Northern Michigan Winter Festivals
If you enjoy winter and the outdoors, Northern Michigan is the place to be this season. Here’s a look at upcoming festivals in the area celebrating snow, ice and all the fun that can be had when the temperature drops below freezing.
Ice and Spice Festival, Bay Harbor, February 13-14
This festival includes an ice carving contest sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association. It takes a lot of skill to turn a chunk of ice into a work of art. There are both amateur and professional divisions with $12,000 in prizes up for grabs. While you walk about town viewing the sculptures, keep warm with a cup of delicious chili from the Chili Challenge Cook-off. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite. Kids’ activities, fireworks and horse-drawn carriage rides are just a few of the many other activities that round out this winter celebration.
Winterfest, Kalkaska, January 16-17
The main event of Winterfest is the International Sled Dog Race, the largest of its kind in the lower 48. Mushers from near and far take over the town with their dogs for the weekend. This premier event draws spectators from all over as well. If you’re a dog lover or a winter sports enthusiast, you don’t want to miss that chance to see these amazing sled teams in action. A weighted dog pull, craft show and silent auction also take place that weekend.
North American Snow Fest Cadillac, February 4-6
With over 200 miles of groomed trails, Cadillac is the perfect place for snowmobilers to celebrate winter. One of the highlights of the NASF are snow mobile races across the lake. Racers go head-to-head down four 12 foot long lanes on Lake Cadillac. There is even a course across the lake for kids. Other events include ice fishing, a snowman building contest and an arm wrestling contest. If you really want to brave the cold, you can take part in the Polar Dip in the lake.
Microbrew and Music Fest Traverse City, February 13th
Gather your friends and head to downtown Traverse City to this festival where you can sample craft beers from over 30 local and Midwestern brewers. More than 100 varieties will be on tap. Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers headline the live music entertainment. Many local food vendors will provide lots of good eats. Great beer, good company, exciting entertainment and tasty food will keep you warm all day.
Waterways Ice Festival Cheboygan, February 27-28
It’s all about the ice in Cheboygan. Put on your boots or ice skates and try your hand at Ice Games like the Walrus Wiggle, Snowman Relay and Milk Jug Shuffle Board. Anglers can compete in the ice fishing tournament. Prizes are awarded for longest perch and the longest walleye. Dog sled rides, a Snowmobile Poker Run and ice diving demos are just a few of the other festival events.
