | The Big Room | 7 PM - 10 PM
  • Oddities on Ottawa | Garage Bar and Grill | 3 PM - 10 PM
  • Fall, In Love | Ladies Literary Club | 3 PM - 8 PM
  • LAKEVIEW – Wreck My Night Tour | The Stache | 7:30 PM
  • Emma Willmann | Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. | 7:15 PM
  • The Derek Winter Band | The Back Forty Saloon | 8 PM | Free
  • Free Halloween Show: Garbage Angel! | Speciation Cellars 9 PM - 11 PM | Free
  • The Bothersome / Sorry Monkey / Brainfone | Mulligan's Pub | 10 PM | Free
  • Shyeye | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | 6 PM
  • Vespa, Josh Garvelink + Stray Horses, Hunter VanKlompenberg (Full Band) | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM
  • Mean Green, Thundergoat, Supergrudge, Psython | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM

Sunday, October 25th

  • Our Nation’s History in Music | Forest Hills Eastern Auditorium (Use Knapp St. entrance) | 2:30 PM | Free
  • Halloween Showcase from Red Rose Music Lab Student Bands | Horrocks Market | 3 PM - 6 PM
  • Vexatious & Vapid Soul & The Harbor Divide | Mulligan's Pub | 3 PM
  • Debutants | The Philmore South | 6 PM - 9 PM
  • SPITE – New World Killer Tour | Elevation | 7 PM
  • The Blue Herons + The Great Black Night + Vida Eterna | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM
  • 21Days | The Intersection | 8 PM
  • The Wind Down with SJA | Harmony Brewing Company | 9 PM - 12 AM | Free
10 comments

r/grandrapids • u/grandpacore • 3h ago

Riverside park is beautiful right now!

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43 Upvotes

Let's go touch some grass.

0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/sixwaystop313 • 12h ago

News Grand Rapids approves Acrisure Amphitheater noise exemption despite residents’ complaints

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199 Upvotes
39 comments

r/grandrapids • u/MarkWashingtonsBeard • 13h ago

Politics This just in: the sellouts doubled down on selling you out. Again.

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132 Upvotes

Our government took the schlong of corporate greed out of their mouths long enough to explain to you how little you matter vs the big money, and voted tonight to pass the buck once again.

Rules and laws apply to you and me. But not the Amp. And courts? Judge’s orders? Dodge, dodge, dodge…

Most people just want balance. But our elected leaders can’t jump into their gimp suits fast enough to throb the knob of greedy asshats and not even offer as much as a syllable in our favor.

We can choose better leaders. We can replace a gutless Mayor. We deserve much, much better.

57 comments

r/grandrapids • u/paprika6321 • 22h ago

Vote

334 Upvotes

My 21 yo niece stayed with me this week for fall break from college. She just returned this morning from saying goodbye to her brother who just left for the marines boot camp. I asked her if she was going to vote early before leaving this afternoon to go back to college in Indiana and her reply was no I don’t have time. I have too many things going on right now and I want to get back to campus before the traffic.
I am so incredibly disgusted with this attitude! Young people this election is all about your future and what you want to make your future what you want it to be. GET OUT AND VOTE

242 comments

r/grandrapids • u/szaagman • 17h ago

Because it's Halloween what doll in the public museums collection is the most cursed. Just for fun.

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100 Upvotes
16 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Special-Release2178 • 3h ago

Social Wednesday bar night

7 Upvotes

Do we think people will be out in costumes at bars tonight? I’m new to GR, typically I’m used to being in costumes from Wednesday up until Halloween. Meeting a new group out at new holland and don’t want to stand out if nobody will be dressed up.

8 comments

r/grandrapids • u/CodeSmall2098 • 42m ago

Loose dog

• Upvotes

Just saw a scruffy golden weiner dog run in the belknap community garden. It got spooked by my dog before I could catch it.

0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/PercentageBusiness70 • 1h ago

I built a free tool to make researching what's on our Michigan ballots a little easier

• Upvotes

Hey GR!

With the election coming up, I wanted to share a little project I've been working on.

One thing I've noticed is that it's not always easy to figure out exactly what's on the ballot, especially when you get beyond the bigger races and start looking at local candidates and proposals.

I wanted to make that process a little less frustrating, so I started working on https://ballot.360web.cloud.

The idea is pretty simple: make it easier for everyday voters to research their ballot before heading to the polls, without having to jump between a bunch of different websites. This is something I've been building because I think having access to understandable election information matters, regardless of where you fall politically.

