Michigan’s BIG List of 25+ February Events & Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss
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February in Michigan is when cabin fever hits hard, but these festivals give winter a fresh twist.
One weekend, you’re wandering glowing light displays downtown. The next, you’re watching talented ice carvers create masterpieces; somewhere in the middle, you’re cheering on an outhouse race because … obviously.
To make planning easy, we’ve pulled together a big list of February 2026 events and festivals across Michigan.
Bundle a couple into a weekend, build a little road trip around one, or keep this list handy for those “what should we do this weekend?” moments.
World of Winter | Grand Rapids
February 1 – March 1, 2026
World of Winter turns Downtown Grand Rapids into a massive outdoor art and light festival, with installations spread throughout the city and a full calendar of free events layered on top.
Along with walking through illuminated displays, visitors can join an official scavenger hunt, pop into creative experiences like Abby’s Hand Drawn Photo Booth, and attend guided options like an Art Installation Walking Tour.
The festival calendar also includes special events and performances — from themed nights to wellness programming like sound bath and meditation — plus food-focused nights like Friday Night Food Trucks at 555 Monroe.
Dearborn Wanderlights | Dearborn
February 1 – February 20, 2026
Wanderlights is a free Dearborn-hosted light experience at PEACE Park West, designed as a blend of public art and seasonal celebration.
Instead of one long trail of lights, Wanderlights focuses on three interactive installations created by artists from around the world, making this feel more like a walk-through outdoor art exhibit than a typical holiday display.
The experience runs from late fall through February, giving visitors plenty of wintertime chances to stop in for a glowing evening stroll, interact with the installations, and grab photos along the way.
I-500 Snowmobile Race | Sault Ste. Marie
February 1-7, 2026
The I-500 isn’t just a race day — it’s an entire race week. The 57th Running of the GFL I-500 Snowmobile Race will start on February 1 and culminate in Race Day on Saturday.
The official Race Day starts with opening ceremonies and driver introductions, and that’s followed by national anthems and the “Drivers, start your engines!” moment before the race begins.
If you want the full experience while you’re in Sault Ste. Marie, it’s worth looking at the weeklong schedule and building a Soo trip around it.
Michigan Tech Winter Carnival | Houghton
February 4-7, 2026
Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival is a full-on Upper Peninsula winter tradition where the headline attraction is the famous snow statue competition, built by student organizations around the annual theme.
For 2026, the theme is “Through Ice and Snow, to Space We Go,” and judging focuses on everything from artistic value and intricacy to creativity and theme originality.
Beyond the snow statues, the event schedule includes crowd favorites like the Human Dog Sled Race, a 100-yard dash featuring homemade sleds with teams pulling riders through the snow.
There’s also the long-running Winter Carnival Stage Revue, a judged skit competition that’s been a tradition since 1946.
Perchville USA | Tawas City
February 5-8, 2026
Perchville USA is an East Tawas winter tradition that mixes community events with festival fun across multiple days.
The official schedule begins even before the festival weekend with the Perchville Coronation Breakfast on January 31 at the American Legion, and games are planned for afterward.
During the festival dates, the official event highlights longtime favorites like the Paint a Perch Contest, plus a weekend atmosphere built around winter celebration and community tradition in Tawas.
Holland on Ice | Holland
February 6-7, 2026
Holland on Ice brings professional ice carving to Downtown Holland. But, the big 2026 addition is the Holland Ice Park, featuring a sparkling ice pond, a 700-foot skating ribbon, and a half-size curling sheet for visitors to try curling in a casual, family-friendly way.
The weekend also includes the Snowmelt 5K, which takes advantage of Holland’s snowmelt system to create a winter 5K route designed to stay obstacle-free even in February.
If you want an event that’s equal parts art, winter activities, and downtown strolling, this is one of Michigan’s best.
Note: Skating and curling require advance reservations through Holland Recreation.
