Name: ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank
Start: 2026-11-23
End: 2027-01-10

Eastown hangout features a full list of grab-and-go brewed coffees and craft espressos alongside creative takes on breakfast sandwiches, salads and soups.

That Early Bird

"Inspired, handcrafted foods that nurture both body and community" - made with the freshest, health-filled ingredients from the region's most dedicated growers. Reservations can be made at https://www.exploretock.com/terragr/

Terra GR

Welcome to Uptown – Grand Rapids' premier destination for local shopping, dining, exploring, and more. While here you'll enjoy discovering four thriving businesses districts (East Hills, East Fulton, Wealthy Street, and Eastown); nearly 400 small and independently owned boutiques, restaurants, galleries, pubs, and specialty shops; plus cozy historic neighborhoods, our famous brick-laid streets, and more. Uptown has endless opportunities to surprise and delight. Come on UP!

Uptown Grand Rapids

Within the Local Epicurean, you will find "The Local - Grand Rapids" the newly opened restaurant and bar featuring our hand made pasta, salads, numerous appetizers for sharing and a large selection of pastry that is a perfect compliment to our locally roasted organic coffee and teas.

The Local Epicurean

Each guest is taught to make Pasta in the ancient Roman style.   
Our pasta chef will make enough fresh pasta or ravioli for you take home to prepare and is enough for pasta for four dinners. Sauce for the pasta is not included but a wide variety is available for purchase. Private group classes are available and may be as large as 40 guests. Reservations are required.  
  
Bottled non-alcoholic beverages and a cheese tray are included.

The Local Epicurean Private Cooking Class

Join us for an elegant, classic Afternoon Tea fine-dining experience.

High Tea GR

Brunch House GR is a modern brunch restaurant serving a wide range of breakfast and lunch favorites in a bright, welcoming setting. The menu blends classic brunch staples with more elevated options, offering everything from omelettes, pancakes, and French toast to breakfast bowls, handhelds, and shareable dishes. Guests can also enjoy a full lineup of beverages, including specialty coffee drinks, fresh juices, smoothies, and brunch cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys. With its upbeat atmosphere and diverse menu, Brunch House has quickly become a popular go-to for casual brunch outings, whether meeting friends or gathering with family.

Brunch House

We're an epicenter for entertainment and fine dining with a casual feel. We offer signature drinks, food and drink specials, as well as banquet and VIP services to elevate the general sports bar appeal. Karaoke, College Night, Comedy Night, and much more!

Eastown Sports Bar

Pauly's is a hybrid wine bar/wine shop/event space with a relaxed ambiance and outdoor seating area

Pauly's Wine Experience

Manna Cafe

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank offers a captivating blend of art, light and nature at [Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/frederik-meijer-gardens-%26-sculpture-park/3590/). This immersive experience invites guests on a stunning-one mile pathway illuminated by innovative light displays, enchanting music, interactive experiences and world-renowned sculptures.

Now in its second year, ENLIGHTEN is both a dazzling art exhibition and a thrilling holiday celebration. It's perfect for families, friends, couples and anyone else looking for one-of-a-kind experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. Whether you're exploring the illuminated paths, enjoying festive treats, or capturing the perfect photo, ENLIGHTEN offers something for everyone. It all takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately!

### **Where is ENLIGHTEN?**

ENLIGHTEN takes place at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, ranked among the most visited art museums worldwide and names the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by readers USA Today. Showcasing more than 200 captivating sculptures in outdoor gardens and indoor galleries, it is a perfect blend of art and nature. There are multiple free parking lots on site.

### **Plan Your Getaway**

If you’re coming to Grand Rapids for ENLIGHTEN, be sure to give yourself some extra time to sample the city CNN calls [one of America’s 10 Best Towns to Visit](https://www.experiencegr.com/media-articles/post/cnn-names-grand-rapids-among-americas-best-towns-to-visit-in-2024/). [Downtown Grand Rapids](https://www.experiencegr.com/plan-and-stay/about-grand-rapids/grand-rapids-regions/downtown/), a 10-minute drive from Meijer Gardens, is all dressed up in holiday finery this time of year, and it’s home to 300+ restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and entertainment venues in addition to 13 excellent hotels. The [Christkindl Markt](https://www.experiencegr.com/events/annual-events/christkindl-markt/) at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market (Nov 19-Dec 23) is a European-style outdoor Christmas village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, holiday entertainment and festive family fun. [Click here](https://www.experiencegr.com/articles/post/holiday-lights/) for more fun holiday diversions that occur at the same time as ENLIGHTEN, and start planning your Grand Rapids trip [here](https://www.experiencegr.com/plan-and-stay/trip-planning/).

### **Getting to Grand Rapids**

[Downtown Grand Rapids](https://www.experiencegr.com/plan-and-stay/about-grand-rapids/grand-rapids-regions/downtown/) is located at the intersection of the I-196 and US-131 expressways, and it’s easily accessible from every direction by car. Take I-196 E from downtown to exit 38 to reach Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 10-minute drive.

You can also fly in to the [Gerald R. Ford International Airport](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/gerald-r-ford-international-airport/1650/), named the Easiest Airport Journey in North America, which is 20 minutes from both downtown and Meijer Gardens. Grand Rapids is also served by [Amtrak](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/amtrak/5781/) and [Greyhound Bus](https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/greyhound-bus/3586/). Click [here for details and maps](https://www.experiencegr.com/plan-and-stay/trip-planning/maps-and-transportation/).

ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank

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