Hey there 👋

This might be the busiest weekend Green Bay has had all year. The calendar is stacked, the weather is cooperating, and there's a lot of good stuff happening around here right now.

We also got some really cool messages from local people doing meaningful things in the community this week. You'll see what we mean below.

Grab your coffee. Let's get into it.

MH

This one directly hits your wallet.

What's happening: Governor Evers and Republican legislative leaders announced a bipartisan deal this week to spend down roughly $1.8 billion of the state's budget surplus. The Legislature could vote on it as early as today (Wednesday).

What it means for you:

Worth knowing: The deal still needs to pass both chambers, and some lawmakers on both sides have already pushed back. But leadership on both sides is backing it, and the governor has said he could sign it as early as next week.

🔗 Full breakdown

If you cut through downtown on your way home Thursday, you'll want a different route.

What's happening: Main Street will be closed between North Monroe Ave and North Jackson Street from 7 AM Thursday, May 14, through 7 AM Friday, May 15. NEW Water is doing sewer work as part of the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project.

The detour: North Monroe Ave → University Ave → North Webster Ave. Businesses and residences still have access.

🔗 Full road project

Madison's well-loved gyro spot finally made it north.

What it is: Gyros Guyz opened its second location at 1891 E. Mason St., Suite 105. Mediterranean-style menu, fast-casual setup. Owner Omar Zaidan grew up in the Fox Valley and said Green Bay was the obvious next move.

Worth trying: The original Madison location has a strong following for its loaded gyros and rice bowls. New menu, same recipe.

Two new Mediterranean restaurants in one month? Green Bay's gyro game is leveling up.
What it is: Gyro Hut Restaurant and Bar is moving into the former First and Goal Sports Bar and Grill space at 2148 University Avenue. Signage is already up. No official opening date yet, but it's expected in the coming months.

Between Gyros Guyz opening on East Mason and now Gyro Hut on University Ave, Green Bay is suddenly becoming a legit Mediterranean food town. Menu details and a timeline are expected soon.
📍 2148 University Avenue, Green Bay

A different kind of housing project moves forward downtown.

What it is: Green Bay's plan commission cleared the way for a new type of homeless shelter in the downtown area. The model focuses on a different approach than traditional shelters, with Safe Haven also seeking a more permanent permit for its new Hope Center.

Whether you're a downtown business owner, a homeowner, or just a resident watching the city change, this policy shift is worth tracking.

🔗 Coverage

That empty city block off North Monroe? Finally getting filled.

What's happening: The City Council approved a $32.4 million mixed-use development on the 200 block of North Monroe Street. Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions is leading the three-phase buildout of the 2.5-acre parking lot, which has been vacant since 2018.

The breakdown:

🔗 Read more

A Green Bay icon hit the market, in case you missed.

What's happening: The owners of Kroll's East have officially listed the iconic restaurant for sale. They've shared their reasoning publicly, calling it a hard but considered decision.

Why it matters: Kroll's is a Green Bay institution. Whether it stays a restaurant under new ownership or transitions to something else, this changes the East Side dining landscape.

🔗 Read

What it is: The Salvation Army Kroc Center's Summer Day Camp is back for 2026. It's a full-day, state-licensed, faith-based camp for kids ages 5 to 12. Swimming, crafts, games, outdoor adventures, and a Christ-centered environment.

The details:

🔗 Register

Let's Run Around Green Bay is partnering with Western Racquet for a jungle-themed exercise class led by Zach, a certified personal trainer. Kids move through animal-themed exercises designed to build strength, coordination, and confidence.

🔗 Grab tickets

The summer staple is back, and it's one of the biggest in the state.

What it is: The Farmers' Market on Broadway, presented by Emplify, kicks off its 20-week run on Wednesday, May 20.

🔗 Info

Free hot dogs, bounce house, and a VBS kickoff. Bring the kids.

What it is: New Hope Presbyterian Church is throwing a family-friendly celebration to kick off excitement for Vacation Bible School. Hot dog lunch, games, bounce house, and family activities. All are welcome.