I'm still working on improving it, so I'd genuinely appreciate some feedback from people around Grand Rapids and Kent County.

What information do you wish was easier to find when researching your ballot? And if you check out the site, is there anything confusing or missing?

Hopefully it's helpful to somebody getting ready to vote!

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1 comment

r/grandrapids • u/Fresh_Ingenuity6464 • 16m ago

Follow the Money: What Bryan Cody’s Campaign Finances Reveal

• Upvotes

Second Ward voters deserve to know who is financing the campaigns seeking to represent them at Grand Rapids City Hall.

When choosing our next Second Ward City Commissioner, we should look beyond campaign promises and political mailers. We should examine who is financing these campaigns and how that money might shape the interests surrounding our local leadership.

Bryan Cody’s campaign finance filing with the State of Michigan provides some important figures for voters to consider.

Nearly Half His Fundraising Came From Political Organizations

According to Cody’s campaign finance report, his campaign raised $48,419.31, including $23,300 from PACs, political committees, and other organized political entities. That represents approximately 48% of his reported fundraising.
Among the listed contributions were:

Friends of West Michigan Business: $12,250
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters PAC: $5,000
Realtors Political Action Committee of Michigan: $5,000
Grand Rapids Firefighters Union PAC: $1,000
Kent County Democratic Party: $50

The report also shows an estimated $14,000–$15,000 in contributions connected to real estate-related interests, based on donor occupations, affiliations, and committee names.

These figures deserve attention in a city where housing affordability, development, and neighborhood growth affect residents across Grand Rapids.

When a campaign receives substantial financial support from organized political interests and people connected to real estate, voters should ask a simple question: Will the priorities of Second Ward residents carry as much weight as the interests financing the campaign?

Contributions do not prove that a candidate will favor particular donors. But voters have every reason to examine the financial relationships surrounding someone seeking public office.

Reimbursements to the Candidate

Another notable figure in Cody’s filing is $34,749.48 in campaign reimbursements paid directly to him, representing approximately three-quarters of his campaign’s reported expenditures.

That amount warrants attention. Voters should be able to understand how campaign money is spent, what expenses are being reimbursed, and how those transactions are documented.

The report also indicates that fewer than 40% of contributors appear to live within the Second Ward, based on contributor addresses.

Outside support is common in elections, but these figures raise a legitimate question about the relationship between a campaign’s financial backing and the neighborhood it seeks to represent.

What Kind of Representation Does the Second Ward Deserve?

Campaign fundraising is not the only measure of a candidate. However, it provides insight into who is financially supporting a campaign and which interests voters may want to examine more closely.

I am supporting Lisa Knight because I believe the Second Ward deserves community-focused leadership that listens to residents and remains accountable to the people it represents.

Before voting, I encourage residents to examine the campaign finance filings for themselves and consider what the numbers tell them about each candidate’s financial support.

To be clear, political contributions and campaign reimbursements are not inherently illegal, and these figures alone do not establish wrongdoing. But legality is not the only question that matters in a democratic election.

The question is whether our elected officials will put residents first when competing interests come calling.

Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods deserve representation that answers to the people who live in them.

3 comments

r/grandrapids • u/MachineSchooling • 1d ago

Gojo Ethiopian is back open

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415 Upvotes

One of my favorite restaurants, Gojo Ethiopian, was closed for renovations a little while back. They don't have a big social media presence, so I had no idea they were open again. They had even been incorrectly marked as permanently closed on Google maps despite only being closed for a few days. I spoke with one of the owners, and they said business has been slow since they closed. It's a shame since their food is so good.

39 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Zombie13a • 1h ago

Events Euchre Tournament

• Upvotes

On November 20 at 6pm That ONE Team is having a Euchre tournament Fundraiser. $25 per person for a night of Euchre, with Dinner included. The winners even get a trophy.

This is the 3rd Annual and has been at capacity for players for the last 2 years. If you like playing Euchre, register and come show off your chops.

Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZGmrhZn4ByWydblBVO5jWmnjrBj0TmYaWC7LjETesPZP9Tg/viewform

Webpage with details: https://www.thatoneteam.org/events (it is an upcoming event; at posting time it was in the lower right of the pictured events).

Just some background on the team:

  • We are a registered 501(c)3 charity.
  • We are 100% volunteer led (there are no paid positions; all funds go directly into the program)
  • We are not tied to any school districts; we have students from 5 counties that come to our programs
  • We are a student led organization; the students drive everything from robot design to fund raising and social media posting. Mentors are just there to make sure things are done safely.

