2023 February Michigan Events Calendar: BEST Things to Do, Valentines Events, Festivals

Best Michigan February Events, Festivals and Things to Do

February in Michigan is filled with fun events, winter festivals and fun winter things to do.

Sure it’s cold, but as the season winds down, February might be your last chance to get out into the brisk air and into the Michigan winter wonderland.

From sled dog races to sleigh rides and romantic Valentines Day events, the month of February is chock-full of fun things to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly events to romantic getaways, we’ve put together the ultimate list of the best things to do in February in Michigan.

Here’s our list of some the top Michigan February events and things to do in 2023.

Things to Do All Month Long in Michigan in February

See Michigan’s Blue Ice

February is the month to watch for Michigan’s Blue Ice Phenomena!

“Blue Ice” is the name given to the towering ice chunks that pile up along the Great Lakes shoreline in striking blue hues. We can thank air bubbles and and ice crystals for giving us this bit of winter magic.

Head to places to like Mackinac City, Bay City and even the Lake Superior shore to catch peek at Michigan’s beautiful blue ice.

Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Head to midtown Detroit to Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201.

One of the world’s oldest independent African American museums, this is the perfect place to explore and celebrate exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African-Americans. February is black history month, so you’ll find special exhibits and programs. Don’t miss the February 12 showing of Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming A Space.

Go Open-Air Ice Skating in Michigan

Now is the time to find an open-air ice skating rink in Michigan and lace up those skates. Temperatures fluctuate in Michigan in February, but it’s still usually cold enough for the ice.

Many downtown areas from Grand Rapids to Detroit and Marquette to Frankenmuth have open-air skating rinks. You’ll even find smaller towns like South Haven or Farmington Hills in southeast Detroit with open-air skating rinks.

BEST Michigan February Festivals

World of Winter Festival – 1/6- 3/5/2023
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids, MI

There are plenty of unique and interesting ways to enjoy Michigan’s cold winter climate and the World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids intends to showcase them.

The FREE winter carnival-type festival runs throughout February and includes plenty of programming, events, and activities to get visitors up and active during chilly winter days and engaging with their local winter wonderland.

Ice Breaker Festival in South Haven – February 3-5

During the Ice Breaker Festival, this coastal Lake Michigan beach town comes to life again.

Riverfront Saginaw Winter Beer Fest – February 11

Riverfront Saginaw Winter Beer Fest on February 11, features over 40 breweries set up at SVRC Marketplace in Saginaw. For the beer lover who doesn’t love the cold outdoor weather Michigan gives us, this is an indoor festival with food, music, and access to retail shops in the Marketplace.

Alpena Ice Fest in Alpena- February 11

In Alpena, the Ice Fest is the spiritual successor to the town’s Winter Carnival of the 30s and 60s. For a full day during the middle of February, Alpena provides a public space for free family-friendly fun, including ice sculptures, demonstrations, entertainment, food and more.

Benzie Winterfest in Beulah- February 11

Play, compete, and eat at the Winterfest. From traditional cold weather contests like the chili cookoff to unique competitions like the outhouse race, there’s something for everyone, so bring the whole family.

Heikki Lunta Festival in Negaunee – February 3-4

The Heikki Lunta Festival is a celebration of all things winter found in Michigan’s upper peninsula. Hosted by the town of Negaunee, this two-day festival is jam-packed with fun winter events celebrating the Finnish Snow God, Heikki Lunta.

Day one features a thrilling competition between skiers and snowboarders and lantern snowshoe tours of the area. Day two highlights winter fishing with a tournament and features plenty of downhill recreation, including sledding and even luge.

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival in Houghton – February 8-11

In the upper peninsula, the Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech is famous and highly popular. For a century this festival has celebrated the unique winters of the UP and its abundant snowfall.

Visitors can view sculptures made of snow and ice, ride on sleighs, and watch Michigan Tech student performances. Just don’t get caught up in all the fun and forget to vote for the winter queen.

Michigan Ice Festival in Munising – February 8-12

Along some of Michigan’s coldest shores, Munising stands as a favorite destination in both the heat of summer and the bitter chill of winter near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Here you will find Michigan Ice Fest, which invites visitors to participate in winter and embrace all it offers, especially ice climbing. This thrilling sport is unlike anything else and is a great way to stay active and get outside in the cold.

