Guide to World of Winter Festival

Downtown Grand Rapids is gearing up for a magical winter transformation from January 12 to March 10, as the 7th annual World of Winter Festival comes to life! Just like always, you can expect a wide array of fantastic winter-themed events and programs that won’t cost you a dime, including exciting offerings like snow yoga, black history explorations, ice sculpture walking tours, a silent disco, and the beloved Human Hungry Hungry Hippos Tournament on Ice.

But the real gem of the World of Winter Festival is Valent-ICE, where Downtown Grand Rapids gets bedecked with more than 50 stunning ice sculptures, creating the largest ice art gallery in the state of Michigan. This spectacular event, organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and its partners, truly embraces Michigan’s chilly weather, providing fun outdoor activities and turning Grand Rapids into a more vibrant winter city, which, in turn, makes it an even better place year-round. The best part? All World of Winter events won’t break the bank and are suitable for both families and adults.

Make it a full weekend of fun in West Michigan! Book a hotel in Grand Rapids! Or check out some of the other awesome Winter Festivals in West Michigan. All photos were supplied by the World of Winter Festival.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!

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EVENT HIGHLIGHT: Valent Ice 2024

From February 9-11, experience a village of OVER 50+ ice sculptures! You can even order one yourself here on their digital festival brochure. 

See below for a preview of their 2024 brochure, which lists the annual events!

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ANNUAL EVENTS

1. Fire & Ice: 

Experience the exhilarating fusion of fire and ice as fire performers gracefully skate around the ice rink. Additionally, enjoy a captivating performance by the Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club, adding an artistic touch to the wintry spectacle.

2. Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition:

 Step back in time and partake in the age-old tradition of the Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition. This sport, dating back over 500 years, challenges participants to throw the snow snake along a meticulously crafted trough in the snow, vying to achieve the greatest distance.

3. Human Hungry Hippo Tournament: 

Embark on a whimsical adventure where you become the hippo, competing with other teams in our annual tournament. Join the race for the crown and experience the joy of playing this larger-than-life version of a beloved game on ice.

4. Ice Breaker: 

Be a part of the creative process as a 5,000-pound sculpture comes to life through live carving. The design is chosen by the public vote of Grand Rapidians, making this a collaborative and engaging art installation. 

5. Ice Games and Food Truck Rally: 

Revel in the winter fun at the ice park games and savor delicious meals from some of the town’s finest food trucks. It’s a perfect combination of entertainment and gastronomic delights.

6. Ice Piano: 

Immerse yourself in the harmonious world of live music performed on a unique ice piano. While enjoying the music, you can also experience the captivating Singing Tree interactive lighting installation, creating a multi-sensory experience.

7. Love on Ice: 

Bring your loved one for a memorable ice skating experience at Rosa Parks Circle, where you can enjoy a 2-for-1 ice skating offer. Capture the moment with a professional photo op in front of the interactive ice wall, making for a special memory.

8. Noodle Fest: 

Satisfy your taste buds with an array of noodle dishes from a variety of different vendors, all while enjoying entertainment and more, courtesy of the Grand Rapids Asian Pacific Foundation. It’s a culinary journey with a cultural twist.

9. Paint the Park: 

Join a community ice painting party at the Rosa Parks Circle ice rink and continue the celebration with a vibrant street party on Monroe Center. These artistic endeavors bring a splash of color and creativity to the festival.

10. Pop-Up Events/Programming: 

Expect a medley of dynamic programming organized by local event planners and DGRI staff. This includes DJ performances, brass bands, dance performances, and more, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.

11. Silent Disco: 

Put on your headphones and groove to an eclectic mix of music from local DJs, all while dancing in silence alongside the community. It’s a unique and entertaining way to enjoy music.

12. Snowga & Fun Run: 

Begin with a scenic winter run through Downtown, taking in the picturesque surroundings. Afterward, participate in a calming yoga session in the snow, combining fitness and serenity.

13. Valent-ICE: 

Delight in the charm of over 50 ice sculptures artfully placed throughout Downtown, transforming the city into a breathtaking gallery of frozen masterpieces. From February 9-11, experience a village of OVER 50+ ice sculptures! You can even order one yourself here on their digital festival brochure.

14. Walking Tours: 

Explore the festival from a different perspective with a variety of walking tours, including the Chilly Challenge, Black History, WoW installations, and Valent-ICE tours, each offering a unique experience.

15. Winter’s A Drag: 

Celebrate the diversity and talent of the local drag queen community at an outdoor drag show. In addition, the event features a renowned drag queen from Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars, creating a show-stopping and inclusive spectacle.

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Featured Outdoor Art Exhibits:

Sonic Runway

Fun fact – this piece was featured at Burning Man in 2016. This interactive art piece is a pathway surrounding you in glowing lights, giving you the sensation of awe and invoking that feeling we all know too well when you have the holiday spirit. You might even feel like you are part of a Christmas light display, you can see other displays at a distance and observe those as well. 

