Winter Blast guide: What to know about this weekend's festival in Royal Oak | FOX 2 Detroit

Winter Blast guide: What to know about this weekend's festival in Royal Oak

(Photo: Catalyst Media Factory)

Bundle up! It's Winter Blast time again. 

The annual festival, which is being held from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 in downtown Royal Oak, will include live entertainment, free ice skating, treats, and more.

Winter Blast activities 

  • Free ice skating at The Rink at Royal Oak. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair for $5.
  • A zip line
  • Carnival rides
  • A rock climbing wall
  • An ice garden and ice carving demonstrations
  • Ice carving competitions
  • A Medieval village
  • Michigan Science Center presentations
  • Food trucks
  • Marshmallow roasting 
  • A family zone with a kids' stage
  • Live music from Metro Detroit performers

Featured

Winter Blast 2025: Royal Oak police, firefighter broomball game to support homeless organizations

To kick off Winter Blast, Royal Oak police officers and firefighters will hit the ice rink to help those in need. Proceeds from a charity broomball game will benefit the Welcome Inn Day Center and Outreach on 7th - two organizations that both help unhoused people.

Hours 

Friday, Jan. 31 from 4-11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Winter Blast cost

Entry is free, but some activities cost.

Zip line rides will be $15. Ice skating is free, but skate rentals will be $5.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 

(Photo: Catalyst Media Factory)

Winter Blast parking

Several parking garages and lots will charge flat rates, while others will operate under their regular fee schedule:

  • 11 Mile Garage at 110 E. 11 Mile - $5 flat rate
  • Center Street Garage at 300 S. Center - $5 flat rate
  • Municipal Complex parking lots - $5 flat rate

If you are visiting the Farmers Market, police department, court, city hall, library, or the Henry Ford Medical Center, tell the parking attendants, and you will not be charged the event rate.

All other parking lots and garages, including the Lafayette Street North Structure and Lafayette Street Structure, will charge their regular rates.

Royal Oak parking garages are free for the first two hours and 75 cents an hour after that. Parking lots are 75 cents an hour before 5 p.m. and $1 an hour after 5 p.m. Parking is free in garages and lots on Sundays. 

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