Every year, the World of Winter takes over downtown Grand Rapids, bringing life and color to the city during the season’s doldrums.
Thanks to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., dozens of light-based art pieces and sculptures pop up around the city, along with activities, events and live performances. The best part: Just about everything in World of Winter is free, and it lasts from January 10 to March 2.
Here’s a look at the many remaining events for the World of Winter:
EVENTS
Disco on Ice
Rosa Parks Circle
Jan. 31, 6-9:30 p.m.
Get Your Groove on and join us for a disco-themed skate night! Skate to funky beats, rock your best retro look and have a blast on the ice. Four disco DJs will spin hits all night long so you can skate under vibrant lights with a lively disco vibe. Come in your best retro outfit—sequins, bell bottoms and more!
Winter’s a DRAG!
Calder Plaza
Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get ready to werk, honey! Winter’s a DRAG is back and bigger than ever! Hosted with Michigan Drag Brunch, this annual drag extravaganza features two high-energy sets of fierce performances from Michigan’s finest queens AND a special RuPaul’s Drag Race queen you won’t want to miss. The headliner for the day is the incomparable: YVIE ODDLY, winner of season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Ice Piano Performance
Canal Park
Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Step into a world of art, music, and winter wonder at the Ice Piano Performance set against the stunning Rainbow Willow Tree installation. Local musicians Sammie Hershock and Hannah Laine will perform on a piano crafted from ice, producing an ethereal, hauntingly beautiful sound.
Jalsa: Festivity of Food and Culture
Calder Plaza
Feb. 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
Celebrate the vibrant culture of India, featuring music, dance and delicious regional snacks in partnership with the Assam Association of West Michigan. Groove to Folk, Fusion and Bollywood beats blending traditional and modern sounds. Enjoy stunning performances of Indian classical and folk dances like Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Savor festival snacks from across India, including samosas, pani puri and mithai, priced $3-$10.
Circus Wonderland
Calder Plaza
Feb. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Step into a world of excitement, where thrilling circus acts meet the magic of the ChronoHarp, an international art installation. Watch jaw-dropping performances and incredible stunts from acrobats, trampoliners, fire performers, and more. Plus, a massive Lite-Brite to play with, the ChronoHarp installation, and food trucks!
Photo Walk
555 Monroe
Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Join resident DGRI photographer Bryan Esler from Bryan Esler Photo for a photo walk through the festival's captivating light-based art installations. This walk is open to all skill levels.
Luv’N Lunch
Rosa Parks Circle
Feb. 14, 12-1:30 p.m.
A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Filled with Love, Food and Fun! Join to celebrate love with free roses, food trucks and 2-for-1 ice skating—perfect for a lunchtime date with friends or someone special!
Love on Ice
Rosa Parks Circle
Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m.
Join us for a magical Valentine’s evening of ice skating, a beautiful ice sculpture throne, free professional photos and sweet treats. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone or friends, it’s the perfect way to make lasting memories.
Sound Bath & Meditation
Calder Plaza
Feb. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join for a peaceful outdoor Sound Bath experience beneath the mesmerizing ChronoHarp Art Installation. This immersive event combines soothing sound vibrations with meditation, creating a tranquil retreat for your mind, body, and spirit. Expert instructors will lead you through a calming meditation, helping you connect with your breath and enhance your relaxation.
Paint the Park Street Party
Rosa Parks Circle
Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Paint the Ice Rink at Rosa Parks Circle! Join us for this fun, family-friendly event where you can get creative, enjoy a lively street party and savor delicious food from local trucks. Monroe Center will also be closed to cars for a lively celebration with local vendors, interactive activities and fun for all ages—including a mobile library, music production for kids, paint easels, bubbles, stilt walkers, Disney princesses, face painting, an interactive drum circle, ribbon bracelet workshop and more!
KOAN Sound at ChronoHarp
Calder Plaza
Feb. 21, 6-10 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars at the ChronoHarp art installation! Experience electrifying DJ sets, mouthwatering food trucks and a show-stopping performance by headliner KOAN Sound.
Human Hungry Hippo Tournament
Rosa Parks Circle
Feb. 23, 12:30-7 p.m.
Gather your team and get ready to compete in this wacky, action-packed event. Teams of six race across the rink in sleds, scooping up balls in this hilarious, fast-paced competition.
Noodle Fest
Calder Plaza
March 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
This highly anticipated event is back! Vote for the best noodle dish in West Michigan. Taste a variety of dishes from local vendors and vote for your favorite! Plus, enjoy live performances and cultural entertainment throughout the event.
GUIDED WALKING TOURS
African American History on the Grand
Jan. 29, Feb. 12, 26
The Chilly Challenge
Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20
Art Installations
Feb. 5, 19, March 2
ART INSTALLATIONS
https://worldofwintergr.com/art-installations/
To see a full list and map of the light art installations around town, head to the World of Winter website!
