Have questions about World of Winter? Find answers about art installations, events, parking, accessibility,and planning your visit to Downtown Grand Rapids.
General Information FAQ
We work to make World of Winter as accessible as possible. However, some outdoor installations may be harder to access due to snow, ice or other weather conditions.
If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, email info@downtowngr.org and we’ll do our best to help.
The 2027 festival runs January 8–February 28, 2027, throughout Downtown Grand Rapids.
We’ll share suggested routes and festival hotspots to help you explore.
Most installations are best experienced in the evening, and most events take place on weekends. The 2027 event calendar is coming soon, so check back for event dates, times and details as they’re announced.
Yes! World of Winter is free to attend. Most events and activities are also free, though some may offer optional paid experiences. Check individual event listings for details as the 2027 calendar is announced.
World of Winter is a rain, snow or shine festival! Our art installations are designed to be experienced outdoors and most events will happen as scheduled.
If extreme weather affects an event, we’ll make the call that morning and share updates on our website and social media.
Yes! This festival is pet-friendly. However, 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.
Events & Activities
World of Winter features events and activities throughout the festival! Our 2027 event calendar is coming soon, so check back for event dates, times and details as they’re announced.
The 2027 event calendar will be released in November! In the meantime, you can look forward to a season of Downtown activities, including:
Outdoor art installations
Live performances
Family-friendly games and activities
Guided walking tours
And more!
Check back in November for the full schedule and event details.
Yes, everyone is welcome at World of Winter events and most events are family-friendly. The Silent Disco is the exception, as the music may include adult themes and language. If you’re attending with children and are concerned about the content, we recommend bringing an extra pair of headphones to connect to your own phone and music library.
Most events take place outdoors, rain or shine! However, Drag Story Hour is the exception and takes place indoors.
If extreme weather affects an event, we’ll make the call that morning and share updates on our website and social media.
Downtown Grand Rapids has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and bars to explore during your visit.
Some World of Winter events may also feature food trucks. Check individual event pages for food truck details as they’re announced, and consider supporting a local business while you explore!
Art Installation FAQ
Yes, all of our art installations are free and open the public.
Evening is a great time to visit because many installations use lighting and illuminated elements. Check out each individual listings for any installation-specific hours or recommendations.
Installations are located throughout Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some popular spots include Lyon Square, Gillett Bridge, Sixth Street Park and Canal Park. Check each installation’s listing for its specific location.
If you couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is happy to help. Email us at info@downtowngr.org or call (616) 719-4610.
