Out with the old and in with the new! Winter celebrations in downtown Rochester look a bit different this year. The traditional Oakland County Fire & Ice Festival is being replaced by the new Rochester Frost Festival.
Frost Festival will turn the downtown area into a winter wonderland. This family-friendly event will have plenty of free winter activities, including an ice sculpture scavenger hunt, marshmallow roasting, toasty warming stations, Frost Fest Bingo that supports local business and much more.
Quick details about Frost Festival
- When: Jan. 19, 5-9 p.m. and Jan. 20, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- Address: Downtown Rochester
- Cost: Free!
Fans of the defunct Fire & Ice Festival will be happy to hear that some of the old fest’s activities — including the Big Bright Light Show, corn hole and live ice carving — are still on the schedule of events for Rochester’s rebranded weekend of winterland fun. There are also a few new activities that are unique to the Frost Festival. Read on to discover some of the exciting winter fun that awaits you and your family.
What to do with kids at Frost Festival
- Pick up an official ice sculpture map from Rochester DDA’s Downtown Collaboration Studio (431 S Main St.) and discover more than 40 Under the Sea-themed sculptures. Each ice sculpture will have a fun sea creature fact!
- Watch live ice sculpture carvings throughout the weekend. Be sure to stop by from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday when the Amateur Carving Competition takes place.
- Get toasty in the Lions’ Club warming station. There will be a warm fire, marshmallow roasting, as well as ice corn hole in the evenings.
- Win $500 in Frost Fest Bingo! Shoppers can stamp their bingo card by completing fun free activities or making purchases at downtown businesses. Read more about the rules and scorecard.
Other things to do with kids near Rochester
- Brave the cold and explore these exciting playgrounds near Rochester. Our favorite is Innovation Hills!
- Warm up and burn off some energy at an indoor play place near Rochester Hills.
- Didn’t have a chance to enjoy a delicious dessert at Frost Festival? Grab a cup of cocoa or an over-the-top treat at one of these dessert spots in Rochester.
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