By Chris Powers – Web Editor
If you’re not camping or headed to the beach, Independence Day weekend offers plenty to do around Grand Rapids.
Through the Eyes of Weidenaar
This weekend is the last chance to see “Through the Eyes of Weidenaar” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Reynold Weidenaar was a Grand Rapids native who studied printmaking at Kendall School of Design. The exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of Weidenaar’s birth and features a collection of his prints, plates, tools and personal effects, including 75 prints and 25 digital images. The exhibit is free with admission to the museum, which is also free with a RaiderCard.
Grand Rapids Football Club
Grand Rapids’ newest minor league soccer team will be hosting RWB Adria 7:30 p.m. Friday at Houseman Field. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate on game night. It’s also Military Appreciation night, so current or former members of the military with ID can get in free.
Fulton Street Artisans Market
The Fulton Street Artisans Market features local artists and crafters selling their wares at the Fulton St. Farmers Market, 1147 E. Fulton St. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.
Fireworks
Grand Rapids will host its annual fireworks celebration at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 303 Pearl St. NW, with live entertainment starting at 5:40 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m.
Other fireworks celebrations around West Michigan include:
- Ada/Cascade Fireworks, 7590 E. Fulton St. (near corner of E. Fulton/Ada Drive)
- Allendale Fourth of July, Allendale Township Park, 6676 Lake Michigan Dr., 10 p.m.
- Berlin Raceway Lee Anderson Memorial/Independence Day Fireworks, Berlin Raceway, 2060 Berlin Fair Dr., Marne, dusk after the race.
- Caledonia Independence Day Celebration, CalPlex, 5401 100th St., Caledonia.
- East Grand Rapids with Hark Up!, John Collins Park over Reeds Lake, 650 Lakeside Dr. SE, 10:15 p.m.
- Grand Haven 4th of July, Waterfront Stadium, 1 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven.
- City of Grandville 4th of July Celebration, Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.
- Holland July 4th, Kollen Park & Heinz waterfront, 240 Kollen Park Dr., 10 p.m.
- Holland State Park, Holland State Park over Lake Michigan, 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd.
- Kentwood 4th of July, Kentwood City Center, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.
- Muskegon Fourth of July, Heritage Landing, 1050 7th St.
- Sandy Pines, Sandy Pines, 136th Ave., Hopkins, 9:30 p.m.
- Saugatuck Fourth of July Celebration, over the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck.
Women’s World Cup
The U.S. Women’s soccer team is playing for the World Cup on Sunday against Japan and Downtown GR Inc. and Fox 17 are sponsoring a live-viewing party in Rosa Parks Circle. The game begins at 7 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive by 6 p.m. and wear red, white and blue. There will be food trucks and other vendors at the event. No alcohol will be permitted.
On the Aisle
“Jurassic World” narrowly edged out Pixar’s “Inside Out” to hang onto first place at the box office last week.
“Terminator Genisys” opened earlier this week. This fifth installment of the “Terminator” franchise acts as a retcon to the rest of the films. Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) stars as Sarah Connor and Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the Terminator.
Also opening this week was “Magic Mike XXL” starring Channing Tatum. The sequel to 2012’s “Magic Mike” will be sure to gratify fans of the original, but isn’t likely to snag the number one spot at the box office with “Terminator” returning to theaters.
For an alternative movie this week, check out “Faith of Our Fathers.” From Christian film company PureFlix Entertainment, this film features the sons of two Vietnam veterans who meet when they embark on a journey to The Wall, the Vietnam War memorial in Washington, D.C., guided by letters written by their fathers. This is bound to tug at the patriotic heartstrings. “Faith of Our Fathers” will be playing only at Celebration Cinema South and Rivertown. Check their website for times and admission prices.