World of Winter Delays Events as Dangerous Cold Hits Grand Rapids

West Michiganders are usually down for just about anything. Snow. Wind. Sideways sleet. A winter weather advisory that sounds worse than it ends up being. We show up anyway. We layer up. We complain a little, then we go.

But every once in a while, even Michigan has to tap the brakes. This weekend, World of Winter, the Midwest’s largest winter festival, is postponing some of its planned events due to the extreme cold expected to settle over West Michigan.

Temperatures this weekend could drop to levels that challenge records for Grand Rapids, possibly reaching around minus 20 degrees or colder which is not just “bundle up” weather. That is “stay inside if you can” weather.

Festival organizers say the decision was made to protect performers, staff, and attendees. While many people showed up last weekend despite bitter cold, snow, and a winter weather advisory, this stretch of Arctic air is expected to be more intense and more dangerous.

According to World of Winter’s Facebook post, all events planned for this weekend are being postponed. New dates will be shared soon. For now, organizers confirmed the following updates:

The Art Installation Walking Tour has been rescheduled for February 20.
Circus Wonderland has also been rescheduled for February 20.

While it’s a bummer that winter of all things, is keeping us away from World of Winter this weekend, you know we’re really expecting something massive. Take it seriously, be prepared, and stay warm and safe until we can enjoy the snow safely again.