February often gets an unfair reputation. It’s the shortest month, tucked between the sparkle of the holidays and the promise of spring, and it’s easy to see it as something to “get through.” But in Michigan, February tells a very different story. This is the month when winter comes into its own, when communities lean into the cold, traditions shine the brightest, and the state shows off its most resilient, creative, and playful side.
Depending on where you are, Michigan in February might mean snow-draped forests, frozen waterfalls, bustling downtown festivals, or the hum of competition on ice and trails. It’s a time when locals bundle up and head outside anyway, because winter here isn’t just a season, it’s a shared experience. From small-town quirks and century-old celebrations to nationally recognized sporting events and culinary showcases, February offers countless reasons to explore, gather, and celebrate.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, looking for something new to try close to home, or simply need inspiration to make the most of winter, these events highlight the energy, charm, and variety Michigan delivers in the heart of the season.
January 30 - February 1 Ice Breaker Festival – South Haven
The not-to-be-missed highlight of this annual event is the sculpting of more than 40 blocks of ice, weighing 300-600 pounds each, into incredible works of frozen art. Take a stroll around downtown to see all of the cool designs and enjoy food, drink, and entertainment specials from participating bars and restaurants all weekend long. The fest also features a Chili Cook-off, Snowsuit Fashion Contest, Cardboard Sled Races, the Frozen Fish Fling, outdoor ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rids, and many more exciting activities.
January 31 - February 7 Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week – Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is a weeklong series of events that celebrate the craft beverage industry. This celebration is for anyone who shares a passion and an affinity for hand-crafted products, made by people who care about an enriching experience and carefully fashioned flavor profiles. Patrons will meet the brewers, distillers, or winemakers themselves, learn about what it takes to develop these kinds of intricate, highly desired products, and hopefully achieve a greater sense of the craft beverage industry.
February 4-15 Broadway in Detroit: The Phantom of the Opera – Detroit
The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, The Phantom of the Opera, which was rapturously received by London critics when it reopened in 2021. Featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, Phantom will launch a new multi-year North American tour in November 2025, premiering at the Detroit Opera House in Detroit February 4-15, 2026. The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history, playing to over 160 million people in 47 territories and 195 cities in 21 languages.
February 5-8 Disney On Ice – Grand Rapids
HIT THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE! When Disney On Ice skates into your hometown, discover a whole new world as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade. Featuring your favorite Disney characters including Frozen, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Mary Poppins Returns and more. Share the excitement and make new memories at Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures! Ticket prices are subject to change. For current ticket prices visit Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices may vary, as market pricing applies to all tickets. Prices may fluctuate based on supply and demand. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.
February 6-8 2026 Ice Fest – St. Joseph
Celebrate the winter season with a full weekend of frosty fun, where creativity, competition, and community come together in the heart of winter. Watch talented artists transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art during professional ice carving demonstrations, feel the excitement build during Ice Wars, and join in the adventure with a community-wide scavenger hunt that invites guests of all ages to explore. Throughout the weekend, enjoy hands-on ice interactives, engaging magic shows, and a variety of family-friendly activities designed to keep everyone entertained.
February 6-8 Heikki Lunta Winter Festival – Negaunee
The Upper Peninsula is an absolute haven for those who truly love this season, and the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival is a celebration of all things winter. The name comes from a fictional character, famous in local lore. David Riutta created the legend in 1970, when an upcoming snowmobile was endangered by the lack of snowfall. Riutta, a worker at WMPL in Hancock, aired the Heikki Lunta Snowdance Song. The song goes on to ask Heikki Lunta, the Finnish snow god, for snow in time for the race. According to local tales, the snow fell and fell, until there was too much. Dive head first into winter at this fun fest with its Irontown Rail Jam, Teal Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, activities at the UP Luge Club Lucy Hill, and Saturday’s Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Tire Bike Race.
February 11-15 Michigan Ice Fest – Munising
Munising is home to an incredible concentration of waterfalls. As stunning as they are the rest of the year, they may be even more magical in the winter. Locals invite you to join them in one of their favorite winter pursuits. Test your skills at ice climbing. Visitors of any skill level are welcome to participate, with classes and gear available for beginners. Even if you’re not ready to try a climb yourself, it’s plenty of fun to watch others, and to simply explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during this special season.
February 11-15 Grand Rapids Boat Show – Grand Rapids
A West Michigan tradition! Exhibits include boats up to 50 feet; cruisers and motor yachts, fishing boats, ski & surf boats, pontoons, and kayaks. Also, boating accessories and services, marina slips and ski gear abound. It is one of the finest water sports expos in the country featuring the Key West Crab Shack, the Antique & Classic Boat display, and the Tuber’s Truckload Sale.
February 13-15 Valentines Day Dinner – Kalamazoo
What a better way to celebrate the most romantic day of the year! Join us at Southwest Michigan's most Romantic location, the Henderson Castle! We are the perfect getaway spot for you and the love of your life to enjoy the evening together. Dine by candlelight, with rose petals on your table, in the atmosphere of the historic beauty of the Castle!
February 22-28 T.C. Restaurant Week – Traverse City
Everyone loves the cherry blossoms of spring, cherries of summer, and orange and reds of fall, but have you seen how gorgeous Traverse City is in the winter? Restaurant Week is an ideal time to check it out. Soak in the gorgeous splendor of the outdoors, and then literally gorge at one of our state’s finest culinary destinations. Local eateries across Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Traverse City’s distinctive food culture, cultivated by talented culinary experts and prolific producers.
February 27 - March 1 Michigan Nordic Fire Festival – Charlotte
If you’re looking for a truly unique weekend, then head to Charlotte for this Nordic experience. You’ll find battles, blacksmiths, archery, axe throwing, swinging swords, feats of strength, unique crafts, food, mead. Discover your inner Viking. Family-friendly during the day and lively in the evening, this event has plenty of demonstrations as well as experiential activities. You can try your hand at throwing an axe or spear, or challenge yourself with archery. If you’re feeling a tad more competitive, enter one or more of the many contests including stone throw, stone carry, hammer throw, horn blast, tug-o-war, or the less strenuous costume and beard competitions.
February 28 Island Lake Lantern Hike – Brighton
Enjoy an enchanting evening outdoors with the Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area during the annual lantern-lit hike along the Hickory Ridge hiking trail. This peaceful 1.5-mile loop begins at the first parking lot of the Kent Lake unit and invites visitors to experience the trail by the soft glow of lanterns and moonlight. This self-guided hike is open from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with lanterns being removed promptly at 9:00. Flashlights and headlamps are not permitted in order to preserve the natural ambiance of the event. Leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to join the adventure. No registration is necessary. A Recreation Passport is required for park entry. Bring friends, family, and a spirit of quiet wonder for this unique nighttime experience in nature.
By the time February rolls around, winter has settled in, but so has Michigan’s rhythm. This is when the state feels most authentic: people showing up despite the cold, finding joy in snow-covered streets, frozen lakes, and shared traditions that have been passed down for generations. These events aren’t just things to do; they’re reminders of how deeply Michiganders value community, creativity, and making the most of every season.
So whether you head north to embrace true winter wonderland vibes or stay closer to home for a festival, competition, or great meal, February is proof that Michigan doesn’t hibernate. Instead, it thrives, bundled up, fired up, and ready to show why winter here is something truly special.
