Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Pssst... Did you know that the Grand Rapids Art Museum has a Creative Learning Center? It's an interactive drop-in space that invites everyone to play and discover.

📍 Grand Rapids Art Museum
⏰ Open during all Museum hours
💰 Accessible with Museum Admission
✏️ For guests of all ages.
🎈 Creative hands-on activities.

The Foolery is open to the public! Give me all the Detroit-style pizza! 🤪🍕

🍕 Unique Flavor Combinations
🍕 Detroit-Style Pizzas
⭐️ Yooper Inspired Pasties
🍸 Cocktails + Beer
🍦 Boozy Aperol Ice Cream and more!

📍 Located at 10 Ionia Ave NW

Learn more at
https://www.thefoolerygr.com/

Curling is finally here! Wanna play? 👀 See below to learn more! ⤵️

Location: Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink

How it works: Walk up to the Shipping Container, give them your ID and curl away!

Important Information:
⭐ Free, but ID is required to use equipment.
⭐ No Reservations: First Come, First Serve.
⭐ Hours are the same as Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink!

https://bit.ly/3rDMF2v

We are so excited to announce seven additional installations to our 2024 World of Winter Festival! For the full rundown of art installations, events and exact dates and locations, head over to our website: https://worldofwintergr.com/ 👈🏾

❇️ Lantern from John Ball Zoo's Lantern Fest
❇️ Official WoW Selfie Spot
❇️ Grand Legacy Mural Immersive Experience
❇️ Lite Brite
❇️ Squiggle Tree
❇️ Messie: The Grand River Monster
❇️ Disco Heart

Explore the captivating train display at The Gerald Ford Presidential Library & Museum! 🚂 ⤵️

Featuring nods to Ford’s Grand Rapids life, including South High School, Bill’s Place Diner, the Quonset Hut from his congressional campaign, and a replica of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

When:
Happening Now - January 1, 2024

Admission:
Free for train display, tickets required for exhibits.

Location:
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Learn more here:
https://bit.ly/46VhOla

Ice Skating is officially open at Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink! Don't miss out on the holiday fun! ✨ 🎄 ⛸️ ⤵️

Happening Now - February 24 , 2024

Admission:
⛸️ Adults 18+: $4.00
⛸️ 17 and under: $2.00

Skates:
⛸️ Admission includes free skate rental
⛸️ You can bring your own skates
⛸️ Skate sharpening available for $5

How to:
⛸️ Walk-Up Skating (First Come, First Serve)
⛸️ Make a Reservation (limit 6 skaters per resy)

Learn more here:
https://bit.ly/3rDMF2v

Save the dates for these festive happenings in Downtown GR! 🗓️ ✨ ⤵️

🎁 Now - 12/23: Experience the Christkindl Markt GR.

⛸️ Now - 2/24: Glide into Winter with Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink

☃️ 12/9: Shop small at the SoDiv Winter Crawl with Second Vibess

🕎 12/10: Celebrate the Grand Menorah Lighting at Calder Plaza with Chabad House of Western Michigan

🛍️ Dec 21 - Shop Hop at 3rd Thursdays with Avenue for the Arts.

Curling is finally here! Wanna play? 👀 See below to learn more! ⤵️

Location: Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink

How it works: Walk up to the Shipping Container, give them your ID and curl away!

Cost: Free, but ID is required to use equipment.

No Reservations: First Come, First Serve.

Hours: Same as Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink!

This is your sign to check out I Don't Care, a Speakeasy at The Amway Grand Plaza, this holiday season! ✨

🔐 Code Required for Entry (sign up here https://bit.ly/41bu1Bm to access the code)

🥂 Year-Round Balcony Views

🥂 First Come, First Serve.

🥂 Limited Mocktail Menu

🥂 Indoor/Outdoor Seating

📍 Located on the second floor of the Amway Grand Plaza at 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids.

