5 enjoyable areas round Grand Rapids to start out a brand new interest for 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – 2026 is formally underway, which means Grand Rapids residents are prepared to start out their resolutions for the brand new 12 months.

Whether you’re desperate to learn to paint, knit or rock climb, there are tons of companies within the metropolis providing an opportunity to start a brand new interest.

See beneath for the highest 5 spots to take a look at.

Unwind GR

An enormous a part of Unwind GR is the group.

Inspired by the namesake of the enterprise, the mission is about creating a spot to loosen up away from the hustle and bustle of labor or faculty.

Former artwork academics May McCalmon and Sivian Bachar opened Unwind at 1059 Wealthy St. SE in January 2025.

The house, previously utilized by Forty Acres Soul Kitchen Cognac Bar, has been reworked to suit the colourful ambiance.

Upon coming into, clients will probably be welcomed with colours like deep blue, pastel orange, mustard yellow, and darkish purple because the backdrop, complemented by mismatched classic wooden bookcases, lounge chairs, and boho decor accents.

But the large draw is the a number of rolls of yarn on show, hanging from pegboards on the wall and stacked in cubbies.

There are additionally quite a lot of lessons supplied for fiber artists of all ranges, from intro to knitting to crocheting a cabled headband. Prices vary from $20 to $50.

Learn extra and guide your spot at unwindgrstore.com/book-online.

Holland Parks & Recreation

Check out this one-day newbie hand quilting class on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at City On A Hill, 100 Pine St. in Zeeland.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., attendees can count on to be taught the readiness and expertise of hand piecing. All provides are supplied for this class.

The value to take part begins at $50 for residents and $65 for non-residents.

The deadline to register online is Jan. 12.

The Local Epicurean

This enterprise has been a staple within the Eastown neighborhood since opening in 2012 at 1436 Wealthy St.

It makes a speciality of infused pasta that isn’t solely handcrafted from natural components, however every pasta choice has a special taste made with a singular mixture of herbs and greens.

The Local Epicurean additionally affords a group of home made sauces and chocolate delicacies.

What makes this spot an ideal place to start out a brand new interest is the pasta-making lessons.

Available for events of two to 12 company, the brand new Pasta Maestro Series lessons are designed to assist company grasp the artwork of constructing pasta and easy sauce methods.

All choices embody a three-course meal that includes two programs of pasta and a dessert of Italian Tiramisu. Prices begin at $99 per individual.

To be taught extra and guide a category, name 616-206-5175.

Terra Firma Bouldering Co.

This indoor, family-friendly bouldering health club is positioned at 1555 Marshall Ave. SE in Grand Rapids.

Terra Frima affords climbing routes for all talent ranges. There can be a yoga studio and lessons, and personal occasion choices.

First-time climbers, ages 18 and over, should signal a waiver online earlier than coming into. Guests can buy a day move and lease climbing footwear and chalk on the entrance desk.

Day passes begin at $19, however there are additionally 10-punch passes for $170. Chalk and climbing footwear are $2-$5.

There are additionally month-to-month and annual memberships accessible. Visit climbterrafirma.com to be taught extra.

Brush Studio

Brush Studio is West Michigan’s premier paint and sip house in downtown Grand Rapids. The door to enter is positioned at 11 Ionia Ave. NW.

The studio affords weekly lessons, non-public events, group occasions, showers and extra.

“Our recipe is simple. We mix creativity and camaraderie with paint and instruction, add a little music, a glass of wine or a craft beer—and voila,” according to the Brush Studio website. “The results are simply magical. The Sip Brush Bar is stocked with a variety of beverages, including wine, beer, ciders, soda and bottled water.”

Classes begin at $30 per individual. To register and be taught extra, go to brushgr.com.