World of Winter cancels new drone show in Grand Rapids amid safety concerns

GRAND RAPIDS, MI— To celebrate its fifth year, the World of Winter Festival had big plans for its downtown Grand Rapids opening event next Friday, but now another activity is in store for locals and visitors.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., which hosts the festival annually, announced on its Facebook page on Dec. 30, 2024, that the “Starry Night” opening event has been canceled due to recent concerns and safety issues. It was expected to feature a drone light show.

“Thank you for your understanding about this change,” the DGRI post reads. “In place of the show, we will be hosting a different opening celebration to kick off World of Winter.”

The change came after the Federal Aviation Administration suspended a handful of drone shows nationwide following a mechanical failure at a Christmas event in Orlando, Fla., where a child was critically injured after drones crashed into the crowd.

In place of the drone show in Grand Rapids, new opening festivities are expected to kick off World of Winter, including live ice carving, DJ beats, cozy fire pits, and delicious food trucks. Additionally, there will be a giant interactive Lite Brite Board, an art installation from Thailand, and tons of yard games.

The 2025 festival runs from Jan. 10 through March 10 with over 100 art installations, live performances and activities for the public — all designed to bring people outside for fun and good community during the cold-weather months.

The World of Winter: Opening Celebration is planned from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. Learn more here.

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