World of Winter

Scavenger Hunt
2026-01-09 17:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 UTC | Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join the World of Winter Scavenger Hunt! Explore the festival in a fun new way with our interactive scavenger hunt! Complete missions, discover hidden gems and earn points for a chance to win prizes every week!
How to Get Started:

Download the GooseChase App
Create an Account or play as a guest
Enter in the Code: WOW2026 (ALL CAPS)
Create & Name Your Team
Join the Game and start completing missions
Invite Friends using your unique Team Access Code

Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555
2026-01-09 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Whether you’re grabbing dinner before exploring the festival or stopping by for a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone. Come hungry, bring friends and enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere as part of the World of Winter experience.
In partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association, a rotating lineup of local food trucks will be at 555 Monroe on Friday Nights.

Participating Trucks (rotating weekly):

Patty Matters: Burgers, French Fries, Sides
The Mobile Crave: Mexican (Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos)
Pac Pizza: Brazilian Pizza & Foods
Poppin’ Palates: Gourmet Street Foods

Ice Breaker
2026-01-10 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Watch a massive 5,000‑lb block of ice come to life right in front of Rosa Parks Circle, carved live by the Ice Brigade team. Each year, the design is voted on by the community and is revealed at the event. What will it be this year?!

What to Expect:

Live Carving: Skilled sculptors transform a huge ice block into an incredible work of art.
Your Design, Your Vote: The winning design will be revealed at the event! Voting ended December  10.

This is Loop Artist Talk
2026-01-10 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join World of Winter for a special conversation with This is Loop, the collaborative artistic partnership of Harriet Lumby and Alan Hayes. Based out of their Somerset studio, This is Loop has built an international reputation for creating large-scale experiential installations that blend reflection, illusion, technology, science and art. Their playful, immersive sculptures invite audiences into intense and thought-provoking audiovisual environments.
This winter, This is Loop brings their interactive public artwork Emergence to World of Winter. Emergence creates a contemplative space—a sanctum in which to explore the dynamic interplay between order and chaos, and the profound influence this balance has on systems, life, the self, and the universe.
During this artist Q&A, Harriet and Alan will discuss the creation and fabrication of the work, their process for producing installations at this scale, budgeting considerations, how they tour and maintain their pieces and what it takes to run a public art studio. This is a great opportunity for artists and community members to learn, ask questions, and gain insight into the world of large-scale public art.

In case of extreme weather, this event will move to the DGRI offices at 29 Pearl St NW.

Art Installation Walking Tour
2026-01-10 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join local expert Candice Smith for a free guided walking tour of Downtown Grand Rapids’ outdoor art installations. Tours run several times throughout the festival and follow the same route.

What to Expect:

Expert insights: Candice shares the stories behind the art.
Outdoor art: Sculptures, light displays, and interactive installations.
Meet people: Connect with fellow art lovers.

How to Join:
No RSVP is needed. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle (in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum) at 6:00 PM.

Bonus: Head to Fire & Ice after the tour.

Abby's Hand Drawn Photo Booth
2026-01-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-11 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-16 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-30 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Get a free live portrait!
Local Artist, Abby Haywood, draws live portraits of visitors from a whimsical shipping container! As guests take a seat, she asks fun questions and sketches their likeness in real time. When the drawing is finished, she slides it out of the booth for them to take home, a unique free keepsake from the event.

About the artist:
Abby Haywood is an illustrator from Grand Rapids. She has been drawing portraits for 3 years out of a wooden photobooth built by her mom. She also likes making zines, macaroni and cheese and sharing fun facts.

Location:
Abby will be located outside, next to the Grand Rapids Art Museum in the shipping container. She will be facing the restrooms at Rosa Parks Circle.

Fire & Ice
2026-01-10 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us during the festival’s opening weekend at Fire & Ice! NEW this year, the Grand Rapids Griffins will be joining us for a skills competition on the ice and an autograph signing for the fans. This staple event has become a family favorite! Enjoy fire performances, figure skating routines and a lively street party with food trucks, interactive activities and live entertainment. Come for the performances, stay for the fun!

What to Expect:

Special Guests in Attendance: Grand Rapids Griffin’s Players
Live Entertainment on the ice rink!

