World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the United States.

With over 100 FREE events, activities and outdoor art installations over two months, the festival provides an opportunity for families and adults to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful winter and experience the four-season offerings of Downtown Grand Rapids. 

World of Winter is produced and managed by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Schedule:

January 5, 2024:

Adult Willow Branch Lantern Workshop:

Learn how to make your own willow branch lantern for our opening event parade: Luminary Light Night on January 12. This workshop is designed to get your creative juices flowing. Plus: Learn how to make traditional Filipino Lantern Tails.

Workshop Schedule:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Lantern Building

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Filipino Lantern Tail Decoration

Event Highlights:

Registration Is Required: Snag your free ticket!

Craft Your Own Lantern

Open to all creative abilities.

All materials and expert guidance are provided.

January 6, 2024:

Family Drop-In Paper Lantern Building No 1

Families, learn how to make your own paper lantern for our opening event parade: Luminary Light Night on January 12. This drop-in activity offers kids a fantastic opportunity to express their creativity and craft something unique.

Event Highlights:

Kid-Focused

No Registration is Required

Lantern Kit is available with Museum Admission.

Create your own Lantern

All Creative Abilities Welcome

January 7, 2024:

Family Drop-In Paper Lantern Building No 2

Families, learn how to make your own paper lantern for our opening event parade: Luminary Light Night on January 12. This drop-in activity offers kids a fantastic opportunity to express their creativity and craft something unique.

Event Highlights:

Kid-Focused

No Registration is Required

Lantern Kit is available with Museum Admission.

Create your own Lantern

All Creative Abilities Welcome

January 3, 2024 - February 14, 2024:

12:00 pm: Chilly Challenge Walking Tours at JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Discover Downtown Grand Rapids with our Chilly Challenge – a seven-week walking series. The best part? Get rewarded for perfect attendance.

Event Highlights:

Themed 1 hour walking tours around Downtown.

No registration is necessary. Just show up.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

Explore a Range of Themes

Participants who complete all seven walks receive a $25 gift certificate, just our way of saying thanks for your dedication.

Event Schedule:

Wednesday, January 3 - ArtPrize Afterglow

Wednesday, January 10 - Greener Grand Rapids

Wednesday, January 17 - RAD American Women

Wednesday, January 24 - Architecture ZOO

Wednesday, January 31 - World of Winter Art Installations

Wednesday, February 7 - Grand Rapids’ Most Haunted

Wednesday, February 14 - Great Grand Rapids Love Stories

January 12, 2024:

6:00 pm: Luminary Light Night Parade at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Join us for the World of Winter 2024 Festival Opening Celebration!

Plus, help light the parade by bringing your own lantern

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Walk the Parade

Bring Your Own Lantern

DJs include K-Bones, DJ Buck and Venus FlyyTrap.

Special Performance by the GR Gold Drumline.

Sneak Peek Lantern from John Ball Zoo's 2024 Lantern Fest will be on display all opening weekend. Learn more about the fest below!

Complimentary S'mores Station.

January 13, 2024:

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Fire and Ice at Rosa Parks Circle

Witness the captivating show as we mix two opposites together, Fire and Ice. Watch fire performers glide and jump on the ice, showcasing a unique blend of elements. Plus, you're invited to join the fun with an open skate session to end the evening.

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

On-Ice Entertainment:

Figure Skating Extravaganza

Street Party on Monroe Center

Dance Performances

Flow Playground

Open Skate After Performances

January 12, 2024 - January 14, 2024:

6:00 pm: John Ball Zoo Lantern at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Get an exclusive preview of one of the new Lanterns featured in the John Ball Zoo's 2024 Lantern Fest. It will be on display throughout the opening weekend.

January 19, 2024:

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Ice Piano Performance No 1 at Canal Park

Experience a LIVE performance on a piano made of ice featuring Olivia Vargas!

Event Highlights:

Live piano performance

Colorful and Unique Venue

January 20, 2024:

12:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Ice Park and Food Truck Rally at 555 Monroe Avenue Northwest

Join us for frosty fun at the Ice Park! Chill out and enjoy cool games, delicious food from our lineup of food trucks and jam with the musical maestros at Frosty Boyz Entertainment. Learn the ropes and test-drive groovy instruments—it's a frozen party you won't want to miss!

