World of Winter

BONIMGET - Traditional Native Hoop Dance
2025-01-24 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Gillett Bridge, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Experience the rich cultural tradition of Native Hoop Dancing with Malcolm McDonald, a proud member of the Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi) tribe. Malcolm’s performance blends storytelling, dance and music to share the deep traditions of his people.

What to Expect:

Native Hoop Dancing: Watch Malcolm perform the intricate art of hoop dancing, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and nature.
Live Drumming and Music: The dance is accompanied by live drumming, enhancing the storytelling with rhythm and energy.
Cultural Storytelling: Each movement and hoop tells a story, honoring nature and Anishinaabe teachings.
Family-Friendly: This event is open to all ages, offering a unique cultural experience for everyone.

From The Organizer:
Malcolm ndezhnëkas. mthébnéshiniyêk ndëbéndagwes. bodwéwadmi miné neshnabé ndaw. mko o ndodém. mzhi’génak ndëwtthbya.
(My name is Malcolm. I belong to the People of the Bad Bird. I am Bodwéwadmi and Neshnabé. Bear is my clan. I am from Michigan.)

Rapid Art Movement
2025-01-24 17:30 - 21:30 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for Rapid Art Movement, a 50-minute immersive, interactive art experience happening on January 24th and 25th! This event will take you on a creative journey through art, performances and poetry as you travel on a DASH bus in the heart of Grand Rapids.

Board the bus at Monroe Ave at Rosa Park Circle and get ready for a unique artistic journey.

Schedule:

5:30 PM: First Departure from Rosa Park Circle
7:00 PM: Second Departure from Rosa Park Circle
8:30 PM: Third Departure from Rosa Park Circle

What to Expect:

Art Installations & Poetry: Experience visual art and poetry installed throughout the bus for you to explore during the ride.
Performances on the Bus: Enjoy live performances from talented artists at various stops along the DASH route.
Guided Tour: A host will be on board to guide you through the artworks and performances, providing insight and context.
Bus Ride Experience: A scenic one-hour journey from Rosa Park Circle to the Public Museum, with performances and installations at every turn.

Artists:
Jon Calkins, Jeremy Verwys, Bri Hubbard-Ross, Erika Soto, Danira Stanojevic, Thiago Porraz, Heather Huber and Poppysmic.

Your Hosts:This event is co-organized by Eirann Betka-Pope, Artistic Director of Betka-Pope Productions and Zachary Trebellas, Director of Avenue for the Arts. With this event they aim to showcase the talents of Michigan artists and highlight what makes living in Grand Rapids special.

Guided Walking Tour: The Chilly Challenge
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, grand rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for the 7th Annual Chilly Challenge—a 7-week walking series that explores Downtown Grand Rapids like never before! Each week, enjoy a 60-minute guided walk with local expert Caroline Cook, uncovering hidden gems, history and culture.

Walk Schedule:

Jan 9 at 12:00 pm | Lapping the Landmarks
Jan 16 at 12:00 pm | Art For All
Jan 23 at 12:00 pm | World of Winter
Jan 30 at 12:00 pm | Grand Rapids Most Haunted
Feb 6 at 12:00 pm | Miles and Miles of Murals
Feb 13 at 12:00 pm | Park to Park to Park 1
Feb 20 at 12:00 pm| Park to Park to Park 2

What to Expect:

Seven Themed Walks: Every Thursday at 12:00 PM, Jan 9–Feb 20
Expert Guide: Caroline Cook shares fascinating stories of the city.
Meet New People: Get outdoors, stay active, and connect with fellow explorers.
$25 Gift Card: Complete all 7 walks and earn a gift card to a Downtown business of your choice!

How to Participate:

No RSVP required! – Just show up at the JW Marriott lobby (near Starbucks) at noon.
Complete all 7 walks to earn your $25 gift card!

Guided Walking Tour: Art Installations
2025-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Experience the outdoor art that transforms Downtown Grand Rapids into a winter wonderland. Join local expert Caroline Cook for a Free Guided Walking Tour, offered 5 times throughout the festival. Each tour follows the same route, showcasing the city’s stunning art installations up close.

What to Expect:

Expert Guide: Caroline Cook provides behind-the-scenes insights and fascinating details about each art piece, giving you a deeper understanding of the installations.

Immersive Art Experience: Explore outdoor sculptures, light displays and interactive installations.
Meet New People: Connect with fellow art lovers while discovering new parts of the city.

How to Participate:

No RSVP required! Simply show up at Rosa Parks Circle (in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum Main Entrance) at 6:00 PM to begin your tour.

Sound Bath & Meditation
2025-01-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us 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.

What to Expect:

Healing Sound Vibrations: Immerse yourself in crystal bowls, gongs and other instruments designed to soothe your body and calm your mind.
Guided Meditation: Expert instructors will lead you through a calming meditation, helping you connect with your breath and enhance your relaxation.
ChronoHarp Art Installation: The stunning visual and sound elements of the Chronoharp set the perfect backdrop for the sound bath experience.

