February 4 - 10, 2023

Hey, Neighbor! 

As the first week of February begins, we’ve got a lot to celebrate in the neighborhood!

February is full of opportunities to connect with neighbors across activities and events – both indoors and outdoors – to build on common values and celebrate what each of us bring to the neighborhood.  

Check out ways to say “hey neighbor!” to someone new below… 

Kendsie Channing
Manager of Neighbor Experience
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. 

 📌1 Big Thing: (Frozen) February Fun!  

What’s new: There are several FREE activities in February to explore in the neighborhood:  

1. Black History Walking Tour – Celebrate Rosa Parks’ Birthday! 
   • Today at 2 PM. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle to start the tour.  
   • Can’t make this one? Try February 12 at 4 PM or February 27 at 6 PM.  
2. Neighbor Night with the Gold! 
   • Monday, February 13 at 6 PM. Meet under the Jay Van Andel statue in front of the Arena! 
   • You’ll get a FREE ticket to the game and a t-shirt to rep your neighborhood!  
3. Neighborhood Warming Station 
   • Saturday, February 18 from 12 PM – 4 PM at 57 Monroe Center St NW. 
   • Stop in as you walk around the city for hot chocolate and connection!  

Why it matters: Being outside of your apartment or condo does more good for you than you may think. Seeing familiar faces while trying new things in a low-barrier setting:  

• Improves your mood: Cabin fever is real, and it impacts everyone.  
• Builds connection: Humans live in groups for a reason – we matter to each other, a lot.  
• Creates resiliency: It’s hard to rely on people if you don’t know them… connecting before a “need” presents itself makes it easier to reach out.   

Dig deeper: We’re all in the same boat when it comes to shivering over the recent temperature drop – brr! But being around people can warm your heart – literally and figuratively.  

• Penguins similarly rely on each other for physical warmth and emotional connection, or “heartwarming” moments.  

The big picture: Community is a combination of micro-moments. Join one of the opportunities above to get in touch during this isolated time of year.   

📅 What’s Happening  

More WoW events to check out this week: 

• Silent Disco - Today at 7 PM at 555 Monroe.  
  • Sing and dance like nobody’s watching! Enjoy your own live music, together. 
• Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition - Tomorrow at 11 AM at Sixth Street Park.  
  • In partnership with the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, register on site to participate in the 500-year-old traditional game.  
  • You must make your own snow snake to compete. There are competition opportunities for all ages.  
• Dance in the Annex – Tomorrow at 7 PM at 555 Monroe.  
  • Experience movement together alongside the iconic Affinity sculpture.  
• Valent-ICE – Ice sculptures go up around Downtown on Friday!  
  • Take a walk to see the creative carvings until they melt.  
• Next Saturday (February 11): Make a day out of exploring!  
  • Snowga: 9 AM at 555 Monroe. 
  • ICE Sculpture Walking Tour: 10 AM at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • ICE Breaker Live Ice Carving: 12 PM at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Ghost Town by Dante Cope: 6 PM at 106 Division Ave S.  
  • Dance in the Annex at Affinity: 7 PM at 555 Monroe.  

Check out the new What’s Happening line up, sorted by interest.  

• There’s something for everyone! 
• Not seeing an event that should be listed? Let me know! 

🚧 Street Work

• Division Ave N from I-196 to Coldbrook St
• Riverside Park Dr NE and Riverside Park NW
• Monroe Ave from Knapp St NE to N Park St
• Monroe Ave NW from Newberry St NW to Pearl St NW
• Michigan St NW from Ionia Ave NW to the riverfront
• Ionia St from Cherry St to Logan St
• Ottawa Ave from Oakes St to Cherry St
• The Sixth St Bridge

📸 Scene Downtown

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