The Detroit Winter Blast is heating up the city Friday, January 26th through Sunday, January 28th.

Here’s a reason to embrace the cold and get out of the house – the Detroit Winter Blast is back! Head to Campus Martius for winter fun, live music, ice performances by local talent and more. This family-friendly event is great for all ages.

BONUS: If you’re downtown for the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center you get FREE admission to Winter Blast. Here’s everything you need to know about the three-day event.

ACTIVITIES:

MetroPCS Zip Line Adventure // Cadillac Square
Get ready for the coolest 20 seconds of your life with the a zip line ride over Campus Martius Park. Fly 300 feet across the sky and 34 feet in the air. (Cost per ride – $10)

City Slopes // Cadillac Square
Michigan’s two largest ski resorts, Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls are bringing the snow and creating beginner slopes for 20 miniute ski and snowboard lessons. Event goers will have the opportunity to be fitted for ski or snowboard gear.

The Rink // Campus Martius
Ice skate for free at the Rink and watch local professional and amateur skaters perform during ice breaks. (Skate rental cost – $3)

Marshmallow Roasting // Campus Martius 
Buy a Marshmallow and S’more Kits that includes everything you need to roast tasty treats over the open fire puts. (Cost $3)

Special Olympics Polar Plunge // Campus Martius
Take the plunge and jump into a polar pool to support the Special Olympics. Pre-registration is encouraged. Plungers will receive a coupon for a free hot chocolate AND a choice of coupon for free skate rental OR a free ride on our Winter Slide. (Cost $10)

Meridian Winter Slide // Michigan Avenue
The 30-foot high slide will whisk riders through a pitch-black tube and quickly drop them at a steep, 40-degree angle at speeds of up to 20 mph. Children and the less adventurous can ride down a 30-degree drop slide. (Cost per ride – $3)

Ice Garden // South Woodward
Capture the moment and take a selfie next to the beautifully carved and lighted ice sculptures.

Food Truck Rally // Monroe St
From Famous Dave’s to Crepe Day-Twah and everything in between, grab a bite at one of a dozen food trucks.

Live Music
Visit one of three stages that will host 50 artists over the three-day event:

• Michigan Lottery Stage // Monroe St
• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort // South Woodward
• DTE Energy Family Stage // Michigan Ave

Comfort Zones
Escape the cold and get comfy in one of these warming spots.

• Taste of Detroit Comfort Zone @ Monroe Street: Find food and listen to music on the Michigan Lottery Stage
• The Atrium @ 1 Campus Martius: Go inside and visit the shops at the Atrium
• Marketing Associates Family Tent @ Michigan Avenue: Enjoy family fun and programs during the day and acoustic acts at night.

ADMISSION:

There is a  $3 per person admission fee and the money collected will be donated to Matrix Human Services. Children 3 and under are free. All guests under the age of 18 must remain with a parent or guardian at all times during the festival.

From January 17-January 26, 2018, all Chemical Bank branches in Southeastern Michigan will be collecting non-perishable food items in exchange for Winter Blast admission.  Bring in three cans of food to any Chemical Bank branch and exchange for a free ticket to the festival.

Free admission is available to attendees of the North American International Auto Show. Visitors to the NAIAS on Winter Blast weekend will be offered a hand stamp upon exit of the show.  Show the hand stamp at any Winter Blast entrance to receive free festival admission.

PARKING: 

1 Campus Martius Building Parking Garage // 1188 Farmer Street, Detroit, MI 48226
$10 Weekend Rate (if parking after 4 on Friday)

Kennedy Square Parking Deck // 719 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226
$10 Weekend Rate (if parking after 4 on Friday)

The Z Deck // 1234 Library Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Max Rate $10 (if parking after 4 on Friday)

DINING OPTIONS (near Campus Martius):

• Central Kitchen + Bar // all-American dining that also operates The Lodge in a large furnished tent in Cadillac Square
• Checkers Bar // burger bar
• POP + Offworld // 80’s inspired pizza bar arcade
• Avalon Cafe + Bakery// salads, sandwiches and pizza
• Calexico // Mexican-inspired dining
• Hard Rock Cafe // all-American dining
• Grand Trunk Pub // 20th century ticket station turned bar
• Shake Shack // burgers and signature shakes

Photo credit: Meridian Winter Blast