Don't let the chilly weather keep you inside this month. Let The Rapid be your warm, cozy ride to fun for every budget throughout Grand Rapids.
Whether you love cars and boats or just want to get out and do some shopping this month, we can get you there! There's something to do for every budget. Here's a look at what's going on in February:
Michigan International Auto Show
Visit DeVos Place from Feb. 2 - 5 to discover what drives you! Car manufacturers from around the world will be showing their new vehicles – including sedans, vans, SUV’s, trucks, hybrids and sports cars. Not only is the Auto Show a great place to shop and compare options for everyday vehicles, it is also an opportunity to see many of the most recently released or soon-to-be-released models. This event is presented by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-14 and free for children 5 and under. Active military members, veterans and senior citizens will receive half off on admission on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Routes SL, 11, 13, 50 can get you there.
Don't let winter weather get in the way of savoring local art. On the First Friday of every month, South Division becomes the ultimate destination to find artwork by local artists, handmade goods, as well as food and drink specials. This monthly event is a unique opportunity to check out new exhibitions and features at shops, galleries and eateries in the rapidly evolving South Division Corridor. Some of the participating sites include the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (UICA), Woosah, Heartside Gallery and Studio, Spiral Gallery and Dime and Regal.
Routes 1, 3, 6, 13 can get you there.
From Feb. 9 - 14, find out just how spectacular ice and snow can truly be. Valent-ICE is an ice festival celebrating all things winter. For the past three years, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) has organized a gallery of ice sculptures throughout the Downtown Grand Rapids with The Food Network’s Ice Guru Randy Finch. Ride Downtown to explore these ice creations, visit local retailers and check out events like a Rail Jam ski and snowboard competition, a Human Hungry, Hungry Hippo tournament on ice and more.
SL, 6, 9, 11, 13, 50 can get you there.
Ice Skating on Rosa Parks Circle
Get fresh air this month and enjoy a skate around Rosa Parks Circle. Bundle up and catch a ride with us to enjoy ice skating every day. Admission is $1 for those ages 17 and under and $2 for 18 and over. Need skates? Your ice skate rental fee is covered with admission. View daily ice skating hours here.
SL, 6, 9, 11, 13, 50 can get you there.
Everyone knows that Grand Rapids is Beer City USA. Our city is also a beloved foodie destination. During Cool Brews Hot Eats, experience the best of both worlds with food and beer pairing specials at many participating restaurant locations. Offered for an entire month in 2017 (Feb. 15-March 15), this celebratory event will give you more time than ever to enjoy delicious brews and dining. Visit Experience Grand Rapids for participating restaurants locations.
Plan your trip on The Rapid.
Free Ride Fridays for Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey
Calling all hockey fans! Did you know you can ride The Rapid at no cost to and from Grand Rapids Griffins Friday home games? Just show your game ticket to your bus operator when boarding. You can also enjoy $2 beer and $2 hot dogs at Friday home games at the Van Andel Arena. This month the Free Ride Friday games are on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.
Routes 1, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 can get you there.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, ride with us to the Grand Rapids Public Library for a celebration of African American history and culture. Listen, learn, create and eat from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.
Routes 4, 6, 15 can get you there.
Need an excuse to get out and shop? Head downtown to shop and stroll until 8 p.m. every Tuesday! Start your evening with dinner and then enjoy some late night shopping entertainment. Explore all the local boutique shops, sports apparel, kitchen gifts, clothing, specialty foods, and unique gifts, salon/spa services. Various shops will have specials and other features like trunk shows, refreshments, demos, and music.
Routes 1, 2, 3,4, 5+ can get you there.
The 72nd Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show
In its 72nd year, the Grand Rapids Boat Show offers a chance to see the broadest array of power boats ever. Ride with us to DeVos Place from Feb. 15 - 19 for a nearly five-acre display of motor yachts, cruisers runabouts, fishing boats and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children 6-14 and free for children 5 and under. Download the $2 off coupon here.
Routes SL, 11, 13, 50 can get you there.
The hills are alive with the Sound of Music from Feb. 21 - 26 at DeVos Performance Hall. Don't miss this musical performance from Broadway Grand Rapids. This production is a fresh take on the much-loved classic. Get your tickets now.
Routes SL, 11, 13, 50 can get you there.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.