Chilly Fest | Port Huron
February 6–7, 2026
Chilly Fest takes over Downtown Port Huron with a mix of outdoor winter activities and downtown fun. The crowd-pleasing lineup includes an outdoor s’mores station, carriage rides, ice sculptures, and a chili crawl and competition, plus a dedicated kid’s zone.
The event is hosted with support from community partners, including Port Huron’s DDA and McMorran Place. Plus, it’s built for wandering: Bundle up, stroll downtown, and bounce from activity to activity as you go.
It’s basically Port Huron’s biggest “winter weekend party,” and visitors of all ages are welcome.
Harbor Springs Ice Fest | Harbor Springs
February 6–7, 2026
Harbor Springs Ice Fest brings winter energy to Downtown Harbor Springs with nearly 50 ice sculptures typically displayed throughout town.
Alongside sculpture viewing, the event includes an ice carving demonstration, an interactive ice park experience, and ice-themed activities designed for families.
One of the most fun extras is the inclusion of free horse-drawn wagon rides, which makes this feel like a true winter weekend outing rather than just a quick walk-by event. Plan to wander the downtown streets, spot your favorite sculptures, and make a full afternoon of it.
Ice Fest | St. Joseph
February 6-8, 2026
St. Joseph’s Ice Fest is a full weekend downtown event, with specific scheduled highlights and an easy “walk and explore” setup. All weekend, visitors can participate in the Scavenger Hunt by grabbing a map at the Welcome Center.
On Friday night, professional carvers take over with Professional Individual Carving, followed by the signature Fire & Ice Tower.
Saturday adds more interactive fun, including Ice Interactives (hands-on carved creations) and a downtown MAGIC TOUR featuring Magician John Dudley. If you want an event that blends winter art, downtown energy, and family-friendly activities, this one’s a classic.
Winterfest | Hart
February 7, 2026
Winterfest in Hart is a classic small-town winter celebration, the kind where the goal is simple: Get outside, have fun, and turn February into something worth looking forward to.
Expect a community-focused day with seasonal activities that make it easy to bring the whole family and stay awhile. If you like events that feel friendly, local, and easy to enjoy without overthinking the plan, Winterfest is a great pick for a winter day trip along the lakeshore.
Shiver on the River | Belle Isle
February 7, 2026
Shiver on the River is an eco-fair style winter event on Belle Isle with activities running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s designed as a hands-on, learn-while-you-wander winter outing, hosted in a truly iconic Detroit location.
If you love events that mix outdoor time with educational programming and local nature-focused fun, this is a great February pick. Plan your day around Belle Isle and enjoy the event as part of a bigger winter Detroit adventure.
Heikki Lunta Festival | Negaunee
February 6-8, 2026
Negaunee’s Heikki Lunta Winter Festival featured a packed event schedule, including unique experiences like public sliding with the UP Luge Club, a Historic Downtown Talk & Walk, and Family Day programming with sledding, s’mores, and miniature horses.
There’s even the Icelophone, ice music performed at Jackson Mine Park, plus evening glow activities like a sponsored Glow Wall and kids’ temporary tattoos.
It’s a weekend that feels very UP: winter fun, folklore roots, and a schedule that keeps you moving from one thing to the next.
Michigan Ice Fest | Munising
February 11-15, 2026
Michigan Ice Fest is a full-week community festival built around ice climbing. The event includes daily Coffee Talks at Gallery Coffee Company, hands-on events like Climbing Crafts at East Channel Brewing Facility, and both learning and social events throughout the week.
The festival also hosts evening presentations in Munising (including speaker events at Mather Auditorium) and on-ice programming, like walk-up climbing opportunities at “The Curtains.” It’s ideal for winter adventurers and anyone curious about the ice climbing world.
Snowsfest | Les Cheneaux Islands
February 12–15, 2026
Snowsfest is the Les Cheneaux Islands’ signature winter festival, and the 2026 theme is “Woodland Animals.” Hosted by the Les Cheneaux Islands Chamber of Commerce, it’s designed as a full winter weekend celebration.
