As you continue to celebrate a new year and prepare for what’s to come, a variety of events are set to be held in Grand Rapids soon.
Here are some events you may love participating in throughout January—from indoor activities you’ll likely treasure with your fellow Beacon Hill residents, to outdoor activities your grandkids will be very excited about.
Cheer on the Griffins. Have you ever been to a Grand Rapids Griffins game? If not, you’re in for a treat! While playing all winter long, the American Hockey League team will actually be celebrating its 30th season this year. Perhaps you can celebrate with them at Van Andel Arena soon?
Create a hand-knit blanket. If you are interested in knitting or improving your skills, Spruced Studio is hosting “Blankets & Bellinis” events from time to time. During the beginner’s class, attendees create their very own lap blanket, while also relishing a glass of bellini—a cocktail that features peach purée or nectar and chilled Prosecco.
Dance the night away. Are you interested in swing dancing, perhaps for the very first time or the first time in several years? Good news! Grand Rapids Public Museum will be hosting swing dancing every Tuesday night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Beginner lessons will be provided too, beginning at 7 p.m.
Enjoy coffee, cookies, and crafts. On January 15, the Grand Rapids Public Library’s Yankee Clipper Branch will be hosting its “Crafternoons.” Starting at 1 p.m., the event will offer attendees an opportunity to craft, while also drinking coffee, eating cookies, and socializing with old and new friends alike.
“For Dancing in the Streets.” To experience art in video form, check out “For Dancing in the Streets” at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The video work will feature hundreds of images from “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, which began in Iran in 2022. Aside from learning more about Iranian women’s struggles with veiling laws, the video will enable you to witness Parisa Ghaderi’s visual creativity in person.
Ice skate at Rosa Parks Circle. If your grandkids love to ice skate, this is a great opportunity for you to bond with them, while they participate in an activity they enjoy. Throughout January, Rosa Parks Circle’s ice rink will be open, enabling folks to skate for up to 90 minutes at a time for only $3 (children) or $6 (adults).
“Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism.” For three decades, artist Jaume Plensa created an array of sculptures that focused on themes like dreams, justice, and mortality. To celebrate his career, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park invites you to its exhibit all month long. Many sculptures will be indoors, ensuring you’re protected from the elements!
Play neon pickleball. Have you ever thought about playing pickleball or at least watching others play it? There is arguably no better way to do so than playing blacklight pickleball (or watching it firsthand). Held at Pickle & Pin, the game features neon balls, glowing court lines, and music. It’s an experience you should consider enjoying at least once!
“Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family.” When you first think about Tyrannosaurs, you’ll likely focus on Tyrannosaurus Rexes. However, there are many other dinosaurs in the Tyrannosaur family. To learn more about this dinosaur family’s variety, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum soon. This is truly an activity you can enjoy with your children, grandchildren, and friends.
“World of Winter.” Is there any better way to celebrate winter than by attending Grand Rapids’ “World of Winter” festival? Known as the United States’ largest free winter festival, it features a wide assortment of art, along with great food and memorable activities like light shows and live performances. You must see it for yourself!
As shown, Grand Rapids offers practically endless entertainment options during the wintertime. Feel free to relish as many of them as you can. By doing so, you’ll have a great start to 2026!