What it is: UNBROKEN: A Photography Pop-Up Experience comes to the Art Garage on Thursday, May 14. Hosted by Anthony Alvarado, founder of the peer-led nonprofit RISE TOGETHER. The work focuses on turning pain into purpose.

Two nights. One stadium. Probably a lot of cowboy hats at the Kwik Trip on Lombardi.

What it is: Luke Combs is bringing his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour to Lambeau Field on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16. Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, and Thelma & James open Friday's show.

This is one of the biggest concert weekends Lambeau has hosted all year. Expect heavy traffic around Oneida and Lombardi both nights, especially after the shows let out.

🔗 Event details

Year 2 of the EPIC Marathon & Running Festival kicks off Sunday, May 17. Fast, flat courses run through Ashwaubenon, Green Bay, Allouez, and the Brown County trail system, all with Lambeau in the background.

The bonus: A free post-race concert from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM featuring rocker Lita Ford and Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe. Open to runners, spectators, and the public.

🔗 Race info

Who they are: The Allouez Beautification Committee, led by president Wende Warren, is the group behind the flowers along Webster Ave, Riverside Drive, the Amanda Cobb Garden at Heritage Hill, both roundabouts, and the Welcome to Allouez signs. They've got 50 volunteers doing the planting, but they need funds to buy the actual flowers and supplies.

What's new this year:

How to help: Donations of any size go straight to plants and supplies. There's also a fundraising event in late July at Zambaldi Beer (we'll feature that closer to the date).

Special access to the preserve to shoot spring wildlife. Pretty cool ask.

Wildlife of the Wetlands is a hands-on photography workshop at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve this Saturday, May 16.

The bonus: A follow-up photo share on May 20 from 7 to 9 PM, where everyone compares their best shots from the outing.

🔗 Workshop details and registration

Albert's Dog Lounge took in 30 of those Ridglan Farms beagles. This is a way to help.

They are hosting a benefit event at Claws N Paws Grooming Spa this Saturday. $10 nail trims and $5 additional services, with all proceeds going toward the care of the 30 beagles they took in from Ridglan Farms.

A hidden gem, 25 minutes north of Green Bay, where you can fill your arms with peonies.

What it is: Golden Light Gardens is a cut-your-own peony farm in Sobieski heading into its second season. Owner Shelby Pappalardo has 500+ peony plants across 23 varieties planted in the fields, and visitors can walk in, use the provided clippers, and build their own custom bouquet.

Heads up: Opening day shifts each year based on the blooms. The best way to know when they're open is to follow their socials; they post real-time updates.

If you've been thinking about adopting, this one is worth a look.

What it is: 40 beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms are arriving at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Green Bay campus this week. By the end of the week, 45 will be placed with foster families across Northeast Wisconsin.

Worth knowing: Adoption teams are urging families to focus on training and prevention because the first few days after adoption are when these dogs are most likely to slip away. They've never lived as house pets.

🔗 Story

A new resource for local families.

What it is: Wisconsin Early Autism Project cut the ribbon on a new Green Bay Learning Center this week. The center serves young children with autism through individualized therapy programs.

Why it matters: More local options for families with young kids on the spectrum, without long drives to Milwaukee or Madison.

🔗 Details

What's happening: De Pere Christian Outreach Thrift Store is nominated for the 2026 Community's Choice Awards "Best of the Bay" in the Thrift Store category. Voting runs through Sunday, May 18, and you can vote daily.

Why it matters: This isn't just a thrift store. Every donation, purchase, and vote helps fund programs that support local families and individuals in tough seasons. Clothing, household essentials, and outreach all flow from what happens inside that building.

Two quick ways to help:

🔗 Vote here via the Community's Choice Awards

🍯 Thanks for letting us drop into your inbox and your life. Whether it’s weekend plans, backyard builds, or brunch with the fam, we’re honored to be part of your week.

📩 Got something Green Bay should know? A new business, event, or shoutout? Just hit reply, we’re all ears, or click the link here.

And hey,
📲 Don’t miss a thing. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for daily updates, news, and behind-the-scenes bites from around Green Bay.

Stay local. Stay buzzing, and maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!

MH.