WINTER NIGHTS
Enjoy an experimental night in the Garden Pavilion Room in the Welcome Center with food, drinks, and entertainment this winter at Meijer Gardens. These events are complementary for Members and included in general admission for all other guests.
JANUARY 23 | String quartet music surrounded by candle lights and curated by Haijin Choi from Grand Rapids Symphony
“Sound Sculpted” is an opportunity to experience acoustic music in string quartet form in the beautiful Garden Pavilion at Meijer Gardens, surrounded by Utopia by Jaume Plensa. The Garden Pavilion will be lit by hundreds of candle lights to enhance the experience.
Enjoy quintessential classical music from Mozart, Caroline Shaw’s subtle, yet persuasive telling voice, and Czech composer Janáček’s piece inspired by Tolstoy’s shocking novella and infused with his own scandalous personal life. Played by four female string players in a room inspired by four female faces, this experimental event will provide different perspectives of the room.
View event program HERE.
JANUARY 30 | Full Cord, 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition winner, is one of Michigan’s premiere bluegrass bands—technically proficient without sparing a fun lightheartedness.
FEBRUARY 6 | James Sofranko, Artistic Director for Grand Rapids Ballet, crafts two provocative vignettes to be accompanied by electric cellist Jordan Hamilton.
FEBRUARY 13 | Nathan Walton & The Remedy fuse rock, blues, funk, and other styles into a rich explosion of sound. Walton, a former American Idol contestant, leads the band with his blazing signature vocals.
FEBRUARY 20 | Opera Grand Rapids presents Hip Opera, exploring the convergence of opera and hip-hop.
FEBRUARY 27 | The Moonrays specialize in astonishingly authentic ‘60s-style surf rock, transporting the audience to a beach party in a bygone era.
There are many fun things happening at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! click here!
Winter nature walks, drawing, painting & photography classes, story time, and much more!
Here are a few others that caught my eye:
ANIMAL ADVENTURES: SURVIVING IN THE WILD!
January 20 & 21, 2024
In collaboration with John Ball Zoo. Registration required.
Explore the survival techniques of opossums, African bullfrogs, turtles and tenrecs at this family-friendly event! Enjoy watching live animal presentations, listening to animal stories, completing art projects, and trying your luck at animal challenges. Ideal for ages 3–6, with all ages welcome. Come in from the cold and have fun! John Ball Zoo members: Register at jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4302.
Cost: $8 members | $13 nonmembers | 2 and younger free
Register for January 20, 10-11:30 am, here.
Register for January 21, 1-2:30 pm, here.
ORCHID SHOW
January 27-28, 2024
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday
11:00 am - 4:30 pm Sunday
Presented by the Grand Valley Orchid Society
Escape winter’s chill! Enjoy a stunning variety of beautiful, unusual, colorful orchids exhibited by enthusiasts from across the state. Visit the vendors to find an orchid that’s easy to grow at home or add a more unusual species to your collection. Stock up on orchid growing supplies, such as premium orchid bark and fertilizer. Learn how to grow these beauties by attending a free talk—visit MeijerGardens.org for the complete list—or stop by the Grand Valley Orchid Society’s information desk to pick up a culture sheet and receive growing tips.
Saturday
1 pm – All About Phalaenopsis
2 pm – Repotting Demonstration
3 pm – Growing Orchids in Terrariums
Display 12-5 pm, Sales 10 am-5 pm
Sunday
1 pm – Orchids 101
2 pm- Repotting Demonstration
3 pm – A Deeper Look into Zygopetalum
Display and Sales 11 am-4:30 pm
OPEN STUDIO SERIES: MIXED-MEDIA DRAWING
February 20, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Enjoy the opportunity to explore your artistic practice in our scenic classroom spaces. Open studio hours are ideal for creatives who thrive in a relaxed atmosphere of community art-making. A Meijer Gardens educator will offer a short demonstration of the projects listed below and will be available for questions and guidance throughout. Materials for the monthly project and some other basic drawing materials are provided.
Mixed-Media Drawing
Draw inspiration from a variety of objects, including a preset still life. Drawing materials such as colored pencils, pastels, charcoal and watercolors will be provided.
Cost: $5 members | $20 nonmembers
Instructor: Taylor Bultema, Meijer Gardens