What to Bring:

Water bottle.
Mat (or towel/blanket) for comfort during the session.

Snowga
2025-01-19 09:00 - 11:00 | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Join us for a unique morning event that blends a relaxing yoga session with a fun run or walk! Whether you’re into yoga, running or walking, this event will energize both your body and mind. Afterward, enjoy hot beverages and the chance to win exciting prizes!
What to Expect:

Yoga: Stretch and relax with expert guidance from Morgan Kline.
Run & Walk: A fun, all-levels workout.
Hot Beverages: Warm up with refreshing drinks.
Prizes & Snacks: Enjoy treats and win prizes!

Silent Disco
2025-01-18 19:00 - 23:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dance under the stars with live DJs, fire performers and stunning light displays at the Silent Disco. Stay tuned as we get ready to announce the full DJ line up for this event.
Pro Tip: Headphones are available on a first-come, first-served basis—arrive early to grab yours! You must be present to claim yours; no picking up for others.

Schedule:

7:00–8:00 PM – A.R.K. & DJay Tron
8:00–9:00 PM – Escopaid & Sarah Jane Riegler
9:00–10:00 PM – Bolero & CapGPT
10:00–11:00 PM – SuperDre & Midwest Tropics

What to Expect:

Giant Interactive LiteZilla: Unleash your creativity on a massive, interactive Lite Brite board
John Ball Zoo Lantern Fest: Special Lantern Fest Feature on Site!
Non-Stop DJ Action: Enjoy two DJs spinning every hour, keeping the beats fresh all night long
Fire Performers & LED Stilt Walkers: Be mesmerized by dazzling fire performances and illuminated stilt walkers
Interactive Art & Food Trucks: Immerse yourself in unique art installations while indulging in delicious food truck offerings
Cozy Fire Pits & Drinks: Warm up by the fire with a drink in hand
Alcoholic Drinks Available for Purchase: Sip on your favorite beverage as you soak in the atmosphere

This event is intended for adults only. While families are welcome, please be advised that it may include strong language and mature content.

Sponsors:
In-kind sponsorship by Alliance Beverage.

Food Trucks:
PizzaMI, Tamales Mary, Patty Matters, The Smokin Unicorn, Dolce Mini Cakes & Semifreddo

Fashion Show
2025-01-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Gillett Bridge, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Step into this exclusive Winter Fashion Reworks Fashion Show. Hosted on the iconic Gillett Bridge, this unique event features two 30-minute fashion shows showcasing reimagined winter trends, designed by the talented team at Second Vibess.

What to Expect:

Two Fashion Shows: Enjoy two exciting 30-minute shows featuring the best of Second Vibess Winter Fashion Reworks, with stylish outerwear and innovative layers.
Winter Fashion Reworks: See fresh twists on classic winter styles, featuring bold designs, new textures and creative layers.
Iconic Bridge Venue: Experience the fashion show set against the stunning Gillett Bridge, offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Schedule:

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: First Fashion Show
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Second Fashion Show

Guided Walking Tour: The Chilly Challenge
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, grand rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for the 7th Annual Chilly Challenge—a 7-week walking series that explores Downtown Grand Rapids like never before! Each week, enjoy a 60-minute guided walk with local expert Caroline Cook, uncovering hidden gems, history and culture.

Walk Schedule:

Jan 9 at 12:00 pm | Lapping the Landmarks
Jan 16 at 12:00 pm | Art For All
Jan 23 at 12:00 pm | World of Winter
Jan 30 at 12:00 pm | Grand Rapids Most Haunted
Feb 6 at 12:00 pm | Miles and Miles of Murals
Feb 13 at 12:00 pm | Park to Park to Park 1
Feb 20 at 12:00 pm| Park to Park to Park 2

What to Expect:

Seven Themed Walks: Thursdays at 12:00 PM, Jan 9–Feb 20.
Expert Guide: Caroline Cook shares shares captivating city stories.
Meet New People: Get outdoors, stay active and connect with fellow explorers.
$25 Gift Card: Complete all 7 walks and earn a gift card to a Downtown business of your choice!

How to Participate:

No RSVP required! – Just show up at the JW Marriott lobby (near Starbucks) at noon.
Complete all 7 walks to earn your $25 gift card!

Chalk River Labs : Technology, Art and the Power of Projection
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl St NW #Room 217 , Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for an inspiring artist talk as part of the World of Winter Festival!

What to Expect:

Jay Tettamanti’s Artist Talk: Dive into the creative journey of Jay Tettamanti, the award-winning artist behind Chalk River Labs, as he showcases his renowned projection sculptures that blend light, sound and form.
Behind the Scenes: Discover the process, career highlights and the transformative power of merging art and technology.
DGRI’s Activate Grants: Learn about Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.’s (DGRI) Activate Grants, offering up to $10,000 in funding for creative projects that activate public spaces in 2025.
Q&A Session: Get your questions answered and gain insights into how to turn ideas into impactful public art installations.
Free Registration! Reserve your spot here today.