Event Schedule:

12:00 PM: Food Trucks Open

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Beat Box Pop-up Sound Immersion

7:00 PM: Food Trucks Close (Ice Park remains open until the sculptures melt)

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Beatbox Sound Immersion

Instrument Exploration: Try out CDJs, Midi keyboard, Electronic Drum Kit, and Pocket Analog Modular Synthesizer.

Play ice games like: Shuffleboard, Plinko, Foosball, Chess, Checkers, Cornhole, Ice Skee Ball, Tic-tac-toe and Tabletop Air Hockey.

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Ice Piano Performance No 2 at Canal Park

Experience a LIVE performance on a piano made of ice featuring Olivia Vargas!

Event Highlights:

Live piano performance

Colorful and Unique Venue

January 26, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Soundbath No 1 at Calder Plaza

Ready for pure relaxation? Step into a sound bath – it's like a spa day for your soul. Find a comfy spot and our sound wizard will transport you to a realm of serenity. Join us for a harmonious journey – your ears and inner chill guru will thank you!

Event Highlights:

Get Ready to Unwind

Instrumental Bliss

A Unique Experience

January 27, 2024:

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Silent Disco at Calder Plaza

You know it, You love it. The fan-favorite, Silent Disco is back! Get ready to dance like there's no tomorrow! Slap on some wireless headphones and take the reins of your own musical journey by tuning into various DJ channels.

Event Highlights:

Massive Open-Air Dance Extravaganza

Electrifying DJ Performances

Thrilling Fire and LED Shows

Local Food Trucks

Cozy Fire Pits

Interactive Lite Brite Experience

February 3, 2024:

11:00 am - 4:00 pm: Winter's a DRAG at Calder Plaza

Get ready to sashay into the spotlight with Michigan Drag Brunch! Witness the Queens stealing the show, accompanied by our mystery guest. Plus: All drink purchases from the event will go towards AYA Youth Collective.

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Michigan Drag Brunch Queens

Mystery Guest Appearance

Yard Games

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Black History Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Take a stroll through Grand Rapids' Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now.

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

No Registration is Required - Just show up.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

February 7, 2024:

12:00 pm - Chilly Challenge Walking Tours - Grand Rapids’ Most Haunted at JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Discover Downtown Grand Rapids with our Chilly Challenge – a seven-week walking series. The best part? Get rewarded for perfect attendance.

Event Highlights:

Themed 1 hour walking tours around Downtown.

No registration is necessary. Just show up.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

Explore a Range of Themes

Participants who complete all seven walks receive a $25 gift certificate, just our way of saying thanks for your dedication.

February 9, 2024 - February 11, 2024:

12:00 pm: Valent-ICE at Rosa Parks Circle

Embrace Winter Wonderland with Valent-ICE, a standout attraction in the World of Winter Festival. Explore dozens of beautiful ice sculptures throughout DowntownGR.

Event Highlights:

50+ Ice Sculptures throughout Downtown GR

Free Walking Tours! See our event calendar for more info.

Monroe Center Closure: Providing a pedestrian-friendly space for everyone to enjoy.

February 9, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Ice Sculpture Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids.

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required.

February 10, 2024:

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Snowga at 555 Monroe Avenue Northwest

Kick off your Saturday with a perfect blend of World of Winter magic, exercise and relaxation.

Event Highlights:

Yoga led by AM Yoga.

Training Run and Walk

Complimentary Hot Beverages from Field & Fire Cafe.

February 11, 2024:

Ice Sculpture Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle:

Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids.

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required.

Event Time Slots:

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Black History Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Take a stroll through Grand Rapids' Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now.

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

No Registration is Required - Just show up.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

February 13, 2024:

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: GR Mardi Gras Glow Sidewalk Parade at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Get ready for a night of Mardi Gras magic in Grand Rapids! Dress in your best Mardi Gras gear and join the parade through Downtown Grand Rapids. The celebration peaks at Uccello's with a fantastic dance party—immerse yourself in the music and dance the night away with friends, old and new, in true Mardi Gras spirit.