🌬️ Get excited! Our iconic World of Winter Ice Breaker event returns on February 10! Witness the magic as Ice Guru Randy Finch crafts a colossal ice sculpture.

Help choose the design by casting your vote before December 31, 2023. 🗳️✨

Vote now: https://bit.ly/3T29flr

Need a ride? 🤔 Hop on the FREE Downtown Shuttle aka The DASH! 🚌 Free, fast & frequent service ⤵️

🚌 Wed - Fri: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
🚌 Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
🚌 Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NcJDyX

Check out Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts, a gift + stationery shop in Downtown Grand Rapids! Swipe to the end to see their sweet store dog, Bancroft ➡️ 🐶

🎁 Join their Lockbox Key Club: Buy a key for $25 and get free goodies once a month.

🎁 Use "OHHELLO" on online orders for 10% off

🎁 Located at 40 Monroe Center St NW Ste 103

🎁 Learn more at https://ohhelloco.com/

Moments from the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot!

Interested in more holiday fun? ⭐ 🎁 See below for upcoming events! ⤵️

⛸️ Today: Glide into winter as Ice Skating opens

☕ Now - Dec 23: Check out the

🎄 Dec 1: Experience the magic of the Tree Lighting

🛍️ Dec 21: Shop Hop at Third Thursdays

☃️ Jan 12: Kick off the World of Winter Festival

🚨 NEW BIZ ALERT 🚨

HAS HEART is the newest coffee spot in town and they're on a mission to show love to GR's Veterans by never charging them for a cup of coffee. ☕

See below to discover how you can be part of this heartwarming initiative. ⤵️

✅ Located within Veterans Memorial Park
✅ Gift a Veteran a cup of coffee (Contribute $ anytime to their rolling gift card)
✅ Limited Metered Street Parking (Pro Tip: take the free DASH shuttle or use public transit)
✅ Limited Seating Available
✅ Plus: Soft Serve Ice Cream Coming Spring 2024!

Learn more here:
https://hasheart.us/coffeeshop/

Located at:
📍 22 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

The countdown to our 2024 World of Winter festival is on! 😍

⭐ January 12 - March 10, 2024
⭐ Local and International Art
⭐ Events + Activities for Everyone
⭐ Happening in Downtown Grand Rapids

For more info on specific dates, events + art installations, click here ⤵️ https://worldofwintergr.com/

Art Credit: Angels of Freedom by OGE Group for World of Winter 2023.

The Christkindl Markt GR Opening Weekend was a hit!

⏰ Happening now - December 23, 2023
📍 Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave SW

A few highlights ⤵️
🎁 30+ Vendors (some rotate/see the full list on the website)
🎁 Limited Parking (tips: plan ahead, use public transit or go during slower times)
🎁 Don’t miss out on their food + bar.
🎁 Make it a date night and check out their private chalets + curling rental options.

https://christkindlmarktgr.com/

Moments from last week's Santa Parade. 🎄 Interested in more holiday fun? ✨ See below!

🛍️ Now - Dec 23: Shop the Christkindl Markt https://bit.ly/40OHK0y

⛸️ Nov 30 - Glide into winter as Ice Skating opens https://bit.ly/3ue3gj3

🎄 Dec 1 - Experience the magic of the Tree Lighting https://bit.ly/46auxQV

🛍️ Dec 21 - Shop Hop at Third Thursdays https://bit.ly/3DrNO53

☃️ Jan 12 - Kick off the World of Winter Festival https://bit.ly/3IT21I5

Step into the enchanting world of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" at Civic Theatre—where magic and music come to life! ✨ 🌹

⏰ Happening until December 17, 2023
📍 Civic Theatre, 30 Division Ave

Upcoming Showtimes this weekend ⤵️
🌹 Friday at 7:30 PM
🌹 Saturday at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
🌹 Sunday at 2 PM

Please note: Civic's Box Office will be closed on Thursday this week but Tickets are available 24/7 at grct.org.