Expect the weekend to center around snow sculptures and a community-wide fishing tournament, including the Pike and Perch Derby, plus a fun local tradition of voting for your favorite sculpture and window decorations.
Additionally, some Snowsfest staples you can plan around include kids’ cardboard sled races, children’s games, a craft show, and fireworks.
Past activities during the festival have also included a Pub Shuffle, a Snowman Burning and Snowsfest Blessing, and a pancake and sausage breakfast.
Winter Wonderland Weekend | Petoskey
February 13-15, 2026
Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend is a three-day downtown event featuring ice sculptures, ice carving demonstrations, and complimentary carriage rides, along with the built-in bonus of Petoskey’s shopping and dining scene.
Downtown businesses typically tie in with promotions and specials, so it’s an ideal “stroll + eat + shop + winter vibes” weekend. If you want a winter festival where you can do everything at your own pace — and still feel like the weekend is full — Petoskey absolutely delivers.
Tip: While you’re there, be sure to explore more of the best winter things to do in Petoskey!
Saginaw Outhouse Races | Saginaw
February 14, 2026
Hosted by Positive Results Downtown Saginaw, Saginaw’s Outhouse Race will be held at Hoyt Park.
Teams don’t just race for speed — they also compete for creativity, with imaginative outhouse designs and costumes that make this one of the funniest spectator events of the winter.
It’s a family-friendly event with a clear structure: Show up, cheer loudly, and enjoy the spectacle of wintertime chaos in the best possible way. If you like quirky Michigan traditions, this one in Saginaw belongs on your February calendar.
Benzie Winterfest | Beulah
February 14, 2026
The Benzie Winterfest is hosted by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association and centers around a full day of winter fun in downtown Beulah.
It’s one of the Village’s annual traditions and typically brings together a chili contest, games, outhouse races, a parade, and fireworks at Beulah Village Park.
For 2026, the weekend energy is built around crowd favorites like the Outhouse Sprint, the Chili Contest, and a Winterfest Parade, plus a Walking Valentine Contest (yes, costumes are encouraged) and an optional Poker Run for anyone who wants to turn the day into a little downtown adventure.
And if you’re wondering what this event feels like in real life, past Winterfest weekends have included things like bonfires, carriage rides, and plenty of parade-and-race cheering from the sidewalks.
Lunar New Year | Detroit
February 14, 2026
Head to Robert C. Valade Park along the Detroit Riverwalk for a full-day Lunar New Year celebration presented by Visit Detroit.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting the event with the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization (MITAI), and the lineup includes a festive parade, lion, dragon, Nezha dances, hands-on arts and crafts, and musical performances from a Chinese orchestra.
Parking is free in the Aretha lot at Atwater and Chene (entrance on Chene), with additional free street parking nearby and transit options like DDOT and the Connect shuttle.
Hartland Family Winterfest | Hartland
February 14, 2026
Hartland Family Winterfest takes place at Hartland Heritage Park, offering a festive afternoon that includes family-friendly winter fun and ends with fireworks at dusk.
If you’re looking for a winter event in Southeast Michigan that feels local, simple, and easy to attend without a long drive, Hartland’s festival is a great fit. Show up mid-afternoon, enjoy the activities, and stick around for the grand finale in the sky.
Harbor Springs Restaurant Week | Harbor Springs
February 20, 2026 – March 1, 2026
Harbor Springs Restaurant Week is your best excuse to plan a winter dining getaway. It invites locals and visitors to explore the area’s restaurant scene through specially curated menus and exclusive deals designed specifically for the week.
The chamber promotes it as a celebration of the Harbor Springs area’s dining options — perfect if you want to try new spots, revisit favorites, or build a weekend around great meals with cozy winter downtown wandering in between.
Snowburst Carnival | Ontonagon
February 21, 2026
Snowburst Carnival (also known as the Porkies Winter Snowburst Carnival) is held at the Porkies Winter Sports Complex in the Porcupine Mountains area.
The details are still being finalized, but typical favorite activities include a youth treasure hunt, cardboard sled races, live music, lessons, and fireworks. Programs are free unless otherwise noted, but a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into the park.