Event Schedule:

7:00 PM: Indoor Swing Dance at the GRPM

8:45 PM: Meet in the Museum Lobby

9:00 PM: Sidewalk Parade Around the City

10:00 PM: Uccello's Downtown Dance Party

Event Highlights:

Start and end the night with dancing

Mardi-Gras Celebration

Parade led by a live jazz band

February 14, 2024:

Love On Ice at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up, we've got your date night plans covered! Enjoy 2-for-1 ice skating with your special person on Valentine’s Day! Plus: Get your initials carved onto our love-themed ice wall and don't forget to strike a pose for a FREE professional photo opportunity.

Event Schedule:

11:00 AM: Skating Opens

6:00 PM: Ice wall opens for carving and professional photo ops.

8:30 PM: Skating closes

9:00 PM: Event Ends

Event Highlights:

Low Cost Ice Skating Available All Day

Free Professional Photo Opportunity

Custom Ice Carving on our Love Wall

February 17, 2024:

11:00 am - 5:00 pm: Paint the Park at Rosa Parks Circle

Help give the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle a colorful makeover. Join us for a community ice painting party at Rosa Parks Circle. Not in the mood for painting? No problem! Join our street party on Monroe Center.

Event Schedule:

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Painting ends

5:00 PM: Skate on your own designs

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Paint the Ice Rink

Street Party on Monroe Center

Interactive Drum Circle

Skate on Your Masterpiece

February 18, 2024:

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required

February 23, 2024:

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: DJ Pop Up at Dandelion at Calder Plaza

Get ready to dance the night away inside of our ‘Dandelion’ installation. Groove to the rhythm, soak in the warmth of the fire pits and make unforgettable memories under the starry sky. Join us for this one-of-a-kind party

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Live DJs

Fire Performers

Interactive Lite Brite Experience

February 24, 2024:

11:00 am - 4:00 pm: Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition at Sixth Street Park

Enter to compete for a chance at the grand prize of $1000! Snow Snake is a traditional northern Native American game of sport dating back to over 500 years ago. The game's object is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow. You must make your own snow snake to compete, but practice snakes will be available for all to try.

Event Schedule:

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Registration and Practice Rounds

12:00 PM: Competition Begins (Event length varies with participation)

Competition Ends: Closing Ceremony + Grand Prize + Open Throw

February 25, 2024:

12:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Human Hungry Hippo Tournament at Rosa Parks Circle

Got an appetite for adventure? Dive into the excitement of our Human Hungry Hungry Hippos Tournament on Ice.

Family Division Schedule:

12:30 PM: Registration

1:00 PM: Tournament

2:00 PM: Championship Round

2:15 PM: Awards at Rosa Parks Circle

Adult Division Schedule:

2:30 PM: Registration

3:00 PM: Group 1

4:00 PM: Group 2

5:00 PM: Group 3

6:00 PM: Championship Round

6:30 PM: Awards at Flanagan’s

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Compete for Prizes

Top World of Winter Event

February 26, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Black History Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Take a stroll through Grand Rapids' Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now.

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

No Registration is Required - Just show up.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

February 27, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required.

March 2, 2024:

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Circus Wonderland at Calder Plaza

Experience stilt walkers, LED performers, fire performers and aerialists from the Grand Rapids Entertainment Group, all happening near our featured international installation, ‘Dandelion’. It's an event you can't afford to miss, complete with food trucks, games, and more. Join the circus and come on down!

Event Highlights:

Local Food Trucks

Interactive Lite Brite Experience

Experience Circus Entertainment

Warm-up Area

March 3, 2024:

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Art Installation Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle

Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations!

Event Highlights:

One-hour walking tour around Downtown.

We Walk In All Weather: Rain, shine or snow.

No Registration Required.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Soundbath No 2 at Calder Plaza

Ready for pure relaxation? Step into a sound bath – it's like a spa day for your soul. Find a comfy spot and our sound wizard will transport you to a realm of serenity. Join us for a harmonious journey – your ears and inner chill guru will thank you!

Event Highlights:

Get Ready to Unwind

Instrumental Bliss

A Unique Experience

March 9, 2024:

11:00 am - 6:00 pm: Noodle Fest at Calder Plaza

Get ready for Noodle Fest – where chefs battle it out to whip up the tastiest noodle dishes!

