The IN List 2024: Dec 30 - Jan 5
The IN List shares the top experiences and events going on this week in & around Rockford, Michigan. Be sure to keep an eye on Instagram stories from @keepingupinrockfordmi throughout the week for any event changes or additions.
These events are all accurate at the time of posting, but be sure to call ahead or check vendor websites/socials before heading out.
Monday | December 30
Tuesday | Dec 31
Family Friendly
Craig’s Cruisers Annual New Years Eve Party : offers two time slots: noon-4pm and 5-9pm, both offering unlimited access to go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars and other attractions, plus a pizza & pasta buffet, party favors and a confetti cannon countdown.
Kent District Library invites kids to Countdown to Happy Noon Year with noisemakers, crafts and fun at its Caledonia , Cascade , East Grand Rapids , Kentwood , Lowell , Plainfield, Rockford and Wyoming Branches. 11am-noon.
New Year's Early Eve: Don’t miss this confetti-filled celebration where every little one can shine brighter than a disco ball. Let’s boogie into the new year together! Shine brighter than a disco ball with:
Dazzling DIY disco balls & sparkling wish wands
Party hats, noise makers, & face painting
Capture your sparkle at the Glitter Booth photo booth
Countdown to the disco ball drop with confetti
Music, dancing, & snacks that’ll keep you movin’ and groovin’
New Year’s Eve at Battle GR: includes three unlimited fun sessions – one at 3pm-5:30pm for families with kids under 10, one at 6pm-8:30pm for families with kids older than 10, and one from 9pm-1am for the 18+ crowd. Play laser tag, archery tag, corn hole, football bowling and more.
42nd annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run: Join over 700 runners and walkers for this USAT certified 4-mile course around scenic Reeds Lake. From seasoned athletes to first-time participants, all are welcome to be part of this “frigidly fun” community celebration.
21 & Up
Gatsby NYE Dinner at Party at Mangiamo Mansion: Celebrate with elegance, style, and vintage flair at the Mangiamo Mansion with our Gatsby New Year's Dinner Party! Guests will enjoy a 4-course dinner, upscale service, complimentary coat check, a roaming photographer, second-floor snack bar, and all the ambiance the mansion has to offer!
NYE at MDRD: Ignite your night on the top floor overlooking Grand Rapids. Savor your favorite modern Spanish dishes from our limited a la carte menu, or choose the exciting flavors of our special pre-fixe tasting menu. Revel in the rhythm of MDRD for an unparalleled New Year's Eve!
NYE Ballroom Bashes: Come join us for an unforgettable night of celebration at the Amway Grand Plaza and the JW Marriott Grand Rapids! Get ready to dance the night away, pop some champagne, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our ballrooms will be transformed into the ultimate party destinations, with spinning tunes, dazzling lights, and a vibrant atmosphere. Ballroom Bashes has something for everyone!
New Year's Eve at The Bob: Kick off 2025 at the biggest NYE party in downtown GR! Join The BOB and WSNX in celebrating the new year with 5 floors of live entertainment and DJs, stand-up comedy, chef-crafted NYE dinner menus, craft beer and specialty cocktails in West Michigan's premier special event venue!
Experience Utopia: Dance the night away under the stars through The Atrium's four story high sky light and raise a glass to ensure that all you can dream, may come true. Live DJ, midnight champagne toast, and late night pizza bar (starting at 1am).
New Year's Eve Silver Soiree by CityFlatsHotel: Join us for a New Year's Eve Silver Soiree in the Ballroom at CityFlatsHotel Grand Rapids. Start the night with live jazz music, a photo booth, and delicious desserts with a cash bar near the dance floor. Our DJ takes over at 9pm. Late-night snacks will keep you dancing all night and at midnight enjoy a complimentary champagne toast.
New Years Eve at the Stillhouse: Come join us for a night of celebration as we ring in the new year at our location on 401 Stocking Ave NW. Get ready for a fun-filled evening with LIVE music, delicious food, and amazing drinks. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or just relax with friends, we've got you covered.
New Years Eve in Cedar Springs: The Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority, Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and friends are hosting a New Year's Ball Drop event on Main Street between Cherry Street and Maple Street. Before midnight, head to Cedar Springs Brewing Company for NYE: Silvesterabend , a prime rib dinner featuring a 6pm toast to the New Year, accompanied by fireworks live from Berlin.
