World of Winter

Guided Walking Tour: The Chilly Challenge
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | 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!

Ice Piano Performance
2025-02-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Canal Park, 941 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Step into a world of art, music, and winter wonder at the Ice Piano Performance set against the stunning Rainbow Willow Tree installation.

What to Expect:

Live Music on an Ice Piano: Local musicians Sammie Hershock and Hannah Laine will perform on a piano crafted from ice, producing an ethereal, hauntingly beautiful sound.
Rainbow Willow Tree Installation: This striking installation will provide a surreal visual backdrop, adding to the winter magic of the event.

Schedule:

6:30 PM – Sammie Performs
7:00 PM – Hannah Performs
7:30 PM – Sammie Performs
8:00 PM – Hannah Performs

Jalsa: Festivity of food and culture
2025-02-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Celebrate the vibrant culture of India, featuring music, dance and delicious regional snacks in partnership with the Assam Association of West Michigan. “Jalsa” is an invitation to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of India, celebrating the richness of life and the spirit of spring.

What to Expect:

Live Music: Groove to Folk, Fusion and Bollywood beats blending traditional and modern sounds.
Dance Performances: Enjoy stunning performances of Indian classical and folk dances like Kathak and Bharatanatyam.
Traditional Indian Food and Snacks Savor festival snacks from across India, including samosas, pani puri and mithai, priced $3-$10.

Additional Info:

Free and open to all.
Food available for purchase ($3-$10).
Family-friendly!

Circus Wonderland
2025-02-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Step into a world of excitement, where thrilling circus acts meet the magic of the ChronoHarp, an international art installation. This family-friendly event is packed with top-tier performances and surprises all night long!

What to Expect:

Acrobats, Variety Show and Circus Acts: Watch jaw-dropping performances and incredible stunts.
Trampoline Performances: Watch as the Trampoline Academy performs and defies gravity!
Fire Performers from GR Entertainment Group: Be mesmerized by fire breathers, jugglers and dancers lighting up the night with their fiery displays.
LiteZilla: A large Lite-Brite you can play with!
International Art Installation: Marvel at the ChronoHarp, a stunning interactive art installation that sets the stage for the night’s action.

Food Trucks:
Rolling Soul, Olly’s Donuts, Casa De Los Abuelos, Semifreddo & Patty Matters

Photo Walk
2025-02-09 18:00 - 20:00 | 555 Monroe, 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Mic, 49503, 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 555 Monroe 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.

Guided Walking Tour: African American History on The Grand
2025-02-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for a reflective walking tour exploring the African American experience in Grand Rapids, from 1826 to today. Led by Caroline Cook, this tour highlights key stories, events and landmarks that shaped the city’s African American community. Offered 3 times throughout the festival, each tour follows the same route.

What to Expect:

Guided Historical Tour: Caroline will share powerful stories about African American figures, places, events and issues that have impacted the city.
Engaging & Educational: Learn about the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Grand Rapids through thought-provoking narratives.
Comfortable Walking: Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for a one-hour tour through Downtown.

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.

Luv'N Lunch
2025-02-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Filled with Love, Food and Fun! Join us as we celebrate love with free roses, food trucks and 2-for-1 ice skating—perfect for a lunchtime date with friends or someone special!

What to Expect:

2-for-1 Ice Skating: Bring a friend and enjoy 2-for-1 ice skating (cost details below).
Free Roses: Get a free rose (while supplies last).
Pop-Up Performances: Enjoy live saxophone that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Food Trucks: Savor delicious bites from local favorites:

Taquero Mucho – Find the pink heart design on their truck and indulge in delicious tacos and more!
Dolce Mini Cakes – Treat yourself to sweet, bite-sized desserts perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

Ice Skating Cost:

Adults (18+): $6
Youth (17 & under): $3
10-Hole Punch Card: $22
Admission includes free skate rental. Cash and card accepted.

Love on Ice
2025-02-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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.

What to Expect:

Ice Sculpture Photo Op: Snap the perfect Valentine’s photo sitting on the stunning Ice Throne.
Professional Photographer: Get a memorable photo of you and your loved ones from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
2-for-1 Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating with a friend or partner!
Sweet Treats: Grab a dessert from Dolce Mini Cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ice Skating Cost:

Adults (18+): $6
Youth (17 & under): $3
10-Hole Punch Card: $22
Admission includes free skate rental. Cash and card accepted.

U Move Me: Music Production Battle
2025-02-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join us for an exciting music competition where talented producers compete for a $1,000 cash prize! Feel the rhythm and let the music move you as they create energetic beats that’ll have you dancing, even in your snow pants! Plus: Your energy and cheers will help determine the winner, so get ready to groove and be part of the fun!
What to Expect:

High-energy music: from talented producers competing for a $1,000 cash prize.
Live performances: that’ll get you moving, no matter the weather.
Audience participation: where your cheers and dance moves can help pick the winner!

How to Participate:
Interested music producers and beat makers, email Monk Recordings at monk@monkrecordings.com for details and registration!
Sponsored by ArtPrize, opnr and Monk Recordings LLC.

Sound Bath & Meditation
2025-02-15 18:30 - 19:30 | 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.

Paint the Park
2025-02-16 11:00 - 17:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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.