Picture this: awesome food, live entertainment and vendors dishing out $6 bowls of noodle goodness. You decide the winner by throwing in your votes with your donations.

Think of it like a chili cookoff, but way cooler – because it's all about noodles!

Event Highlights:

Noodle Fest Chef Competition

$6 Noodle Bowls

Vote for the best dish

Karaoke for Kids

Come dressed as your favorite noodle dish or get inspired by the Executive Director of the GRAPF, who's going as a bowl of ramen.

January 12, 2024 - March 9, 2024:

6:00 pm: Grand Legacy Mural Immersive Experience at Gillett Bridge

Walk through the Gillett Bridge Tunnel and listen to the history of the Grand River, Michigan’s longest River.

This creation is a purposeful piece that encapsulates the rich history of our beloved city, Grand Rapids. This mural aims to portray captivating snapshots of our land's formation, highlighting the diverse groups that have inhabited this area and their deep connection to the spirit of the land and nature. From the multitude of cultures that migrated here, to their invaluable contributions in shaping the development of this region, we acknowledge and appreciate their influence. Furthermore, we recognize the innovative thinkers who established industries—such as fur, furniture, steel, beer, and art—whose  impact continues to shape our city's growth. Grand Rapids stands as a testament to their collective efforts, and we take immense pride in contributing to its ongoing development, cultivating a better place for all residents who call this city home.

6:00 pm: Stargate at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

This piece has two personalities: sculpture by day and projection show at night! Come by to witness the magic.

Stargate is an innovative projection sculpture. This sculptural marvel employs projection mapping techniques from both sides of the structure, ensuring that its mesmerizing visuals can be appreciated from any vantage point. 

The circular ring at its heart serves as both a communal gathering space and a source of breathtaking photo opportunities, encouraging interaction and shared experiences among

spectators. Stargate thus becomes a conduit to transcendental experiences, where the audience is transported to the realm of the stars while standing firmly on Earth's soil. 

This remarkable artwork redefines the traditional notions of sculpture, inviting all to explore its cosmic portal, inspiring wonder, unity, and contemplation in an ever-evolving interplay of light, sound and imagination.

6:00 pm: Sonic Runway at Gillett Bridge

Walk the runway under this corridor of lights synchronized to the speed of sound!

Sonic Runway is a light-art installation that converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a 342 to 432 ft (105 to 132 meters) corridor of 20 to 25 LED-lined arches at the speed of sound.

6:00 pm: Messie the Grand River Monster at Canal Park

Introducing Messie: A purple river monster with 14-foot tentacles in the Grand River. She playfully explores Downtown Grand Rapids, swaying her tentacles in favorable weather. Get ready for a captivating encounter!

6:00 pm: Singing Tree at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

The Singing Tree is a lighting experience that transforms sound into interactive experiences.This art installation only operates after dark.

The Singing Tree has been deployed in a number of cities across North America and Europe including New York, Seattle, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Prague, Victoria, and Vancouver.

6:00 pm: Permafrost at Blue Bridge

Three large and colorful Mastodons made out of metal and safety glass. Come and learn more about these historic creatures.

Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer beneath the earth’s surface which consists of rock and soil. This phenomenon has often been referred to as the ‘sleeping giant’ of climate change. 

As global temperatures rise, the once-always-frozen ground is currently melting, which exposes long-hidden threats to our ecosystems by releasing global warming gases into the air. On the other hand, it also includes enormous amounts of historical information, including DNA, microbes and ancient fossils. 

The starting point of our installation was to bring back to life an ancient animal that had been isolated deep in the layers of Permafrost for centuries. We awaken this prehistoric figure as a perfectly balanced dance between metal and safety glass. Our mammoth has been designed and built using only polygonic shapes, referring to both the DNA material found inside the Permafrost, as well as polygonic soil that is organically shaped on top of the Permafrost. 

An aesthetic approach toward the mythical resurrection of the imposing mammoth!

6:00 pm: Nightwalkers at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Eight inflatable frogs ranging in size. Come and learn more about these colorful creatures.

These nighttime creatures feature beautiful neon patterns that are usually not seen because of their size. The artists have supersized these wondrous amphibians bringing alive their otherworldly beauty.