NYE at the Ada Hotel: Get ready for an unforgettable night as we transform The Ada Hotel into a dazzling disco haven! Dress to impress in your best retro-chic attire and boogie the night away under sparkling lights and groovy tunes. This exclusive celebration is the perfect way to create lasting memories as we countdown to midnight and welcome the New Year in style.
New Year's Eve at Myrth: Ring in the new year with an indulgent night out at Myrth! Tasting menu includes mushroom carpaccio, lobster ravioli, braised short ribs, and more. A wine pairing upgrade will be available as well.
Wednesday | Jan 1
Brunch at Third Nature : Join us for New Years Day Brunch starting at 11 am! We’ll have coffee, hot cocoa and a delicious brunch menu in addition to some favorites from our current menu. Bring the kids and dine in one of our IgBrews and then roast s’mores on one of our fires.
Thursday | Jan 2
The Big Glitz and Glamour Swing Dance at DeVos Place: 7-9:30pm. Get ready for a night of dancing, music, and fun at the DeVos Place Convention Center. Put on your fanciest attire and join us for a swingin' good time. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to have a great time, this event is perfect for everyone. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to groove the night away. Don't miss out on this glamorous event! Purchase tickets online.
Friday | Jan 3
Winter Break Camp @ Meijer Gardens: 9am-12pm. Get ready for a magical day of winter wonder! These camps are all about exploring the joys of snow through playful activities, creativity, and frozen art!
Snow Much Fun (5-6 year olds)
Winter Wilderness (7-8 year olds)
Arctic Art (9-10 year olds)
To learn more and register for our upcoming Winter Camps, please visit: https://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/classes-and-camps/. $45 members | $55 nonmembers
Kent District Library - Cascade Township Branch 2882 Jacksmith SE, Grand Rapids
10-11am. Celebrate the snowy season with winter-themed craft-making fun for the family. No registration required.
Kent District Library - Krause Branch 140 E. Bridge St. Rockford
Animals Preparing for Winter: 2-3pm. Discover the secrets of winter animal survival and learn how different animals prepare for life during the winter in Michigan. Live animals from Blandford Nature Center and natural artifacts will be part of this program. No registration required.
Rockford Bike Shop’s Fat (er) Tire Friday: 8-11am. Ride from Rockford Bike Shop to Lucy's and back. Most all the ride will be on the White Pine Trail. Very casual pace. I'll try and keep the ride all winter, pending trail conditions. Watch their Facebook page for updates and cancellations.
Donuts with a Deputy @ Aunt Belle’s Kitchen 8451 Belding Rd. NE: 9-10am. Join the Kent County Sheriff's Office for a cup of coffee, donut, and conversation with representatives from the department.
Saturday | Jan 4
Hot Cocoa Barre @ Aptitude: 9-9:45am. Kickstart your New Year celebrations with a 45-minute barre class that will have you squat, pulse, plié, and lift your way to a stronger, more energized you! This high-energy, full-body workout combines strength, balance, and toning movements to help you feel your best as you welcome 2025. After class, stick around for a Hot Cocoa Bar. $25.00 Drop In/ Included in all Unlimited Memberships. Register Online.
Sunday | Jan 5
Aptitude Book Club 251 Northland Drive , Rockford: You’ll be reading The Secret Power of Yoga: Revisited Edition – A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras by Nischala Joy Devi—a beautiful exploration of yoga’s transformative power. Register for free online.
Event Details:
Book Club discussion of The Secret Power of Yoga *additional cost if you choose to purchase a book.
When: One in-person community gathering Sunday February 2nd, 2025
Where: Aptitude Fitness + Yoga
Cost: FREE (yes, you read that right! 🎉)Pre- registration is required to ensure you are connected to our Facebook and email group.
Who: Open to anyone interested in deepening their yoga practice and life on and off the mat!
Orchard Wassailing @ Plainsong Farm 6677 12 Mile Rd NE, Rockford: 4:30pm. A winter blessing of the trees, during which communities sang and danced amongst the trees, fed the birds that aid the health of the trees, and nourished the roots of the trees with cider and other spirited drinks. Come for a bonfire, singing, hot drinks, and ancient rituals reimagined. All ages are welcome.