ARTIST STATEMENT:

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. Creators: Rob Jensen, Warren Trezevant Tour Producer: Creos

Photo: Jordan Laboucane

Nightwalkers – Jan 12th 

Discover a captivating display of eight inflatable frogs, each haling from a different country, waiting for you to interact with their educational elements. Try pushing the buttons in front of them, and watch as these frogs come to life, illuminating and croaking. In addition to this interactive experience, you’ll find informative signs in front of each frog, revealing their country of origin, species, and intriguing fun facts. Dive into the world of these colorful creatures and broaden your knowledge about them.

ARTIST: Amigo & Amigo

Stargate – Jan 12th

This unique piece of art, known as Stargate, possesses a dual identity, serving as a sculpture during the day and transforming into a captivating projection show at night. Designed by the talented artist Chalk River Labs, Stargate is an innovative projection sculpture that employs projection mapping techniques from both sides, ensuring that its mesmerizing visuals can be appreciated from any angle. At its core, a circular ring acts as both a communal gathering space and a source of breathtaking photo opportunities, fostering interaction and shared experiences. Stargate transcends conventional sculpture norms, transporting its audience to a celestial realm while firmly rooted on Earth, redefining art’s boundaries. Explore this cosmic portal and immerse yourself in the interplay of light, sound, and imagination, as it inspires wonder, unity, and contemplation.

ARTIST: Chalk River Labs

Permafrost – Jan 12th

Discover three striking Mastodon sculptures, composed of metal and safety glass, and learn about these historical creatures by scanning the nearby QR code. In collaboration with the Grand Rapids Public Museum, we provide you with a fascinating insight into the 2022 Mastodon discovery in GR. Delve into the world of paleontological excavation and scientific research right from your phone. This artwork, “Permafrost,” draws inspiration from the melting layers beneath Earth’s surface, known as the ‘sleeping giant’ of climate change, showcasing a harmonious blend of metal and safety glass in the form of a mammoth. This design incorporates polygonic shapes, paying homage to the DNA material found in the permafrost and the organic polygonic soil, offering an aesthetic ode to the mythical resurrection of this ancient giant.

ARTIST: Fisheye

Photo: WoW Website (unknown photographer)

Dandelion – Jan 19th

Enter the enchanting world of the Dandelion Show, an interactive musical and light-based dome. Inside, eight sensors bring the space to life with vibrant animations. Inspired by the whimsical symbolism of dandelion petals and their playful, even medicinal qualities in some cultures, this installation by artist duo Amigo & Amigo takes you on a journey of hope and fanciful wonder. Every 10 minutes, the Dandelion treats the audience to a captivating blend of music and light, inspired by the wind and the dandelion’s natural characteristics. Step inside, make a wish, and let this captivating creation transport you.

INTERACT WITH THE ART PIECE: Step inside the dome and interact with the eight sensors, colorfully animating the inside of the Dandelion.

ARTIST: Amigo & Amigo

Lunar Lamp Posts – Jan 19th

The Lunar Lamp Posts are a remarkable interactive light installation, drawing inspiration from the moon’s cycles. Every 5 minutes, this artwork comes to life with a distinctive lighting display and performance track. Engage with the installation by touching the sensors on each pole, triggering unique musical sounds and captivating lighting animations, offering visitors a dynamic and engaging experience. The concept behind these lamp posts stems from the moon’s role as the original nighttime light source and its ability to draw people in, with the circular arrangement of the poles representing the various phases of the moon around Earth. Created by the talented artists Amigo & Amigo, this installation invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of lunar inspiration.

INTERACT WITH THE ART PIECE: Each Pole has a touch sensor, as people touch the pole it lights up and plays a unique musical sound. With over 40 different music sounds and interactive lighting animations, visitors are invited to move throughout and play.

ARTIST: Amigo & Amigo

Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 – Feb 16th

Mi Casa, Your Casa is an inviting and heartwarming installation that beckons passers-by to relax within small houses suspended like swings. The white glow emanating from an empty “casa” entices you to step inside, intensifying when someone occupies it. This creative concept, crafted by the Mexican duo Esrawe+ Cadena, emphasizes human interaction and social connection. Originally designed to foster bonds between the High Museum of Atlanta and its neighborhood, it has traveled to various cities and even provided temporary shelter for families after the 2017 Mexico earthquake. Now, with the introduction of Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 in 2021, in collaboration with Serge Maheu and Creos, it continues to energize public spaces and connect communities, drawing inspiration from Latin American mercados. These 3D red house frames offer a canvas for communal engagement, embodying the warmth and comfort of home. Creators: Esrawe + Cadena, Lighting and Interactive Conception: Serge Maheu, Tour production: Creos.

INTERACT WITH THIS ART PIECE:
The swing invites the passer-by to settle comfortably in the small houses and to relax by swaying quietly in a unique environment! When a casa is empty, a welcoming white glow bids you to enter. Once inside, the glow intensifies to show that someone is home.

Creators: Esrawe + Cadena

For a detailed list of the 2024 outdoor exhibits and more information about the artists, you can click here.

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