Fire Performers on ice by Grand Rapids Entertainment Group
Figure Skating Performances from nationally ranked ice dancers
Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club

Interactive Street Party: Enjoy activities for all ages, fire pits and live entertainment. Monroe Center will be closed to vehicle traffic and accessible to pedestrians only.
Ice Games: Corn hole, photo op, air hockey, chess, Skee ball
Open Skate: Skate after the performances, tickets available on-site.
Food Trucks: Grab tasty bites from local vendors, see the full list below.

Schedule:

6:00 PM – Fire Skater Performance
6:30 PM – Dance Performers on Monroe Center
7:00 PM – Khloe & Jordan Performance (Nationally Ranked Ice Dancers)
7:05 PM – Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club
7:10 PM – Grand Rapids Griffins Skills Competition
7:30 PM – Dance Performers on Monroe Center
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: GR Griffins signing autographs on the GRAM terrace
7:45 PM – Fire Skater Performance
8:15 PM – Dance Performers on Monroe Center
8:30 PM – Rink Opens for Open Skate

Food Trucks:

Casa De Los Abuelos: Salvadorian & Mexican Food
Cousins Maine Lobster: Wild-caught Maine Lobster
Patty Matters: Gourmet Burgers, French Fries, Sides
Neko Taiyaki: Japanese fish-shaped waffles stuffed with sweet or savory fillings
Olly’s Donuts: Mini-donuts, Coffee, Hot Cocoa

Open Skate Information: The rink will remain open until 10:00 PM. Tickets are available on-site and include free skate rental. Cash and card are accepted. Click here to learn more.

Jalsa: Festivity of Food & Culture
2026-01-11 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
“Jalsa” is an invitation to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of India, celebrating in the richness of life. Celebrate the vibrant culture of India at this outdoor celebration!

What to Expect:

Live Music and Dance Performances: Groove to folks, fusion and bollywood beats blending traditional and modern sounds.
Traditional Food Available for Purchase: Enjoy a variety of regional foods from across India, including samosas, pani puri mithai and more!

Schedule:

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: Slow Rock & Folk Music
2:00 PM – 2:50 PM: Bollywood & Zubeen Garg Songs
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM: English, Bollywood & Assamese Songs

Luminary Bike Ride
2026-01-15 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Field and Fire, 820 Monroe Ave NW #100, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The WoW Luminary Bike Ride is a festive winter group ride designed to bring the community together to explore city streets and enjoy World of Winter installations in a totally new way, by bike and by luminary light. This event starts next to Field and Fire and ends at the top of Studio Park’s parking deck.

Schedule:

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Riders will gather in the open space near Field & Fire and are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights for the ride. If participants need help decorating their bikes, extra lights will be available prior to the group ride at the gathering location at 6:00 pm.

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: The ride will roll out shortly after 6:30 and conclude at the top of Studio Park’s parking deck.

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Post Ride Celebration with live music from Red Thyme (everyone is welcome)

Experience & Participation Requirements:
The ride is open to riders 18 and older. While advanced cycling skills aren’t required, participants should feel comfortable riding in the dark and in potential cold-weather conditions. The group will maintain a relaxed pace of approximately 8–10 mph. Helmets are required. Please dress for the weather and bring additional layers for warmth when the group stops. Riding to the group meetup is encouraged, though there is plenty of parking near Field & Fire or Studio Park if you drive with your bike to meet us.
Although younger riders aren’t strictly prohibited, the event is not recommended for anyone under 18 due to winter conditions, darkness and overall distance. Everyone is welcome to join us at Studio Park for the after-party and they’re welcome to ride up the parking deck if they choose!

Safety & Support
The route will cover 5 miles. Streets will remain open to traffic, but GRPD course marshals will help guide riders, manage intersections and support overall safety. The event will be planned with caution and rider awareness in mind.

Route & Atmosphere
After meeting downtown, riders will weave through city streets and along the river before ascending to the rooftop of Studio Park’s parking deck. The combination of twinkling downtown lights and the playful energy of biking up a parking structure creates a sense of childlike wonder. The night will finish with a rooftop winter party on the Studio Park Parking Deck featuring ice luminaries, music and a celebratory atmosphere with live music from Red Thyme.