If you have any more questions, ask or DM. I love talking about the team and FIRST.

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0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/CombinationAny3190 • 40m ago

Events Help! Need BOB Halloween Tix

• Upvotes

Posting in here just in case anyone might be able to help me out! Had to wait until payday (today) to grab Saturday tickets for the BOB's Halloween party, and now they're all sold out😩 I also really want to hand out candy to the kids in my neighborhood so I won't be able to show up super early to wait in line.

Does anyone have two Saturday BOB (Monsters Magic & Martians) tickets for little old me?? I'll pay a convenience fee if so!

0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Real-Firefighter3420 • 44m ago

Discount/Outlet Stores

• Upvotes

Hi! Does anyone know of any good discount stores similar to B2, Timmers, The Crap Store, etc.? (I am aware B2 and Timmers are no longer around 🥲) Thank you!

2 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Ok-Fortune-8206 • 1h ago

halloween

2 Upvotes

hey looking for someplace really fun to dance and party for this weekend ive been to jw Marriott once and enjoyed it for a bit does anyone know of some cool places to go this weekend for the holiday?

2 comments

r/grandrapids • u/shakenbake87 • 46m ago

Recommendations Best Haunted Attractions in West MI

• Upvotes

Did a quick search and found surprisingly few posts on quality Halloween scares in and around GR. What's your take on the scariest and best (worst?) West MI has to offer? The only one I've experienced is The Haunt and I'm looking for something new.

0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/AggravatingTruth3272 • 19h ago

Amphitheater city Council meeting tonight

26 Upvotes

Who’s going to the city council meeting tonight regarding the amphitheater noise ordinance? Curious, because if it wasn’t for all the texts I’ve been getting the last few days I wouldn’t have known anything about it. So the texts were effective at least.

28 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Kalasyn • 21h ago

Anyone else getting texts about the city council meeting and the amphitheater?

45 Upvotes

I’ve gotten multiple texts a day from local-looking numbers about the city council meeting this evening regarding the amphitheater noise ordinance. I think this is the only time I’ve gotten texts about a city council issue and I’m wondering what list I’ve ended up on/if other people are seeing an increase in these texts? (In addition to all the other political spam texts)

19 comments

r/grandrapids • u/szaagman • 21h ago

Events Reminder: Dress up dance is happening at the Public Museum to day from 7 to 9:30pm. We have instruction in different areas of the museum throughout the night!

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33 Upvotes
0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Otherwise-Panda-6507 • 13h ago

ISO Seasonal Employment

8 Upvotes

Currently employed as an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Dispatcher, and feeling completely burnt out. Planning on relocating to a new city come January, so just looking for something seasonal to get me by until then. I have experience in public safety, security, data input (research), and then 3 years of supervisory food service. I just graduated from MSU in May with a BA in Psych.

Thank you guys. !

0 comments

r/grandrapids • u/One_Possibility_7342 • 10m left

What's up with Meeting House?

• Upvotes

I'm a tattoo enthusiast who loves to gossip, and I've recently been hearing some pretty nasty things about Meeting House's bedside manners/politics?I've only gotten snippets/ nothing first hand, so obviously taken with a grain of salt. I've personally only ever had positive experiences as a plus sized queer person, but I really only have spent time with 3 of the artists. Can anyone fully fill me in?

5 comments

r/grandrapids • u/SpiritedPainting8746 • 17h ago

How to find out about art shows?

7 Upvotes

I've lived here more than a decade, now, and am becoming re-interested in the local art scene. What are the best ways to stay informed about local shows and connect with people?

8 comments

r/grandrapids • u/SpiritedPainting8746 • 19h ago

Two free Rocky Horror tix

10 Upvotes

Two people from our party won't be making it to Rocky Horror Picture Show at Wealth Theatre on the 31st (7pm showing). If anyone is interested in their tickets please DM me! First come first serve.

Update: They gone!

2 comments

r/grandrapids • u/Psuedo_Pixie • 1d ago

PSA: Hilary Scholten Texts

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330 Upvotes

Hey folks, just a heads up that negative Scholten texts that call for voters to “leave her name off the ballot” (seemingly because she is not progressive enough) are being sent from Elon Musk’s Super PAC, America PAC.

We can primary her in 2028, but for now, vote blue!

162 comments