Head to Winter Blast
No, a “winter blast” isn’t only what hits your face whenever you step outside these days. Downtown Detroit’s long-standing seasonal festival was moved to Royal Oak in 2021 due to what organizers blamed on “funding challenges,” and the wintry celebration returns to the suburb’s Centennial Commons (between Main and Troy Streets and 11 Mile Road and 3rd Street) from Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 19. Guests can go ice-skating in an outdoor rink, learn to ski, or take a ride down the snow slide or zip line. There will also be ice sculptures, kid-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and vendors, with warming zones and marshmallow roasting stations available. Admission is free and open to the public, and more information is available at
winterblast.com.
—Lee DeVito
Editor's note: The Winter Blast was originally slated for Friday, Feb. 3 through Saturday, Feb. 5. Organizers postponed the festival two weeks due to impending weather.