From Silent Discos To Drag Shows, Here’s What You Need To Know About World of Winter in Grand Rapids

Who says you cannot have fun during the brisk winter months?

The city of Grand Rapids begs to differ.

Next month, the World of Winter Festival is back in downtown Grand Rapids.

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"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."

It is giving ArtPrize vibes during the wintertime.

Created by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (or DGRI), the World of Winter Festival is taking place from January 6th all the way until March 5th, 2023.

According to the festival's website, World of Winter will have roughly six large-scale installations throughout the public parks and areas of the downtown area.

There are several must-see installations including one called 'Talking Heads.' It is essentially what it sounds like. There are two heads that are lit up by roughly 4,000 lights. You never know the actual facial expressions of each head because the lights can manipulate them.

According to the DGRI spokesperson, Bill Kirk, he told MLive that there is

"no shortage of big installations. If people are walking around downtown and they are walkign along the river or over the river they'll be able to see a lot of these installations."

There are definitely a lot fewer people walking around downtown with all of the wind and snow scattered around.

I am excited to walk around looking at what the World of Winter Festival has to offer.

One of the main things I am excited about is the outdoor drag show at Calder Plaza on January 14th.

Sponsored by Michigan Drag Brunch, there will be brunch from yummy local food trucks and a performance by Brooke Lynn Hytes.

For the full lineup of what you expect during the World of Winter, check out the official website.