Alpena Ice Fest | Alpena
February 21, 2026
Alpena Ice Fest is set to begin at Mich-e-ke-wis Park with the Alpena Farmers Market; ice sculptures brought in by Ice Creations of Napoleon, Ohio; and a huge bonfire by the Alpena Fire Department.
From there, the event expands into winter activities like sledding and snow fun. As the festival shifts into the evening, Downtown Alpena becomes the place to be for ice sculptures and winter fun.
Ice Breaker Boyne | Boyne City
February 22, 2026
Ice Breaker Boyne is a winter festival-style event with multiple features happening at once. Spend time browsing the Artisan Market at the Veterans Park Pavilion, then head out on the Downtown Passport Walk (with the prize drawing winner announced at 3 p.m.).
You can also book time with the Fire & Flow Outdoor Sauna for a winter wellness boost, and brave the polar plunge tied to the waterfront Field of Dreams project.
If you love small-town festivals that keep everything walkable, Boyne City makes it easy to turn this into a full downtown day.
Traverse City Restaurant Week | Traverse City
February 22-28, 2026
Traverse City Restaurant Week is an official downtown dining event where restaurants across the region offer multi-course prix fixe menus at $25, $35, and $45.
It’s designed for trying something new or revisiting favorite Traverse City restaurants at a price point that makes it easier to turn dinner into an experience.
Also, there’s a digital passport tied to the event, and you can earn entries into prize drawings by checking in at participating locations. It’s an easy excuse to turn a regular February week into a Northern Michigan getaway, especially if great food is your favorite winter pick-me-up.
Tip: Make a weekend of it and enjoy more winter things to do in Traverse City!
Michigan Nordic Fire Festival | Charlotte
February 27, 2026 – March 1, 2026
The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival is one of the most unique events on this list, mixing Nordic culture, performances, and themed venues into a full weekend experience.
Highlights include the Artisan Market, plus on-site gathering spaces like Midgard Mead Hall and Tyr’s Tavern with posted operating hours.
One of the signature moments is the Ship Burning (Knörr Blót) on Friday at 7 p.m., along with demonstrations and entertainment that range from Viking combat shows and reenactments to storytelling and musical performances.
It’s immersive, theatrical, and totally different from your typical winter festival.
Winter Beer Festival | Comstock Park
February 28, 2026
The 20th Annual Winter Beer Festival is held at LMCU Ballpark, and yes, it’s outdoors in February in Michigan, so bundle up.
The Michigan Brewers Guild expects hundreds of fresh, local beers from breweries across the state, plus live music, ice sculptures and carving demonstrations, fire pits, and food for purchase (ballpark concessions and food trucks).
It’s a cashless event, and everyone must be 21+ to enter, even designated drivers. Your ticket includes admission and the ability to sample. And while the event no longer uses tokens due to legislative changes, the samples aren’t unlimited.
Trenary Outhouse Classic | Trenary
February 28, 2026
Trenary’s Outhouse Classic is exactly what it sounds like, and the official rules make it even better. Teams build a race-ready outhouse (wood, cardboard, etc.), install a toilet seat and a roll of toilet paper, mount it on skis, and then “push it to win it.”
The 2026 event is the 33rd ever in Downtown Trenary. There are separate divisions for kids and adults with specific size requirements, and adult builds must be on skis only (no metal or aluminum runners).
It’s equal parts engineering challenge and winter comedy show, and watching the racers fly down Trenary’s snowy streets is half the fun.
Festivals and Events Are the Best Part About February in Michigan
By February, we’ve been in winter mode for months, and Michigan refuses to let it feel boring.
Whether you’re chasing ice sculptures, planning a restaurant-hopping weekend, or adding a totally ridiculous tradition to your year, these festivals are proof that winter weekends can be some of the most memorable ones.
Pick one close to home, plan a road trip to a town you’ve never explored, or save this list for the next time you catch yourself saying, “We need to get out of the house.”