About Disney's Beauty and the Beast:
Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring timeless melodies by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, alongside new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. This Tony Award-winning musical unfolds the tale of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince ensnared by an enchantress's spell. Can the Beast discover the true meaning of love before time slips away?

Don't miss this unforgettable journey! 🌹✨

BIG NEWS! We're now accepting applications for our Winter Window Activation Grant! 😍

Calling all restaurants, bars, and retail businesses! 🏙️ This grant is your ticket to one-time funding support for jaw-dropping window and storefront installations that'll bring the magic of winter to life, draw eyes to your business, and ignite the streets of Downtown!

Let your imagination run wild! 🚀 We're all about originality and creativity, so dazzle us with your unique ideas.

Ready to transform your space and boost foot traffic? Dive into the details here: https://bit.ly/47m6AY4

Introducing the 2024 World of Winter Festival: Events! Introducing new events + classic fan favorites like…

⭐ Hungry Hungry Hippo Tournament
⭐ Ice Piano Performances
⭐ Noodle Fest
⭐ Ice Park + Food Truck Rally
⭐ Silent Disco
⭐ Winter's a DRAG
⭐ Walking Tours
⭐ DJ Pop-Up's
⭐ Paint the Park
⭐ Valent-ICE and much more!


To see the complete list and for specific dates and locations, be sure to visit our website: https://worldofwintergr.com/ 👈🏾

🏒 Ice, ice, baby! Catch the Grand Rapids Griffins in action for their last home games of 2023. Check out the schedule below and make sure you don't miss out on the fun! ⤵️

📍 Van Andel Arena
⭐ Friday Games: $2 Beers + $2 Hot Dogs
⭐ Sunday Games: $1 Pop + $1 Ice Cream

Remaining 2023 Games ⤵️
🏒 November 24
🏒 November 26
🏒 November 29
🏒 December 1
🏒 December 13
🏒 December 15
🏒 December 31 (Plus: Post-Game Open Skate)

Save the dates for the festive happenings in Downtown GR! 🗓️ ✨ ⤵️

🛍️ Nov 16 - Shop Hop at Third Thursdays https://bit.ly/3DrNO53

☕ Nov 17 - Check out the opening day at Christkindl Markt GR

🎅🏽 Nov 18 - Embrace the winter at the Santa Parade https://bit.ly/3ZZfJmx

⛸️ Nov 24 - Glide into winter as Ice Skating opens https://bit.ly/3ue3gj3

🎄 Dec 1 - Experience the magic of the Tree Lighting https://bit.ly/46auxQV

🛍️ Dec 21 - Shop Hop at Third Thursdays https://bit.ly/3DrNO53

☃️ Jan 12 - Kick off the World of Winter Festival https://bit.ly/3IT21I5

Introducing the 2024 World of Winter Festival: Locally Made Installations!

🟦 Four Directions
⛵ Life is but a Dream
💫 The Conservatory of Dreams
👾 Retro Rapids
💀Skeleton Snowflake Crew
🦁Winter Chronicles: Portal to Narnia
🏵️ Kalopieron
🏮Icicle Lanterns
👻 Ghost Town 2.0
❄️ Snow Shoveler
😎 3DC Grow and more!

For specific dates and locations, be sure to visit our website: https://worldofwintergr.com/

Happy Sunday, GR! This mural has been here since 2003! Any guesses on where it's located? 🕵🏾‍♀️ 📍

This mural was created by Dawn Nelson in collaboration with about two dozen other artists.

Today, and all throughout the year, we are thankful for our nation's veterans. ❤️

Fun Fact: This photograph from 1927 shows an old cast-iron fountain in the center of the park. The back of the photo reads "Fulton Park which has possibilities as a Civic Center and the Site of the City's War Memorial."