Frogs are also environmental bellwethers; a decline in their populations is viewed as an early sign of environmental damage. These spiritual amphibians are linked to the moon and earth's nurturing cleansing and renewal. They are considered muses for finding your soul song.

6:00 pm: WOW Selfie Spot at 555 Monroe Avenue

Snap a selfie at the #offical WoW Selfie Spot and tag us at worldofwintergr and use the hashtag #worldofwintergr for a chance to be featured on our socials!

6:00 pm: Massimals: Grand Rapids at Blue Bridge

Come say goodbye to our vibrant Massimals as they soak in their final Michigan winter.

This public art installation features abstract animal forms in a style traditionally used in architectural design.

6:00 pm: Manidoo Bawating at Sixth Street Park

Manidoo Bawating is back for our 2024 festival. Come experience this beautiful sculpture during the day or at night.

This 11-foot-tall steel sculpture was custom-designed to honor important symbols and unique traditions of the Native American community that thrived along the Grand River and throughout the Great Lakes region. Its name means "Spirit of the Rapids" in the indigenous Anishinaabemowin language.

6:00 pm: Squiggle Tree at Canal Park

The Rainbow Tree is a bright, colorful light display. Each string of LED lights wraps around the tree, representing a color in the rainbow. Stunning at night.

6:00 pm: Starlight at Devos Place

Witness this gorgeous steel sculpture glow at night!

The celestial patterns are intended to inspire hope and imagination, enabling the viewer to step into the glowing starlight to become a part of the piece.

6:00 pm: 3-DC GRow at Van Andel Arena

Dive into 3-DC GRow, where overlapping illustrations come alive with giant 3-D glasses.

Join the journey of three GR kids with unique interests as they blossom into adults thriving in industries that align with their passions. Remember, what may seem childish today could be your key to success as an adult. Don't let those passions fade as you GRow up!

6:00 pm: Four Directions at 555 Monroe Avenue

Four Directions is a multi-media public art installation that uses sound, light, and form to create an interpretive expression of the Indigenous Native American Four Directions teaching. This teaching describes the relationship between the four sacred directions East, South, North and West, the four parts of the day, the four seasons of nature and the four stages of human life.

6:00 pm: Kalopieron at Sixth Street Park

Step into this immersive Human-Size Illuminated Kaleidoscope

Kalopeiron is a human-size kaleidoscope that is housed in a galvanized steel flat pack shipping container which lends to the modern industrial look form, and also provides a durable housing function.

Kalopeiron is impressive during the day and night, as the LED-illuminated enclosed interior creates a darkness that will vividly display colorful patterns while also reflecting those who enter. At night as the exterior and interior LEDs work in synchronization to attract attention from a distance and draw people into into the curiosity of its glowing chamber.

Viewed from the front Kalopeiron guests are attracted to the bright and colorful patterns displayed across the addressable LED strips mounted to the back wall, as they enter they will be immersed into the light and sound of the mirrored stainless steel tunnel, as the changing and looping colorful visuals reflective endlessly across the ceiling, walls and floor as the visual reflect into oblivion.

6:00 pm: Breath is My Raft at Grand Rapids Art Museum

“Breath is My Raft” is a complex yet simple tale that symbolically weaves the hardships of humanity and suffering into a story of resilience.

Stop by at night to witness this brilliant story.

“Breath is My Raft” is a complex yet simple tale that symbolically weaves the hardships of humanity and suffering into a story of resilience. In this story suffering is symbolized as a storm. The storm is a metaphor for the chaos reeking havoc within our hearts and minds that takes different forms yet is always present in some aspect. These are the extremely uncomfortable, heavy and life threatening feelings we experience as humans. There is no avoiding them, yet in current society it has become normal to suppress, resist and ignore emotions in order to remain happy. Within this story the artist asks the viewer questions they once asked themself: Does life really have to be this way? What happens when we dive into these feelings? What lives below the surface and can we rise above? And so, as I have within my own life, I cast my character to sea, venturing into the storm to search for answers to these unanswered questions to discover how one might sail through and survive, maybe even thrive! It’s a voyage that generations before and after us will embark on; returning with wisdom, stories and mantras; one that I now hold near - “The storm will pass”. I hope this story gives the viewer a sense of hope, knowing that they are not alone in their suffering. That what lies beneath and beyond heavy feelings of rage, grief, purposelessness and fear are gifts of bliss, humor, joy and rest. Resistance to healing occurs each time the character becomes engulfed in the storm of its suffering. Instead of leaning into each feeling the character pulls away. As the story goes on the character realizes the more they work with the feelings instead of against, the tension loosens and the ride becomes more enjoyable. Storms become mere rain showers that the character understands as a part of their human experience. At the end the main character realizes that it was themself all along helping them through the storm: the warm wave pushing them up for air, the bird, the shout from the wind, all of it. They were always capable, always had the tools they needed but never knew. It was never about surviving the storm, but embracing each wave along the way. With every storm there is a gift; wisdom that we can take into our lives in order to live more harmoniously.

