In the winter, it can be easy to spend your evenings and weekends in your pajamas binging Netflix alone, or inviting over friends and ordering pizza and binging Netflix together. But Grand Rapids is still alive and buzzing with exciting things to do! So get off the couch and go see what the city has to offer. And if you want something to eat, check out the Lanthorn downtown restaurant guide.

The Heaters at The Pyramid Scheme

Bummed that Billie Eilish’s tour isn’t stopping in Michigan? Couldn’t afford to dish up $200 to see Post Malone? Why not check out some local bands to save yourself the money and the heartbreak of trying to catch the big names live? The Intersection and The Pyramid Scheme have a consistent line-up of local bands and touring independent artists, all for a reasonable cover charge and in a cool atmosphere. Check out The Heaters on Saturday, Jan. 25 for only $10. Started in 2013, this alternative rock band is from Grand Rapids, so even when they get big and famous, you can expect to see them again. 

Open Mic Night at the Mayan Buzz Cafe

Every Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m., the Mayan Buzz Cafe hosts the All Access Open Mic Night. Destress from the week with some of their quality coffee, and then hear voices from the community perform original songs, poems and more. It’s a great place to try out your own material or soak-up the unique talents of others. 

Bodies Revealed at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Upset that as a Poly-Sci major you can’t fit the cadaver lab into your schedule? Upset that as a Biology major you can only take the cadaver lab once? From now until March, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibit, Bodies Revealed. This exhibit features preserved human bodies detailing the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, and is set up to educate visitors on a healthy lifestyle. Go for the biology lesson, the motivation to get healthy or to point at a human heart and say “that’s a human heart.” Tickets are $15 and include admission to the rest of the museum.

Comedy Outlet Mondays at The Comedy Project

Now that Friends is off Netflix, everyone is surely comedy-starved. Look no further than If you need a reason to look forward to Mondays, try out Comedy Outlet Mondays, a variety show that takes place every Monday at 7 p.m. for only $6. See a combination of stand-up, improv, music and sketch comedy, and maybe find your new favorite local comedian. In addition to their weekly shows, The Comedy Project almost always has something going on, so check out their full calendar of events.

The Grand Rapids Symphony at St. Cecilia Music Center

Did you know that students can get tickets to the Grand Rapids Symphony for only $5? Take advantage of that and impress your mom or surprise your Tinder match by spending a night at the symphony. Their next show “The Glory of the Baroque,” is Jan. 31, and features pieces from Bach, Handel and other renowned composers. If classical music isn’t your style, check out their full calendar of events. The Symphony frequently does alternative shows, from Frank Sinatra tributes to live movie soundtracks. 

Color out of Space at the UICA

If you’re tired of superhero movies and want to try to get in the Indie movie scene, visit the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts. They have a constant rotation of lesser known films, from documentaries to horror and everything in between. If you’re a fan of H.G. Wells, Nicolas Cage or anything weird and colorful, go see Color out of Space. It opens Friday, Jan. 24, but on the 22nd they’re airing a special directors cut. Tickets are $10 and can be bought at the door.