The Eagle

Too cool

Traditional Plymouth Ice Festival weekend begins tomorrow

A four-decade tradition will begin in downtown Plymouth tomorrow with the opening of the 2026 Ice Festival.

The event has grown and changed with the times and weathered the sometimes volatile American economy and even a pandemic to emerge as the premiere winter event in the area. This year the Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, will open tomorrow, Jan. 30 and continue through Sunday, Feb. 1. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the weekend event which this year offers the traditional favorites and some new features along with live entertainment and interactive attractions.

In addition to the 150 professionally carved ice sculptures, each created from a 350-pound block of crystal-clear ice, nationally recognized, award-winning ice carvers will demonstrate their craft throughout the weekend, offering guests a front-row view of the precision, creativity, and artistry behind every frozen masterpiece.

The newest feature at the event this year, according to James Gietzen, director of the festival, is the Zip Line Experience which will give visitors an entirely new way to see—and feel—the Ice Festival. This approximately 300-foot ride sends participants soaring above the festival.

The zip line will be located on Ann Arbor Trail between the intersection of Main and Deer/Union Street.

“It is 300 feet of real zip line fun,” Gietzen said. 

“Each year, we look for ways to raise the bar while staying true to what makes the Ice Festival special,” Gietzen said. “From world-class carvings to new interactive experiences like the Zip Line, the Ice Festival is about bringing people together, supporting our downtown, and creating unforgettable winter memories.”

Another new feature this year is the Hot Chocolate & S’mores Porch a new gathering spot located along Penniman Avenue. Festivalgoers can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and other specialty winter drinks from Continental Drip, then pick up a S’mores kit and roast their own treats around a warm fire.

As has become a tradition, there will be live ice carving demonstrations in Kellogg Park as world-class ice sculptors transform blocks of ice into works of art.

This year, the popular Ice Throne will return to Kellogg Park sponsored by Varsity Automotive Group. Guests of all ages can sit atop the ice throne which has become a popular photo spot.

Thrivent is sponsoring the entertaining Ice Festival Bingo where visitors get there “bingo cards” punched at local merchants to win prizes when they complete the grid

Another returning tradition is The Hot Spot which has been presented by Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning for many years. The indoor hub will feature vendors, demonstrations, seating and restrooms, open throughout festival hours.

One of the most popular attractions each year is the Family Petting Zoo, presented this year by Michigan First Credit Union, the primary sponsor of the festival. The attraction is one of the highlights of family visits and features close up visits with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, a baby calf and the popular pony rides.

The Petting Zoo, located on Penniman Avenue, will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday during the festival.

DTE Energy Foundation is sponsoring the Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show with high-energy performances scheduled all weekend. Exact times are listed in the official program available at no cost throughout downtown and in The Gathering.

The college carving competition at 11 a.m. Saturday is being presented by Henry Ford Health along with the very popular Dueling Chainsaws competition set for the Main Stage in Kellogg Park at 7 p.m. Professional carvers will compete from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday in the park. 

“This festival is one of the most important weekends of the year for our downtown,” Gietzen said. “It shines a spotlight on our small businesses and brings incredible energy to Plymouth during the winter months.”

As always, admission to the festival is free although several community service clubs do charge a fee for parking. Those fees are donated to the various clubs and are used to fund community projects in and around the community.