Plymouth Ice Festival 2026: Dates, Parking, What to See & Local Tips

Quick Answer: The 44th Annual Plymouth Ice Festival runs January 30 – February 1, 2026 in downtown Plymouth, MI. Admission is FREE. See 100+ hand-carved ice sculptures, ride the NEW 300-foot zip line, slide down the 100-foot tubing run, visit the petting zoo, and explore charming downtown Plymouth. Hours: Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-6pm. FREE parking available throughout downtown.

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2026 Plymouth Ice Festival at a Glance

📅 Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026 (Friday-Sunday)
📍 Location: Downtown Plymouth, MI (centered around Kellogg Park)
🎟️ Admission: FREE
⏰ Hours: Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 10am-10pm | Sunday 10am-6pm
🚗 Parking: FREE on all public streets and lots
🎪 Highlights: 100+ ice sculptures, NEW 300-ft zip line, 100-ft tubing run, petting zoo, live entertainment
🌐 Official Site: plymouthicefestival.com

What’s in This Guide

• Event Details
• About the Festival
• What to See & Do
• NEW for 2026
• Exploring Downtown Plymouth
• Where to Eat
• Parking Guide
• Tips for Your Visit
• FAQs

About the Plymouth Ice Festival

The Plymouth Ice Festival is one of the best winter ice festivals in Michigan. Offering an amazing chance to see spectacular ice carving and other works of icy art, this fun festival in southeast Michigan is more than an ice sculpture festival. Best of all? It’s FREE!

I grew up in Plymouth and can tell you that the Plymouth Ice Festival is truly a highlight of the winter season. For a full weekend, charming downtown Plymouth comes alive with fun activities ranging from a petting zoo and playground to a BINGO scavenger hunt and watching a movie at the historic Penn Theater. You’ll also want to duck into the cute shops, restaurants and bars as you walk through town—it’s so much fun!

Watch as world-class sculptors transform 350-pound blocks of ice into breathtaking works of art using chainsaws and chisels. With the storefronts and sidewalks of charming downtown Plymouth lined with more than 100 ice sculptures, there’s room enough for everyone to take in the art. Historic Kellogg Park, in the center of town, is filled with sculptures as well as a warming tent and attractions like the petting zoo.

PRO TIP: The ice sculptures stay on display throughout Plymouth until they melt, so if the weather cooperates, you can enjoy them even after the festival weekend ends!

What to See & Do at the 2026 Plymouth Ice Festival

Ice Sculptures & Live Carving Demonstrations

The main attraction! Marvel at over 100 hand-carved ice sculptures displayed throughout downtown Plymouth—from small carvings in front of storefronts to larger-than-life displays filling Kellogg Park. Watch skilled sculptors create intricate works of art from massive ice blocks during live demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Mega Ice Throne

Sit atop a towering throne carved completely from ice and feel like royalty. This is THE Instagram photo op of the festival—don’t miss it!

NEW for 2026: 300-Foot Zip Line!

Take your Plymouth Ice Festival adventure to new heights! The brand new 300-foot Zip Line Experience launches riders from an elevated platform for a breathtaking view of Downtown Plymouth and the festival below. Designed for kids, teens, and adults, with professional operators handling all equipment and safety.

100-Foot Tubing Run

Back by popular demand! Slide down a 100-foot tube run right in the middle of downtown—fun for the whole family.

Family Petting Zoo

Perfect for kids of all ages! The petting zoo from Carousel Acres offers hands-on experiences with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpaca, and even a baby calf. Pony rides also available. Open Saturday & Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Ice Playground

Located next to the petting zoo—another great spot for the kids!

Ice Festival BINGO Scavenger Hunt

Collect stickers from local businesses and enter to win prizes from the Plymouth DDA. A fun way to explore downtown! Bingo cards available at Downtown Plymouth and participating businesses.

“Frozen 2” at the Historic Penn Theater

Grab some popcorn and warm up at the historic Penn Theater for a showing of Disney’s “Frozen 2.” Showtimes: 7pm Friday & Saturday, 5pm Sunday.

The Hot Spot – Warming Area

Need to thaw out? The Plymouth Gathering (located next to the Penn Theater, across from Kellogg Park) features local vendors, product demonstrations, plenty of seating, and most importantly—heat!

