Get ready to step into a wintery fairytale at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Winter at Valade! Kicking off its season with the medieval-themed Fire & Ice Festival (January 5-7), Valade Park promises four weekends of frosty fun for the whole family.
This isn’t your average winter wonderland. Think crackling fires, marshmallow roasts, and sledding hills as the backdrop for a fantastical medieval adventure. The Fire & Ice Festival will be brimming with live performances, an ice carving competition, and hands-on activities like archery and inflatable axe throwing.
Need a break from the excitement? Cozy up for “Fireside Fridays” with board games, trivia, and an open mic night. Or embrace your inner zen with “Self-Care Sundays,” featuring yoga, meditation, and polar walks (brave the cold for a refreshing dip in the Detroit River!).
Throughout the season, every weekend until February 25th, Valade Park transforms into a winter haven. Picture majestic bonfires, delicious food and drinks, and special programming on Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss the signature moment of the Fire & Ice Festival: a towering seven-foot ice structure that ignites into a mesmerizing bonfire on Saturday evening.
This isn’t just entertainment, it’s community. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is dedicated to providing year-round enjoyment for everyone. “Winter has become a busy season for people visiting the Detroit Riverfront,” says Rachel Frierson, director of programming. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to our first themed weekend and introduce some brand-new elements to the Fire & Ice Festival.”
So, whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply seeking wintery magic, the Fire & Ice Festival at Valade Park is the place to be. Come build memories that will last a lifetime, one snowflake and fireside tale at a time.
Highlights of the Fire & Ice Festival:
- Live performances and ice carving competition
- Hands-on activities like archery and inflatable axe throwing
- “Fireside Fridays” with board games, trivia, and open mic
- “Self-Care Sundays” with yoga, meditation, and polar walks
- Delicious food and drinks available for purchase
- Photo opportunities with Elsa from Frozen and Renaissance performers
- Seven-foot ice structure transformed into a bonfire on Saturday evening
Don’t miss out on the winter fun!
Dates: January 5-7 (with additional themed weekends throughout the season) Time: Fridays 4-9 pm, Saturdays 12-9 pm, Sundays 12-7 pm Location: Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit
For more information and updates, visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website or follow them on social media.