6:00 pm: Life is but a Dream at Canal Park

Check out these three illuminated steel structures, resembling folded paper boats.

These internally illuminated sculptures, adorned with plasma-cut wave patterns, promise to cast captivating light and shadows on the surroundings, creating a playful atmosphere. Whether powered or basking in the sun, these structures invite you to reminisce about the joy of crafting paper boats on a summer's day.

6:00 pm: Ghost Town 2.0

Ghost Town is an Augmented Reality exhibition featuring four soap boxes around town that will highlight the music of local and regional artists.

Locations:

DeVos Place

DeVos Place Riverwalk (Near Gillett Bridge)

Van Andel Arena

Rosa Parks Circle

6:00 pm: Icicle Lanterns at Sixth Street Park

Discover an enchanting scene where lanterns resembling glistening icicles adorn towering trees.

Crafted from 100% reclaimed silk ribbon, these sustainable gems illuminate the night, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow. A tribute to winter's splendor, these delicate yet resilient icicle lanterns invite reflection on the harmony between nature and human artistry, celebrating the enduring allure of winter's wonder.

6:00 pm: Retro Rapids at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Play this retro interactive video game on your phone and watch your gameplay come to life on the wall. It's a nostalgic twist with a modern touch, bringing the game to the heart of the action.

6:00 pm: Skeleton Snowflake Crew at Monroe Center Parking Ramp

Witness this festive wonderland where five skeletons get into the holiday spirit.

6:00 pm: Winter Chronicles: Portal to Narnia at Canal Park

This mixed-media archway, a portal to another world, invites you to explore, play and embrace wonder along the Riverwalk and beyond.

6:00 pm: The Conservatory of Dreams at Canal Park

Three cozy house-like structures embrace tokens of light, color, memories, ephemera, and repurposed treasures.

Lit from within, these temporary altars beckon visitors to weave their dreams and memories into the sculptures by adding personal objects and tokens. It's a unique opportunity to make your mark on the art, transforming it into a collective tapestry of shared experiences.

Barbara Lash is an interdisciplinary mixed media artist showing fine art at fine art shows and gallery exhibitions and periodically creating site-specific public art installations. Based in Grand Rapids, MI.

Sierra Cole started felting in 2001. Discovering a passion for fiber and color, she left the newspaper to pursue a full-time career as a fiber artist. She was a participant in ArtPrize 2015 as part of Processing Fiber at 250 Monroe which was placed on the Juror Shortlist for Outstanding Venue by Steven Matijcio, Cincinnati-based Curator at the Contemporary Arts Center. She lives and works in a 100+ year-old home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

6:00 pm: Lunar Lamp Posts at 555 Monroe Avenue

A giant interactive light installation inspired by the cycles of the moon.

Plus: Every 5 minutes the artwork illuminates and animates to a unique lighting composition and performance track.

The artists were inspired by the moon as the original nighttime light source and how the presence of the full moon draws people in. The lamp posts are designed in a circular pattern showing the moon's different phases around the Earth.

6:00 pm: Disco Heart at Vandenberg Statue

And the biggest heart of all belongs to Disco Heart, a large art installation filled with gold disco balls.

6:00 pm: Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 at Sixth Street Park

"Mi Casa, Es Tu Casa!" These 8 colorful homes are inviting you to come and take a seat on their swings!

Date:

January 5, 2024 - March 9, 2024

Locations: Various Venues in Grand Rapids, MI

Click here for More Information