Inspiration
The event draws inspiration from Minneapolis’s Luminary Loppet, Jill Martindale’s background as a winter ultra-athlete with Salsa Cycles and 45NRT and past winter cycling events that embrace the fun and magic of cold-weather riding.

Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555
2026-01-16 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Whether you’re grabbing dinner before exploring the festival or stopping by for a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone. Come hungry, bring friends and enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere as part of the World of Winter experience.
In partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association, a rotating lineup of local food trucks will be at 555 Monroe on Friday Nights.
Participating Trucks (rotating weekly):

Patty Matters: Burgers, French Fries, Sides
Roberts Brothers BBQ: Smoked Brisket and Pork
Rumi’s Garden: Afghan Food (Kabobs, Dumplings, Wraps)
Tacos Mexico: Mexican with Vegan Options

Abby's Hand Drawn Photo Booth
2026-01-17 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

Silent Disco
2026-01-17 19:00 - 23:00 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
It’s time to boogie! Dance under the stars with rotating live DJS, fire performers and stunning light displays! Stay tuned for the full DJ lineup! Thank you to Alliance Beverage for sponsoring this iconic event.

Important Information:

Headphones are available on a first-come, first-served basis, arrive early to grab yours. Due to the popularity of this event, you must be present to claim your headphones aka no picking up for others.
This event is intended for adults only. While families are welcome, please be advised that songs may include strong language and mature content.

What to Expect:

Non-Stop Music: Enjoy rotating DJs spinning every hour, keeping the beats fresh all night long.
Drinks Available for Purchase: Sip on your favs at this event! Bring your ID if you plan on drinking.
Interactive Art, Rotating Fire Performers, Food Trucks and more!

DJ Schedule:

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Hoodlum & DogFood
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Dylán Gomez & Van Hekken
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dani Twigs & Loop Casa
10:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Nanoos & DRiPSweat

Food Trucks:

PizzaMI: Neapolitan Pizza
StreetChefShaw: African Fusion Street Food
Big Ed’s BBQ: Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork and more
Rumi’s Garden: Afghan Food (Kabobs, Dumplings, Wraps)
Runyon House Roasts: Coffee, Teas, Hot Cocoa
Dolce Mini Cakes: Pancakes & Waffles, Dubai Berries

CANCELLED: Sound Bath and Meditation
2026-01-30 17:30 - 18:30 UTC | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Because of the extreme cold, we’re canceling this event.
We’ll still be gathering for Sunday’s Sound Bath & Meditation and we’d love to see you there.
Join us for a peaceful experience under the beautiful Somnius installation at the Ah-Nab-Awen Park stage. This immersive event combines soothing sound vibrations with meditation, creating a tranquil retreat for your mind, body and spirit.

What to Expect:

Healing Sound Vibrations: Immerse yourself in crystal bowls, gongs and other instruments designed to sooth your body and calm your mind.
Guided Meditation: Expert instructors will lead you through a calming meditation, helping you connect with your breathing and enhance your relaxation.
Somnius Installation: A relaxing backdrop for this outdoor experience.

What to Bring:

Water Bottle
Mat, Towel or Blanket (for comfort during the event).
Warm Clothes as all events are outdoors.

Rapid Art Movement
2026-01-30 17:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-31 17:30 - 21:30 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Rapid Art Movement is an arts event that embraces the unique setting and culture of Grand Rapids. Passengers board a DASH bus transformed through drawings, sculpture, poetry and performance and take a ride like they’ve never experienced before.
How to Participate
Attendees can reserve their bus seat in advance using the link below.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
People may also show up at the event without a ticket on Friday 1/30 and Saturday 1/31, as a smaller number of seats will be available day-of.
Bus Times and Locations
The DASH bus will pick up and drop off at the Rosa Parks Circle DASH stop. It will depart at 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM on each evening, with each ride lasting approximately forty minutes.

