Ready to Play Where’s Waldo, Grand Rapids?

Waldo’s on the Loose at 25 Grand Rapids Shops & Stops this Summer

25 Shops in 2026. One Striped Sweater. All July Long.

Heads up, Grand Rapids!

There’s a tall guy in red and white stripes hiding in plain sight. You know who we’re talking about.

It’s Waldo. Yes, that Waldo.

And he’s bouncing around 25 local GR spots this July, waiting for you to find him.

Here’s How It Works

Start at Cellar Bird Books on Bridge Street. That’s your home base.

Grab a passport starting July 1, 2026, and hit the town.

Waldo’s tucked away in bookstores, boutiques, ice cream joints, and even a cat café.

Each time you spot him, snag a stamp or signature from the shop.

(This whole Waldo takeover is thanks to our local Cellar Bird Books, teaming up with Waldo’s Publisher (Candlewick Press) and the American Booksellers Association as part of a national event called Find Waldo Local that’s been running for years.)

What You Can Get

Find Waldo at 10 places?
You’ve earned yourself a sticker and a $1-off coupon for a Waldo book (if you’re one of the first 125 folks back to Cellar Bird with your stamp card).

Track him down in 20+ spots?
Bring your completed stamp card to Cellar Bird Books. You’ll get a sticker and coupon plus be entered into their prize drawings.

Final Countdown & Party Plans

Getting passports stamped all wraps up July 31, 2026.

So don’t wait until the last weekend to start peeking behind bookshelves or scanning bakery counters.

On Saturday, August 1, from 10 to 11 AM, Cellar Bird Books is throwing a mini bash with the prize drawing and (we assume) celebratory vibes.

Maybe even Waldo himself or some sweet magnifying glasses. Honestly, we’re just making that part up. You’ll have to get to the party to find out for yourself!

Waldo’s Hangouts (Alphabetical Edition)

Waldo’s got class.

He’s found spots in some of our favorited local hangouts, from bookstores and bakeries, to artsy shops and coffee spots.

Here’s everywhere you’ll find him hiding this July:

Argos Comics & Used Book Shop – 1405 Robinson Rd SE
Arts Marketplace at Studio Park – 121 Ionia Ave SW, Ste 125
Books & Mortar – 966 Cherry St SE
Cellar Bird Books – 415 Bridge St NW, Ste B
Courage & Soar – 40 Monroe Center St NW, Ste 104
Crow’s Hold – 200 Division Ave S
Freshwater Whale Boutique – 1558 Wealthy St SE
Furniture City Creamery – 958 Cherry St SE
Gazelle Sports – 52 Monroe Center St NW
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Gift Shop – 11 Sheldon Ave NE
Happy Cat Cafe – 447 Division Ave S
Hopscotch Children’s Store – 909 Cherry St SE
Lyon Street Cafe – 617 Lyon St NE
Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine & Gourmet Grocery – 200 Union Ave NE
Nantucket Baking Company – 615 Lyon St NE
Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts – 40 Monroe Center St NW, Ste 103
Old World Olive Company – 108 Monroe Center St NW
Periwinkle FOG – The Ledyard Building 125 Ottawa Ave NW #160
Rebel – 1555 Wealthy St SE
Rebel Nell – 96 Monroe Center St NW
Roots Brew Shop – 600 7th St NW
Sticky Fingers – 1503 Lake Dr SE
The Cheese Lady – 315 Fuller Ave NE
Vault of Midnight – 95A Monroe Center St NW
Yours Truly – 1405A Lake Dr SE

This Waldo Game is Pretty Great

Our Prediction:

This is going to be one of those events that sneaks up on you and ends up being way more fun than expected.

Why?

It’s free.
It gets you out of the house.
It’s a solid excuse to poke around 25 different local spots you might not normally visit.

AND you get to yell “FOUND HIM” in public and not get weird looks.

Wanna Join the Where’s Waldo Grand Rapids Adventure?

Maybe bring a friend. Stop for ice cream or a fancy coffee while you’re out.

And yeah, treat yourself at a shop or two. You’re showing love to local businesses just by playing along and that’s a bonus!)

By the end of the month, you’ll have a full passport, a new favorite bookstore or bakery, and a Waldo sticker to prove you were part of the adventure.

Just remember, Waldo’s skipping town after July.

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