The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 20th and 21st for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The community celebration will be packed with events like axe throwing, cornhole, climbing wall, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on both nights, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!
“The Fire & Ice Festival is a fun-filled opportunity to get out of the house, even in the depths of winter, to enjoy some fresh air and regain a sense of community. The event attracts thousands of people from across the region to get a taste of how joyful and active winter can really be.”
-Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. both days.
Take a look at our video for a preview of the fun:
Event Highlights
Mother Nature has changed a few of our planned activities that require more snow and colder weather, but check out some highlights of the Fire & Ice Festival below!
Big, Bright Light Show
Up and down Main Street in downtown Rochester, buildings will be covered by more than 1 million multicolored lights. The Big, Bright Light Show ends for the season after the Fire & Ice Festival concludes.
Fireworks
A spectacular firework display lights up the sky on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The Rochester University Alumni Ensemble will perform on the stage at the festival, starting at about 6:45 p.m., before the fireworks.
Ice Carving Competition
The Fire & Ice Festival is home to an annual Ice Carving Competition where teams from across southeast Michigan compete to outdo each other with detailed ice carvings.
Axe throwing, cornhole, climbing tower, and more!
Oakland County Parks and Recreation will bring out its rock-climbing wall and other fun activities like axe throwing, cornhole, and more. These events will replace any winter activities which require lower temperatures and more snow on the ground.
Pet Adoptions
The Oakland County Pet Adoption Center will have open pet adoptions on Saturday, January 21st. If you’d like to adopt a pet, come visit the Pet Adoption Center at the festival to find your new best friend.
TasteFest
Restaurants and food trucks in and around Oakland County are coming together for TasteFest to provide tasty treats. From local classics to regional favorites, there’s something for everyone!
Rochester Fire Department Spaghetti Dinners
The Rochester Fire Department spaghetti dinners on Friday and Saturday night support Rochester Area Youth Assistance. From 5 to 8 p.m. on both nights, adults are $10 each and children (12 years old and under) are $5 each. Dinner includes spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage.
Festival Information
The festival site is at East Second and Mill streets in downtown Rochester. Parking is available at Buffalo Wild Wings at 1234 Walton in Rochester Hills. There will be a free shuttle running between the restaurant and the festival.
This year’s presenting sponsor for the Fire and Ice Festival is Vibe Credit Union; fireworks sponsors Soave Enterprises and DFCU Financial; major sponsors Rochester Mills Beer Co., Frank Rewold & Sons, and Consumers Energy; and supporting sponsors Buffalo Wild Wings, Byers Wrecker Service, Perspire Sauna Studio, Premier Pet Supply and Oxford Bank.
Check out the Fire & Ice Festival Event Schedule online and find the latest updates on their website and Facebook page. Please note that all events are weather permitting and subject to change.
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