CANCELLED: Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555
2026-01-30 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Due to extreme temperatures, this event has been cancelled. All other events this weekend are still on, unless otherwise noted.
Whether you’re grabbing dinner before exploring the festival or stopping by for a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone. Come hungry, bring friends and enjoy a fun atmosphere as part of the World of Winter experience.
In partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association, a rotating lineup of local food trucks will be at 555 Monroe.
Participating Trucks (rotating weekly):

Saladino Smoke: Burgers, French Fries, Sides
La Rotisserie: Rotisserie chicken sandwiches
Tacos El Chavo: Authentic Mexican Food
Sidez: Side Dishes (Mac n Cheese, Baked Beans, etc.)

Winter's A DRAG!
2026-01-31 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Get ready to werk, honey! Hosted in collaboration with Michigan Drag Brunch, this annual drag extravaganza features two high-energy sets from Michigan’s finest queens.

Plus, TWO special queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race that you won’t want to miss! Miss Willow Pill and Jaida Essence Hall.

What to Expect:

Tips are appreciated: A great way to show your appreciation to the queens.
Drinks for a Cause: Support AYA Youth Collective with every drink purchased!
Jaw-Dropping Performances: Enjoy performances from the queens of Michigan Drag Brunch and a special headliner to be announced.
360 Photobooth by Ice Brigade: Strike a pose and Sashay!
Meet and Greet: Meet our headliners… stay tuned for more information.
Food Trucks, Yard Games, Fire Pits and more!

Meet and Greet:

Meet & Greet – SOLD OUT.
General admission is still free to attend—no ticket required.

Food Trucks:

Tamales Mary: Mexican (Quesabirrias, Tamales, Tacos)
The Smokin Unicorn: Southern Food, Nachos, Loaded Hot Dogs
Crepes By The Lakes: Sweet and Savory Crepes
Roasted Red’s: Specialty Lattes & Bagel Sandwiches
SEMIFREDDO: European Inspired Fare

Sound Bath and Meditation
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for a peaceful experience inside the beautiful Emergence installation at Calder Plaza. This immersive event combines soothing sound vibrations with meditation, creating a tranquil retreat for your mind, body and spirit.

What to Expect:

Healing Sound Vibrations: Immerse yourself in crystal bowls, gongs and other instruments designed to sooth your body and calm your mind.
Guided Meditation: Expert instructors will lead you through a calming meditation, helping you connect with your breathing and enhance your relaxation.
Emergence Installation: The most perfect visual backdrop for this outdoor experience.

What to Bring:

Water Bottle
Mat, Towel or Blanket (for comfort during the event).
Warm Clothes as all events are outdoors.

Ice Piano Performance
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Enjoy a live musical performance by Charlie Millard and Olivia Vargas. These two local musicians will take turns performing on our handmade ice piano, crafted by the Ice Brigade team.

What to Expect:

Live Music on an Ice Piano: Local Musicians will take turns performing on a piano crafted from ice, producing an ethereal sound.
Somnius Installation: This international installation will provide the picture perfect backdrop.

Schedule:

6:30 PM: Charlie Millard Performs
7:00 PM: Olivia Vargas Performs
7:30 PM: Charlie Millard Performs
8:00 PM: Olivia Vargas Performs

Art Installation Walking Tour (ASL)
2026-02-06 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join local expert Candice Smith for a free guided walking tour of Downtown Grand Rapids’ outdoor art installations. Tours run several times throughout the festival and follow the same route.
This tour will include a sign language interpreter.
What to Expect:

Expert insights: Candice shares the stories behind the art.
Outdoor art: Sculptures, light displays, and interactive installations.
Meet people: Connect with fellow art lovers.

How to Join:
No RSVP is needed. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle (in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum) at 6:00 PM.
Bonus: Head to the Projection Drumming Show after the tour.

Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Whether you’re grabbing dinner before exploring the festival or stopping by for a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone. Come hungry, bring friends and enjoy a fun atmosphere as part of the World of Winter experience.
In partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association, a rotating lineup of local food trucks will be at 555 Monroe.

