Winter Blast is back again in metro Detroit! Winter Blast Royal Oak will take place on Friday, February 3rd through Sunday, February 5th, 2023. If you enjoy free wintery fun, then you won’t want to miss this downtown Royal Oak event.
Winter Blast Royal Oak Location
The inaugural Winter Blast Royal Oak presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort will include winter-themed experiences, family activities, a local music showcase with much more. All of the festivities will take place east of Main Street and south of 11 Mile Road, mainly near the Royal Oak Farmers Market and surrounding the new Centennial Park.
Winter Blast Royal Oak Events
Free Ice Skating
The Royal Oak Farmers Market located at 316 E. Eleven Mile Rd. will transform its western parking lot into a frozen ice rink, giving festivalgoers the opportunity to enjoy free ice skating – a favorite winter pastime that also is a great way to get in some exercise. Skate rentals will be available for a nominal fee.
Winter Slide
If you are a thrill seeker, then you won’t want to miss the legendary winter slide. Riders will enjoy a fast ride through a dark tube at up to 20 mph with a 40-degree angle drop. There also is a 30-degree drop slide for children, and those who like their adventure at a gentler pace.
Ice Garden
An Ice Garden will showcase plenty of carved sculptures, as well as interactive pieces like seats and benches that make for great photo ops. If you want to see how these unique creations are made, then check out the ice carving demonstrations.
Zip Line Fun
Also returning will be the thrills and outdoor chills of the world’s longest mobile zip line, as the 300-foot long, 34-foot high zip line will make its way to Royal Oak as a feature attraction with discussions taking place with city officials for the right spot to have patrons flying through the air and the downtown.
Warming Zones
Festivalgoers will have an opportunity to stay warm inside one of the many Warming Zones inside heated tents, as well as at one of the many roasting stations located throughout the festival area. Marshmallow and s’more kits will be available for purchase.
Food Truck Rally
Another returning feature to the festival is the Food Truck Rally, featuring nearly a dozen of the hottest and tastiest food businesses on wheels that will offer a large selection of mouth-watering and creative cuisine sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Additionally, downtown Royal Oak’s award-winning, walkable community offers a variety of dining and beverage venues that festivalgoers can support before, during and after attending Winter Blast.
Family Zone
Your family won’t want to miss the full lineup of fun for children offered in the Family Zone. It will feature free, hands-on arts and crafts activities and a Kids Stage with live entertainers to keep youngsters both engaged and entertained.
Ski and Snowboard Fun
In addition, discussions are ongoing with stakeholders to bring back the popular learn to ski and snowboard experience. Check back next month for updates.
LIVE MUSIC + DJs
This year Winter Blast will continue it’s tradition of showcasing dozens of metro Detroit’s most talented up-and-coming and longtime favorite local musical acts.
Winter Blast Royal Oak’s complete entertainment and music lineup will be announced at a press event on Jan. 11.
Winter Blast ADMISSION, HOURS AND PARKING
Admission to Winter Blast Royal Oak is free and open to the public
Friday, February 3rd, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 4th from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Sunday, February 5th from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Royal Oak parking will operate as it normally does. The parking structures will offer two hours of free parking and is only $.75 per hour after that.
Connect with Winter Blast Royal Oak
Winter Blast Royal Oak is a celebration of winter experiences, dining, music and family fun, originally created as the backdrop for Super Bowl XL. For additional information, visit WinterBlast.com.