February Michigan Valentines Day Events on FEBRUARY 14

Valentine’s Day Dueling Piano Dinner and Show
526 S Main St 526 South Main Street Royal Oak, MI 48067

Voted one of Metro Detroit’s best Valentine’s Day Date Nights for five years in a row, you’ll have a two-hour dinner featuring appetizers and salad, your choice of steak, salmon, or chicken piccata and dessert.

Valentine’s Day Party at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit
5801 Southfield Expressway, Dearborn, MI

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., experience a delicious lunch featuring a Prime Rib Buffet with fresh sides and sumptuous dessert at the hotel in Dearborn. Entertainment features Melanie Aue, who will be singing your favorite selections of love songs and old standards. Melanie will be accompanied on the keyboard by Wendy Baggett.

Wines of Spain Dinner in West Michigan
Sandy Point Beach House, 7175 Lake Shore Dr, West Olive, MI 49460

Treat your loved one to an evening of romance and great wine. Join us for a night of delicious Spanish cuisine paired with some of the best wines Spain has to offer.

Inn at Black Star Farms Arcturos Dining Series
10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Attend an extraordinary dinner at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay on February 14. This wine-paired culinary experience is inspired by the best local, seasonal ingredients sourced from Northern Michigan’s finest farms.

Michigan Valentines Day Events NOT on February 14

Chateau Chantal Valentine’s Wine Dinners
15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, Michigan 49686

From 6 – 9 p.m. on 2/11 and 2/14, treat your special someone to a deliciously decadent multi-course wine dinner, prepared in-house by talented Chef de Cuisine, Chris Mushall. This five-course meal will feature amazing wine pairings for an unforgettable evening of romance.

Valentine’s Day Craft Show
3020 US-41 W, Marquette,MI, United States, Marquette

Head to Westwood Mall in Marquette on 2/11 and find amazing valentine’s ideas and crafts including gifts, candy, and more.

February Michigan Winter Hikes

Harbor Springs Enchanted Trail at The Highlands
12/9/22 0 2/26/2; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This unique winter experience is a magical one and a half-mile roundtrip walk along a beautifully lit winter trail through the woods, where you’ll experience the soft warm glow of lights leading you to a rustic yurt where you can cozy up around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks!

Full Moon Hike at Lake Erie Metro Park
2/5/23; 6- 8 p.m.

There are many different myths and legends associated with the Full Moon. Learn a little about our closest, natural satellite; and explore how and why there are so many unique names associated with each full moon.

Snowshoes, Vines and Wines – Saturdays through Winter (Except 2/11)
Where: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay

Experience Black Star Farms Suttons Bay in its winter splendor! Explore the snowy trails, and then warm up with a glass of mulled wine on the Terrace Patio. Take in the woods, orchards, and vineyards on our iconic estate while beautifully blanketed in snow.

Friday Night Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix, MI
1/1 – 2/26/23; 5-8 p.m.

Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot.

Top February Michigan Events and Things to Do

Cupid’s Undie Run – 2/18; 12- 4 p.m.
Where: Tin Roof, 47 E Adams, Detroit MI

Cupid’s Undie Run is just about the only time running around in your underwear is not frowned upon – in fact, it’s celebrated. Since 2010, Cupid’s Undie Run has been raising awareness for those affected by neurofibromatosis (NF), a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.

Great Lakes Comic Convention – 2/24-2/25
Where: Macomb Community College, 14500 Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI 4808

On February 24 and 25, the Great Lakes Comic Convention comes to the Macomb Expo Center. At this annual winter event, fans of all kinds gather at the event center, including comic book fanatics, toy enthusiasts, and collectors of all things pop culture, especially superheroes.

Enjoy indulging in nostalgia or engaging with your favorite characters through art, cosplay, collectibles, and more while supporting the convention’s goals for improving children’s literacy and aiding other child-related charities.

World of Winter Valent-ICE – 2/10 – 3/5
Where: Federal Square Building, 29 Pearl St. NW, Suite 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

See giant candy hearts made with love your city sayings. So good-looking you’ll want to eat them!

Michigan International Auto Show- 2/2- 2/5
Where: DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI

If you love cars, this is the place to be from February 2 to 6 at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Automakers from around the world travel here to display their finest display vehicles, including sedans, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and even sports cars.

This is the best place to shop and compare options available for average everyday vehicles, meaning you can actively seek out your next car if you want, but there’s still plenty of fun to have in window shopping.

Princess Day with the Grand Rapids Griffins – 2/5
Where: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI

On February 5 at Van Andel Arena a magical collaboration between princess characters and the Grand Rapids Griffins is bound to blow you away.

