Free Event

The Big, Bright Light Show

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments
Wide shot of a decorated downtown covered in red, green, blue, and orange holiday lights.

Celebrate the joy of the holiday season in Downtown Rochester at The Big, Bright Light Show! Up and down Main Street, buildings will be covered by more than 1 million lights. This nightly, free event lights up Downtown through January 6th, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

Preview the dazzling lights before you go:

Since 2006, the show has become an annual tradition for thousands of people from across the region. The festivities begin each year prior to Thanksgiving during Lagniappe when the lights are turned on for the first time and the town celebrates by giving a “little something extra” to guests.

Throughout the season, spectators gather to walk through Downtown, see the many-colored lights, and shop at decorated stores. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday, until 9:00 p.m.

New this year, The Big, Bright Light Show has been extended past January 6th to illuminate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the Fire and Ice Festival on January 18th – 20th, giving visitors more time to enjoy the famous lights.

Blue and orange lights are draped next to a lamp post labeled "Downtown Rochester."

Learn more about The Big, Bright Light Show at Downtown Rochester’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Share your photos using #TheBigBrightLightshow and #ChristmasCity.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.

The Holidays Arrive in Oakland County with Lagniappe and the Big, Bright Light Show

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Open the holiday season in the merriest of ways in Downtown Rochester at the 46th Annual Lagniappe Celebration. Head to Main Street on the evening of November 19th to get free snacks and trinkets from participating stores, listen to strolling carollers, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, and watch the inaugural lighting of The Big, Bright Light Show!

Stores and activities open for Lagniappe at 6:00 p.m. and stay open until 9:00 p.m. that night, with The Big, Bright Light Show lighting at 7:00 p.m. Street merchants will add to the excitement of Lagniappe, Creole for “a little something extra,” tradition of passing out gifts to passersby. Attendees can also catch a special appearance from Santa Claus and hear some holiday music performances.

Watch our video for a preview of this season’s festivities:

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Make Warm Memories at the Fire & Ice Festival

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

Looking for a warm gathering in the middle of a winter wonderland? Come to the Fire & Ice Festival in downtown Rochester!

Running from Friday, January 19th to Sunday, January 21st, Fire & Ice is a three-day community celebration fit for the whole family. From dog sled rides and ice skating, to carriage rides and drink tastings, Fire & Ice has it all! Admission is free and the memories are priceless.

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Register Now for the FREE G2G Marketplace Day Event

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Government agencies are invited to the first annual G2G Marketplace Day government technology conference on June 7, 2017. Join us for this FREE conference to learn about hot topics in technology. You don’t have to be a technology expert to attend. This conference is about education and surmounting the fear of buying technology in government.

Conference registration is from now until May 31st. Seating is limited, so make sure to get yours while they are still here!

At the G2G Marketplace Day Conference you can hear from industry experts on subjects including AI in government, cybersecurity, workforce management, emergency response plans, streamlining forms and workflow, ADA compliance, and more.

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