The first weekend of February brings a packed lineup of events across Grand Rapids, with everything from Galentine’s celebrations and hands-on creative workshops to immersive dining experiences and a citywide Olympic watch party. Whether plans lean social, artistic, or low-key, there are plenty of options to build a full night out.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Galentine’s Day Sip ’N Shop
CityFlatsHotel Grand Rapids | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hosted by the Parlour at CityFlatsHotel, this annual Galentine’s event returns for its fifth year. The evening features local merchant shopping in the ballroom, a wine tasting table, cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and a “Blind Date with a Book” pop-up from Orchard House Books. It’s designed as a relaxed night out focused on shopping, conversation, and small indulgences.
Noche de Xochiquetzal
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
As part of Chef Oscar’s 2026 Dinner Series, this intimate dining experience centers on Xochiquetzal, the Mexica goddess of beauty, love, fertility, and creative expression. Guests are guided through a multi-course evening inspired by prehispanic Mexican flavors, ingredients, and techniques, presented through a modern culinary lens. The event blends history, storytelling, and cuisine into a single seated experience.
Pottery for Beginners: Hands-On Wheel Workshop
Selah Studio, Grand Rapids | Time varies
This two-hour pottery workshop offers a beginner-friendly introduction to the wheel. With only five wheels available, participants receive one-on-one guidance while learning to center clay, pull walls, and shape a simple form. Finished pieces can be glazed and fired by the studio for pickup in three to four weeks, or bisque-fired if the add-on option is not selected.
2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party
Studio Park Piazza | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Studio Park are hosting a community watch party for the primetime broadcast of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies. The event takes place on the Studio Park Piazza big screen as part of World of Winter, offering a public, outdoor setting to kick off the Games alongside other spectators.
Planning the Weekend
With multiple events overlapping on Friday evening, the weekend offers flexibility depending on pace and interest. The schedule allows for pairing experiences, such as shopping earlier in the evening followed by the Olympic watch party, or choosing a more immersive single-event night with a workshop or curated dinner.
As February settles in, this weekend highlights how Grand Rapids continues to balance community-driven events with creative and cultural programming, offering something for a wide range of interests to start the month.
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