Purchase the Pre-Game Tea Party Package to enjoy a tea party with the cast; it’s perfect for families with young children who love princesses.Characters will be available for pictures and autographs after the game as well, so don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of hockey and royalty.

Mid-Michigan February Events and Things to Do

Michigan Coral Expo – 2/5/23
Lansing, MI

When you think of corals, you might think of beaches, reefs, and summer, but for those in the reef-keeping hobby don’t stop caring for corals once the summer fades away. On February 5, engage with your favorite hobby or learn something new about reef aquarium keeping at the Michigan Coral Expo in Lansing.

Great Lakes Bay Polar Plunge – 2/18
Where: Dow Diamond, Midland, MI

Midland Police Department and the Bay City Department of Public Safety are competing to see which organization can raise the most money in this year’s Great Lakes Bay Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Michigan.

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival – 2/24 – 2/26
Where: 1025 Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813

There is a rich history of Nordic influence in Michigan, especially the farther north you go, but the heritage is celebrated in the lower peninsula too.

On February 24 to 26 a uniquely Nordic Michigan festival occurs in Charlotte. The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival has been the place to celebrate winter, fire, family, and fun since 2016. Sip on a local beer or mead, play Nordic games, throw spears, listen to live musical performances or other live entertainment and get in touch with your Viking side.

Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues – 2/3-2/4
Where: Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion Street, Marshall MI

In Marshall, Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues is a two-day long winter beer, wine, and blues music festival. Each night offers something a bit different, with specialty beer and wine tastings on Friday night and a blues concert on Saturday at The Franke Center.

See everything from live ice sculpting to a live blues musical performance by some of the most renowned blues musicians on the world stage.

Upper Peninsula Michigan February Events and Things to Do

Michigan Ice Fest – 2/8 – 2/12/23
Where: Munising, MI

From February 8-12, the Michigan Ice Fest is held at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, near Munising in the Upper Peninsula.

Here the ice creates massive spiked formations that generate a lot of buzz and excitement among climbers, so it’s no wonder this is one of the country’s oldest ice climbing festivals. Whether you’re an avid ice climber, or looking to pick up the skill with some classes, there’s something for you to do here.

Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race – 2/4/23
Where: Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The International 500 Snowmobile Race is the most challenging and prestigious snowmobile race in the world.

For decades winter sports enthusiasts have journeyed to Sault Ste. Marie to witness the frozen spectacle of I-500 as powerful snowmobiles rip down the icy track, up and around banked turns, and race towards the finish line.

UP200 Sled Dog Race – 2/16 – 2/20/23
Where: Marquette, M

The UP 200 is another remarkable winter race of a different kind. Running from Marquette to Grand Marais and back again across stretches of heavy forests, hills, valleys, and creeks, the UP 200 is one of America’s premier sled dog races.

Mushers from across the US and Canada come to Michigan’s upper peninsula and race to qualify for the Alaskan Iditarod. Come get a close-up hometown look at what makes sled dog racing so exciting by watching phenomenal mushers compete on one of America’s most beautiful trails.

Northern Michigan February Things to Do

Dog Sled Rides Second Chance Mushers Rescue
When: Anytime during Winter
Where: PO Box 158, Central Lake, MI 49622

If you’re not a musher, but you’ve always wanted to take a ride with some sled dogs, this is the place for you. Second Chance Mushers is a team of rescued northern breed dogs getting their second shot at life through mushing, offering them a life full of fun and adventure.

Here, dog sled rides are used as a tool to gather support and educate the community about these dogs. Catch a ride on a dog sled this month at Shanty Creek Resort in northern Michigan, not too far from Traverse City.

Alpena International Virtual Film Festival – 2/1- 2/12/23
Where: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, MI

Join us for our third virtual film festival experience where we will be showcasing independent ocean and Great Lakes films from all over the world. The Thunder Bay International Film Festival is produced in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival.

More Ice Carving Shows and Festivals

Throughout winter artists showcase their ice sculptures all over the state. From big cities to small towns, ice carving shows and festivals show off local talent and offer something to do while in town.

Here are some ice sculpting or carving shows, festival and events to look out for this month around Michigan.

Magic Ice Fest – St Joe

Ice Carving Show – Mt. Clemens

Downtown Winter Ice Festival – Sault Ste Marie

More Things to do in Michigan in February

About the Author~

Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.