February is Black History Month! 2020 marks a significant year for Black History Month, as it has been 150 years since the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment recognizing African-American men’s right to vote, and 100 years since the Nineteenth Amendment granting women’s suffrage.
For anyone who wants to learn more about African American history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this upcoming MLK Day on Monday, January 20th, by attending an event or participating in a day of service. Observed as a national day of service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Learn more about the MLK Day of Service on their website, where you can also search for volunteer opportunities or register a project. Additionally, the United Way and Volunteer Match have additional resources and opportunities to make it a “day on, not a day off.”
The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 17th–19th for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The three-day community celebration will be packed with events like tube sledding, ice skating, dog sled rides, cross-country skiing, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!
“We can’t think of a better way to kick off celebrating Oakland County’s 200th year than with the Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester,” said County Executive David Coulter. “We welcome everyone to attend our free winter festival to take part in the winter fun.”
The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, January 17; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 18; and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, January 19. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Experience the wonder at Meadow Brook’s Annual Holiday Walk! Spend the most wonderful time of the year at the Great Estate for self-guided tours through the decorated rooms of the mansion now until December 23rd.
“Landmark in Lights” features more than 50 glittering trees—including an all-new artist designed ice castle tree and a 10-foot tall Poinsettia tree created by 150 live plants—hundreds of feet of garland and thousands of twinkling lights. A trip to this signature holiday event in Oakland County is something you won’t want to miss!
Preview Meadow Brook Hall’s Holiday walk before you go:
Meadow Brook Hall During the Holidays
Meadow Brook Hall is bustling during the holiday season. In addition to their signature Holiday Walk Tours, Holiday Lights and Winter Nights,
Visitors can enjoy a walk through the mansion’s grounds and halls, as well as two events for kids of all ages: Cleo’s Candy Adventure and Letters to Santa.
Daily tours take place now till December 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with extended evening hours until 8:00 p.m. on select nights.
The Final Weekend of festivities takes on a magical new atmosphere with a visit from Santa and two of his live reindeer! Guests will also have the chance to see the lights at night, while warming themselves by the bonfire and sipping seasonal adult beverages until 8 p.m.
Admission
Reservations are not required for Mead Brook Hall Holiday events. Tickets can be purchased the day of your visit in the Holiday Shop at Meadow Brook Hall and are valid for the entire day, but re-entry is not allowed. Visit Meadow Brook’s website for prices and special rates. Advanced tickets are not available.
For more information about these Holiday events or special group tours, call Meadow Brook Hall at 248-364-6200.
The History of Meadow Brook Hall
This 110-room Tudor style mansion was constructed from 1926 to 1929 and was once the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson. She loved spending her time filling Meadow Brook Hall with lavish furniture, paintings, and art from around the world spanning several centuries. Her collections are still kept in the home today and reflect the elaborate lifestyles of the American Industrialists of the early 20th century.
Today, over 70,000 people visit Meadow Brook Hall every year to learn about and explore the historic mansion.
For ticket prices and more information on the Great Estate, visit the Meadow Brook Hall website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Hit the Oakland County pavement with the 12th annual McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races on Sunday, September 22nd at Oakland University.
The Brooksie Way will allow runners and walkers to have fun and support programs that encourage a healthy, fit, and active lifestyle and are distributed through Brooksie Way Minigrants.
The 2019 Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k are set to begin at 8:00 a.m. Runners and walkers can pick up their race packets at the Fitness Expo September 21st through Saturday, September 22nd. At the Expo, participants will find fitness information, products from sports and nutrition retailers, and more!