Participating Trucks (rotating weekly):

Patty Matters: Gourmet Burgers, French Fries, Sides
El Jalapeño: Mexican Food (Tacos, Tamales, etc.)
Inspired Eats: Asian Food (Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, etc.)
Boss Hog BBQ: BBQ

Experience Brett Bolton: Live Audiovisual Performance
2026-02-06 18:30 - 21:00 UTC | Van Andel Alley, 100 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Get ready for an immersive audiovisual journey. Brett Bolton is a Las Vegas–based artist who blends live drumming with generative projection art, creating performances that react and evolve in real time.
Using drums and a touchpad, Brett triggers and controls tightly connected musical and visual systems. Every sound shapes what you see on screen, turning the entire performance into a one-of-a-kind collaboration between human and computer. No two shows are ever the same, each one exists only in that moment.
When he’s not building his own experimental AV work, Brett designs visuals and real-time systems for touring pop artists, XR stages and next-gen venues.

Performance Times

6:30 PM — Performance

8:00 PM — Performance

Want a preview?
Click here to see a sample of his work.

Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party
2026-02-06 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Detroit) | Studio Park, 123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Kick off the 2026 Winter Olympics with a Team USA Watch Party at Studio Park during World of Winter! Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Studio Park are teaming up to host a community watch party for the primetime airing of the Opening Ceremonies on the Studio Park Piazza big screen this Friday at 8 PM.

What to Expect:
• Live broadcast of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies on the outdoor big screen• Outdoor bar with alcoholic, non-alcoholic and hot drinks• Fire pits on the Piazza to help keep everyone warm• Explore World of Winter installations throughout the area• View the SNO-BOTS art installation by local artists Alayah and Chris Dudley• Check out the Art Marketplace window display

This event is free, all-ages and open to the community.Free parking is available in the Studio Park ramp with a food or drink purchase at One Twenty Three Tavern.

Monrroe & Buunshin @ Somnius
2026-02-07 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
You’re not going to want to miss this one. For their US Debut, we’re bringing two MASSIVE headliners from Europe, Monrroe and Buunshin. Get ready to experience the music under the stars for a night of bass, atmosphere and pure winter energy!

learn more about our headliners:
Monrroe is a drum and bass producer and DJ from Stanway in the West Country, England. While pursuing a degree in Music Technology, he gained recognition for his atmospheric and emotive productions. A pivotal moment in his career was the release of Dawning featuring Emily Jones in 2015, which garnered significant attention and was later remixed by Technimatic. Monrroe’s dedication to blending organic sounds with high-energy drum and bass has positioned him as a rising star in the scene, with releases on labels like Galacy and collaborations with platforms such as Liquicity. His commitment to capturing natural sounds, often using field recordings, adds a unique depth to his music, resonating with audiences seeking both energy and emotion in drum and bass.
Buunshin is a rising star and groundbreaking artist from the Netherlands who is a self-made electronic artist. Specialising in sounds on the cutting edge, fluently switching BPMs, seamlessly blending genres and creating art with incredible attention to detail has earned Buunshin the respect of a wide range of artists. The love for his craft has led him to work on projects with titans such as Apashe, What So Not, DROELOE, San Holo, Habstrakt, DJ Fresh, IMANU and even the legendary NOISIA chose to pass the torch over to him at the end of their career. He’s been touring the globe including regular stints in New Zealand, Australia and Europe, the ripple in the scene left Buunshin’s performances at Printworks, Lowlands, Rampage, Fabric, Melkweg and many others have paved the way for the emergence of his revolutionary sound.

What to Expect:

Nonstop Music: A full lineup for the D&B and electronic heads
Fire Performers: Adding more heat to the cold night
Fire pits, Igloos & More: Stay warm, hang out and enjoy the vibes
Local Food Trucks listed below

DJ Schedule:

6:00 PM: Selyna Alvarez
7:00 PM: Deep Pak
8:00 PM: Headliner – Monrroe
9:00 PM: Headliner – Buunshin

Food Trucks :

PizzaMI: Neapolitan Pizza
The Mobile Crave: Mexican (Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos)
Patty Matters: Gourmet Burgers, French Fries, Sides
Roberts Brothers BBQ: Smoked Brisket and Pork
Cousins Maine Lobster: Wild-caught Maine Lobster
Dolce Mini Cakes: Pancakes & Waffles, Dubai Berries