Credit: City of Grand Rapids Archives and Records Center + Planning Department

Savor the goodness at One Twenty Three, known for its tasty burgers and iconic meatloaf. It's all about good eats and good times! 🍔 😛

🚗 Pro Tip: Get up to four hours of FREE parking! Dine at One Twenty Three and they'll validate your parking at the Studio Park lot.

📍 Find it at 123 Ionia Ave SW

Find more info here:
https://bit.ly/3seZHsx

Did you hear the news? Construction has kicked off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! 🎉

What does this mean? 🤔 The Museum plans to enhance its outdoor exhibit space to include event space, hands-on science stations, river access and new educational opportunities along the improved walkways and trails.

Plus: The carousel will be accessible from inside and outside the Museum. 👉🏾 Tap to see what it's going to look like after construction. 👀 🔎

Design Renderings by: TowerPinkster and Viridis Design Group

Introducing the 2024 World of Winter Festival: International Art Installations!

For specific dates and locations, be sure to visit our website: https://bit.ly/3tRyEng.

🌀 Sonic Runway
🏠 Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0
💡 Lunar Lamp Posts
🐸 Nightwalkers
🌼 Dandelion
✴️ Stargate
🐘 Permafrost

For in-depth details and the latest updates, visit our website or stay tuned to our Instagram, where we unveil new information every Monday throughout November: https://bit.ly/3t7ijdL.

Credits:
Mi Casa, Your Casa 2,0 by Esrawe + Cadena, tour produced by Creos.
Sonic Runway by Rob Jensen, Warren Trezevant, tour produced by Creos
Sonic Runway image by: Jordan Laboucane

Step into a winter wonderland at Christkindl Markt GR, West Michigan's ultimate European Christmas Village. ❤️ 🎄 ✨

🎁 30+ booths with a wide range of offerings.
🎅 November 17 - December 23, 2023
📍 Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave SW.

📸 (Images 1 - 3) and (Last image).


Learn more: https://christkindlmarktgr.com/

Here is your list of weekend events in and around ! 🍂 🍁

Friday, November 3 ⤵️
🇲🇽 Enjoy “Coco in Concert” at the Grand Rapids Symphony.
🦹 Check out this weekend at the DeVos Place Convention Center.
🍔 Grab your free pass to Restaurant Week with Experience Grand Rapids.
💡 Learn about GR History at AllArtWorks.
🎨 Explore exhibits at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.
🧸 Check out “Xavier Riddle” at Grand Rapids Children's Museum.
🖼️ Learn all about Ceramics Grand Rapids Art Museum.
🎵 Enjoy Live Jazz at GRNoir Wine & Jazz.
🎵 Enjoy Live Rock Music at Founders Brewing Co.
🎵 Enjoy Live Music at Amway Grand Plaza.

Saturday, November 4 ⤵️
🏃Run with YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.
🖼️ Enjoy an evening art show AllArtWorks.
🎊 Celebrate the “Cultural Heritage Festival” at Grand Rapids Public Museum.
🍸 Kick it at “Kicks & Cocktails” at AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown.
🤖 Code your own robot at Grand Rapids Public Library.
💻 Explore “Genealogy Saturdays” at Grand Rapids Public Library.
🤝🏽 Meet the creator of Wimee at The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum.

Sunday, November 5 ⤵️
🏳️‍🌈 Enjoy “Show Night” at Rumors Nightclub.
🤞 Play bingo at Beacon Corner Bar.
🎲 Drop in for “DnD” at House Rules Board Game Lounge.
🎵 Enjoy live music Küsterer Brauhaus.

Searching for the ideal food spot before the show? Look no further than Social House Kitchen and Bar!

🍔 Casual Pub
📍 Located at 25 Ottawa Ave SW

https://bit.ly/47anFo1

Last week, we broke ground into Lyon Square! 🎉 This project has been years in the making and we are so excited to see it start to come to life. Tap to see what it's going to look like after construction. 👀

Happy Halloween! 👻 Photos from Friday's spooky pumpkin carving by ! 🎃