Approximately 9 months before the festival opens we hold an Open Call, during which creatives from all around the world can submit installations. To get notified of the open call, please fill out this form.
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Stay tuned, the 2026 World of Winter lineup is on the way! New art installations and events will be announced soon.
Each year, the festival lights up Downtown Grand Rapids with immersive art from local and international artists. See how past years have transformed the city and watch for this year’s brand-new installations, coming soon.
The World of Winter is a free outdoor festival celebrating winter through art installations, events and activities for all ages.
Our 2026 festival kicks off on January 9, 2026, and will run for two months! This outdoor event takes place all over Downtown Grand Rapids. We’ll update our website with a full event calendar and map as the festival approaches.
Since most installations are light-based, the best time to experience them is after 6 PM. Most events run Thursday through Saturday. Check our event calendar for the latest timings and special events to help plan your visit.
No, admission to all activities and events is free!
However, some events may have optional paid activities or experiences. For specific details on any costs associated with an event, please refer to the event calendar, which provides up-to-date information on fees and participation details.
All art installations are outdoors and weatherproof. Events are on rain, snow or shine! If extreme weather hits, we’ll make the call the morning of the event and post updates on our website and socials.
All of our installations are outdoor and weatherproof, and events go on as scheduled unless extreme weather occurs. If anything changes, we’ll post updates on our website and social media.
Yes, the festival is designed to be accessible to all. Each installation and event includes ADA-specific information to help everyone enjoy the festival.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at info@downtowngr.org, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Yes! All of our events are pet-friendly. We encourage you to use your best judgment when bringing your pup, if they are reactive toward other dogs or people, it’s probably best to leave them at home.
The festival can get very crowded, so for both style and safety, we recommend lighting up your pup while exploring the festival.
We have a full event calendar! You can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
Everyone is welcome at all World of Winter events. Different events are designed for different audiences. Check the event calendar to find what’s right for you.
Most events feature local food trucks with a variety of options. Check each event for details.
Admission to most festival events is free, but a few activities require a small fee:
Hungry Hungry Hippo – advance participation registration required
Love on Ice – ice skating fee payable at the event
Noodle Fest – tasting fee payable at the event
And more – check the event calendar for details
Approximately 9 months before the festival opens we hold an Open Call, during which creatives from all around the world can submit installations. To get notified of the open call, please fill out this form.
We welcome volunteers of all kinds, as long as you’re 18+. To get involved, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form for more information.
Vendor opportunities at World of Winter are limited to food trucks. Email our team at info@downtowngr.org for future consideration.
We’d love to partner with local businesses and organizations. Click here to view our full sponsorship packet. Please reach out to info@downtowngr.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities, benefits and how to get involved with the festival.
Be part of World of Winter 2026 by becoming a Sponsor. Click the button to learn more about how to get involved.