What to Expect:

Community Art Project: Unleash your creativity and paint the ice! We’ll provide all materials, but wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on
Street Party: Monroe Center will be closed to cars for a lively celebration with local vendors, interactive activities and fun for all ages.

GRPL – Mobile Library: Dive into a good book with the Grand Rapids Public Library’s mobile library on-site
Boredomfighters – Music Production for Kids: Let your little ones learn the art of music production from the experts at Boredomfighters
GRCM – Kids Can Van with Paint Easels & Bubbles: A fun-filled experience for kids, with paint easels and bubble play from the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
GREG – Stilt Walkers (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Be amazed by the towering stilt walkers, adding an extra touch of excitement to your day
Disney’s Princesses: Meet Anna & Elsa for photos from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Interactive Drum Circle: Get musical with local artist, Josh Dunigan
Face Painting with Dez Begay: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Olaf Ice Sculpture: Marvel at the frozen fun with a magical Olaf ice sculpture, crafted by Ice Guru Events.

Ribbon Bracelet Workshop: Warm up by making a free craft inside the Grand Rapids Art Museum from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

GRAM Discount: We’re partnering with the Grand Rapids Art Museum to offer you an admission discount to their Art Galleries if you visit their Ribbon Bracelet Workshop or Cafe

Schedule:

11:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Paint the ice at RPC (all supplies provided) and GRAM Workshop open.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Meet Anna & Elsa for photos.
2:30 PM: Ice painting ends.
3:00 PM: Face painting ends.
4:30 PM: Ice rink opens for skating.

Food Trucks:
Patty Matters, Tacos Mexico, Pac Pizzeria, Eastown Cereal Cafe, Semifreddo and Dolce Mini Cakes

Ice Skating Cost:

Adults (18+): $6
Youth (17 & under): $3
10-Hole Punch Card: $22
Admission includes free skate rental. Cash and card accepted.

Guided Walking Tour: Art Installations
2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-02 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.

KOAN Sound at ChronoHarp
2025-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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 our headliner, KOAN Sound. Schedule Coming Soon!

What to Expect:

DJ Performances: Dance to high-energy sets from 4 talented DJs throughout the night.
International Art Installation: Immerse yourself in the stunning visual experience of ChronoHarp.
Headliner: Don’t miss the mind-blowing performance by our headliner, KOAN Sound.
Funktion One Official Sound System: Unmatched audio clarity and powerful bass!

Food Trucks:

Shnack Trap, Los Pinches Tacos, Dolce Mini Cakes, Casa De Los Abuelos and Pizza MI.

Come for the beats, stay for the experience!

Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition
2025-02-22 11:00 - 16:00 | Sixth Street Park, 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for a Snow Snake Competition! Snow Snake is a traditional northern Native American game. The snake that is thrown the farthest down a snow trough wins.
YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN SNAKE TO COMPETE.
Practice snakes will be available for all to try. Compete for the grand prize of $500.

BRACKETS:

Compete in one of the categories based on age and gender:
0-5 years old
6-12 years old
13-19 years old
20-34 years old
35-54 years old
55+ years old

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Build Your Snake: You must make your own snake to compete

Throw Your Snake: Each competitor gets to throw their snow snake – the goal is to throw it the farthest!

SCHEDULE:

11:00 AM Registration & Practice Rounds
12:00 PM Competition begins. Event and times depend on the number of participants. Winners and prizes will be announced after all the brackets have completed competition.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Registration is free at the beginning of the event – arrive early to sign up and practice!

Family-friendly and fun for all ages!

PRIZES:

Bracket Victory: $50
Grand Prize $500

Human Hungry Hippo Tournament
2025-02-23 12:30 - 19:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW,, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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.

Schedule:

Family Division: 12:30 PM – 3 PM
Adult Division: 3:30 PM – 6 PM

What to Expect:

Family & Adult Divisions: Two categories—one for families and one for adults—so everyone can join the fun!
Prize Bags: Winning teams in each division take home awesome prize bags!

How To Compete:
In this one-of-a-kind competition, teams of six (each with a “hippo” in a sled) will race across the ice to collect balls—just like the classic board game, but with a human twist! Register here to compete as a family or adult team.

Food Trucks:
Dolce Mini Cakes, Andy’s Munchies and Tamales Mary.

Noodle Fest
2025-03-01 11:00 - 18:00 | Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Vote for the best noodle dish in West Michigan! This highly anticipated event is back! Taste a variety of dishes from local vendors and vote for your favorite!
What to Expect:

$6 Noodle Bowls: Sample flavorful noodle dishes from different vendors for just $6 each.
Vote for the Best Dish: Cast your vote using tokens for a chance to help choose the $500 winner!
Spicy Noodle Challenge: Think you can handle the heat? Enter the spicy noodle challenge and win a local restaurant gift card!
Entertainment: Enjoy live performances and cultural entertainment throughout the event.

Vendor Participation:
Does your noodle dish have what it takes to be named as the Best Noodle Dish? We are looking for competitors to share their best noodle dish to West Michiganders.

Vendor Cost: $200 to participate.
Registration: Vendor registration is open and closes January 1. Register here.

Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555
2026-01-09 18:00 - 21:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
