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

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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