Location:
Woodbridge N. Ferris Building – Kendall College #Room 217

About the Artist:
Jay Tettamanti is the award winning innovative force behind Chalk River Labs, a Melbourne-based creative studio specialising in the art of projection sculptures. With a passion for multidisciplinary art, Jay has honed a unique talent for crafting experiential installations that seamlessly integrate projection, audio, and sculpture.
At the heart of Chalk River Labs’ creations lies a deep admiration for the intrinsic beauty of nature’s symmetry and complex geometry. Jay’s artistic journey is an exploration of these natural wonders, where he skillfully overlays them in a captivating collage. The result is a transformative experience that takes ordinary structures and transforms them into enchanting, textured sculptures that captivate the senses.
Jay’s work is a harmonious convergence of technology and artistry, where each piece invites viewers to embark on a sensory journey. The interplay of light, sound, and form in his installations elicits a profound connection between the observer and the environment, fostering a renewed appreciation for the intricate patterns that define our world.
Tettamanti has several qualifications in audiovisual technology including a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts (Media Arts) from RMIT University. As a highly qualified Technical Director, he has worked for large Institutions, international touring exhibitions, Arts Organizations, Local Government Councils, Arts Festivals and emerging and established artists. This includes the Centre for Projection Art, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Amigo and Amigo and Tandanya Indigenous Cultural Institute.anya Indigenous Cultural Institute.

Photo Walk
2025-01-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
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, with Bryan sharing expert tips on how to best photograph these glowing works of art.
What to Expect:

Photo Walk with a Pro: Bryan Esler will guide you through the vibrant light installations, showing you how to capture them at their best.
Photography Tips & Techniques: Learn how to adjust your camera settings, find the best angles, and make the most of the lighting.
Photo Contest: Submit your best shot for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

How to Participate:

No RSVP required! Simply show up at the Ah-Nab-Awen Park stage at the scheduled time to join the walk.
Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the art installations.
Optional: After the walk, submit your best photo for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

World of Winter: Opening Celebration
2025-01-11 18:00 - 21:00 | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, United States
Join us for the exciting Opening Kickoff Event of the 2025 World of Winter Festival! Enjoy a live ice carving, DJ beats, art and delicious food trucks as we kick off the festival in style. UPDATE: Due to Delivery Delays, The Bon{d}fire installation will not be at the opening event.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

High-Energy DJ Set: Dance the night away to electrifying beats from DJ Adrian Butler
Cozy Fire Pits: Warm up by the fire
Giant Interactive LiteZilla: Unleash your creativity on a massive, interactive LiteBrite board
Yard Games: Challenge your friends to a variety of fun outdoor games.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – Kids Can Van! Interactive fun for the little ones
Live Ice Carving: Watch as the Ice Guru Events carves the Grand Rapids City Skyline with the iconic Calder Sculpture
Free Mini Sauna Sessions: Prebook your free session here!

FOOD TRUCKS:
Pac Pizzeria, Casa De Los Abuelos, Patty Matters, Roasted Red’s & Olly’s Donuts

World of Winter: Scavenger Hunt
2025-01-10 08:00 - 2025-03-02 23:00 | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, 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: 287GLX to find the 2025 hunt
Create & Name Your Team
Join the Game and start completing missions
Invite Friends using your unique Team Access Code

What to Expect:

Explore the Festival: Complete missions and discover the best spots in the World of Winter.
Win Prizes: Earn points to enter prize draws every week!
Family Fun: Perfect for individuals, families, and groups.
Mission Time: The hunt takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Guided Walking Tour: The Chilly Challenge
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, grand rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for the 7th Annual Chilly Challenge—a 7-week walking series that explores Downtown Grand Rapids like never before! Each week, enjoy a 60-minute guided walk with local expert Caroline Cook, uncovering hidden gems, history and culture.

Walk Schedule:

Jan 9 at 12:00 pm | Lapping the Landmarks
Jan 16 at 12:00 pm | Art For All
Jan 23 at 12:00 pm | World of Winter
Jan 30 at 12:00 pm | Grand Rapids Most Haunted
Feb 6 at 12:00 pm | Miles and Miles of Murals
Feb 13 at 12:00 pm | Park to Park to Park 1
Feb 20 at 12:00 pm | Park to Park to Park 2

What to Expect:

Seven Themed Walks: Thursdays at 12:00 PM, Jan 9–Feb 20.
Expert Guide: Caroline Cook shares shares captivating city stories.
Meet New People: Get outdoors, stay active and connect with fellow explorers.
$25 Gift Card: Complete all 7 walks and earn a gift card to a Downtown business of your choice!

How to Participate:

No RSVP required! – Just show up at the JW Marriott lobby (near Starbucks) at noon.
Complete all 7 walks to earn your $25 gift card!
