GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The first weekend of February is here, and with it comes plenty of fun events for the whole family to check out here in West Michigan.
Michigan International Auto Show
Rev your engines! The Michigan International Auto Show is back in downtown Grand Rapids. It's the perfect place to check out new models of cars, vintage automobiles or even learn about the latest innovations in technology. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see 18 exotic cars, totaling $12 million. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages six to 14. Kids under five are free. For times, location information or to buy tickets, click here.
Bridge Street Makers Market & Bar Hop
The Bridge Street Makers Market and Bar Hop returns to Grand Rapids with more participating locations than ever. On Saturday, February 3, you'll find a variety of handmade items on display like jewelry, knit goods, prints, candles and even home decor. You'll also find plenty of Bridge Street bars and restaurants like One Bourbon, Bridge Street Market and Kusterer Brauhaus serving drinks. The market is free to attend. For more information, click here.
BUGS Exhibit at Grand Rapids Public Museum
This weekend is your last chance to check out the BUGS exhibit at Grand Rapids Public Museum. The immersive exhibit showcases the unique talents possessed by bugs such as exo-skeletons, swarm intelligence and even mind control. Guests can see creepy-crawlies up close with large-scale models crafted by the National Museum of New Zealand in collaboration with five-time Academy Award-winning film studio Weta Workshop (known for their work on the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies). The BUGS exhibit runs through Sunday, February 4 and is included in the regular GRPM ticket cost. Click here to learn more.
JCI Greater Muskegon's 38th Annual Snowfest
Snowfest is back in downtown Muskegon for its 38th year. There will be cornhole, snow volleyball and the "Battle of the Bowls" Soup and Chili Cook-Off. This year's festivities will also include a a brand new disc golf tournament, axe throwing, a euchre as well as a trivia-themed pre-party and after-party. Bars and restaurants in downtown Muskegon will also get to showcase their talents in a bloody mary contest. All the details can be found on their website.
Kalamazoo Bourbon Fest
The 3rd annual Kalamazoo Bourbon Fest is happening Saturday, February 3 at The Foundry. The festival features over 100 whiskeys, a cocktail station and a V.I.P. section. Most of the drink options are bourbon, but there will also be a few non-bourbon options such as beer, wine and other spirits. There will also be food trucks, live music and vendors. If you want to attend, there are two sessions: one from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and another from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $40, and you can find more information here.
Que the Creek in Battle Creek
Que the Creek is back for its 4th annual event on Saturday, February 3. Area restaurants and pit-masters will have BBQ samples available for judging to determine who has the best BBQ in Battle Creek. The family-friendly event will have BBQ vendors, live music, yard games, drinks and more. It's happening at Kellogg Arena from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 dollars with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Check out the event here.
Disney on Ice at Van Andel Arena
Experience the magic of Disney in downtown Grand Rapids on Sunday, February 4. Disney on Ice will feature tons of characters including both new and classics like Elsa from Frozen, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, some Toy Story characters like Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jesse as well as Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Families will embark on "Mickey's Search Party" where they'll follow Captain Hook's treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell, after he attempts to capture her magic. There are two shows on Sunday, one beginning at 11 a.m. and the other beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased online or in-person at the Van Andel Arena box office. Click here for more information.
Kalamazoo Winter Downtown Restaurant Week
It's your last chance to visit over a dozen restaurants in Kalamazoo participating in their Winter Restaurant Week. The 11-day culinary celebration is wrapping up on Sunday, February 4. The 15 participating restaurants and bars are serving up nearly 100 menu items and 13 specialty cocktails. Each one has created a pre-fixe menu at different price points for guests to enjoy. You can also cast your vote for the best specialty cocktail where each location uses a spirit from Coppercraft Distillery. For more details or parking information, click here.
30th Annual Ice Breaker Festival in South Haven
In South Haven, Sunday, February 4 is the last day to check out their annual Ice Breaker Festival which is in its 30th year. The festival is offering winter fun for the whole family through activities like curling or ice skating. Take your kids to a fairytale theatre performance or check out the ice sculptures around town, and while you're at it, don't miss out on the "Pub Slide". There will be food, drinks and entertainment specials offered at participating bars and restaurants. A ribbon cutting will also take place for the town's new wintertime gathering fireplace at 2 p.m. The festival is free to attend. Details can be found here.