Party Lot & Ice Bar at E.G. Nick’s

Live entertainment for the adults! Located at 500 Forest Ave. Open all three days. Party Lot Hours: Friday & Saturday 7pm-midnight. Live bands perform Friday and Saturday nights.

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Exploring Downtown Plymouth

Having grown up here, I can tell you that downtown Plymouth is worth exploring even without the ice festival! The charming streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Here are my local recommendations:

Kellogg Park

The heart of downtown Plymouth and the focal point of the ice festival. The beautiful historic fountain in the center is surrounded by the largest ice sculptures. This is where you’ll find the warming tent and main attractions like the petting zoo.

Plymouth Historical Museum

One of my favorite places in Plymouth! Travel back in time through the Plymouth community’s example of the American Experience. Learn how the growth of industry, the railroad, and the automobile changed America’s small towns. Open Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 1-4pm. Adults $7 / Students $3.

Where to Eat in Downtown Plymouth

Downtown Plymouth has an amazing food scene. Here are my local favorites, organized by street:

Penniman Avenue

• Westborn Market – Gourmet market with an amazing bakery (featuring Zingerman’s Deli items!), fantastic wine and cheese section, and prepared foods
• Plymouth Coffee Bean – Local favorite coffeehouse with crepes, sandwiches, pastries, and live music nights
• Sean O’Callaghan’s Public House – Old-world Irish pub with live Celtic music and house-made dishes like Shepherd’s Pie and Fish n’ Chips
• Pizza E Vino – Certified Neapolitan thin-crust pizza from a wood-fired oven with an impressive wine wall

Main Street

• Kilwin’s – Watch fudge being made through the window, then treat yourself to a slab or salt-water taffy
• Greek Islands Eatery – Quick, tasty burgers and sandwiches inside a historic old bank building
• Bakehouse 46 – Fresh pastries, sandwiches, and some of the best cupcakes around
• Compari’s On the Park – One of my favorites for Southern Italian food. Try the Pasta Compari with crumbled Italian sausage!

Ann Arbor Trail

• Kemnitz Fine Candies – A true gem! Hand-dipped chocolates and sweet treats. Don’t miss the chocolate suckers!
• Ironwood Grill – Fun, reliable restaurant and bar with great flatbread pizza

Shopping Highlights

• Muriel’s Dollhouse – Pink-fronted specialty toy store with unique toys like Playmobil and high-end dolls
• Haven of Plymouth – Unique home goods and specialty decor with a full-service interior design studio
• Sun and Snow Sports – Great outdoor gear shop with bootfitting services
• Gigi’s Mode – Fun costume jewelry, apparel, and stunning cashmere beanies

Be sure to stroll all the downtown streets—Penniman Avenue, Main Street, Ann Arbor Trail, and Forest Avenue—where you’ll discover even more cafes, bars, and shops.

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Plymouth Ice Festival Parking

Great news: Parking is FREE on all public streets and lots!

Parking Options:

2-Hour Parking: All striped spaces on streets

3-Hour Parking:

• Ground level of the Central Parking Deck
• Penniman parking lot

8-Hour Parking (Best for a full day!):

• Upper level of the Central Parking Deck
• Parking lot at Wing St. & Harvey St.
• Gathering Pavilion (also has public restrooms)
• East Central (Library) Parking Lot

LOCAL TIP: The upper level of the Central Parking Deck is my go-to spot. It’s free, 8-hour parking, and just a short walk to Kellogg Park!

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Tips for Your Visit

What to Wear

• Dress in warm layers—you’ll be outside a lot!
• Waterproof boots with good traction (ice + crowds = slippery sidewalks)
• Warm gloves, hat, and scarf
• Hand warmers are a lifesaver

Best Times to Go

• For families with young kids: Saturday or Sunday morning (less crowded, petting zoo open)
• For photographers: Friday evening when sculptures are fresh and lit up
• For couples/adults: Friday or Saturday night for the Party Lot and Ice Bar
• To avoid crowds: Sunday afternoon

Warming Up

• Pop into the Hot Spot warming tent across from Kellogg Park
• Duck into Plymouth Coffee Bean for a hot drink
• Browse Westborn Market (and grab a snack!)
• Catch a movie at the Penn Theater

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Getting to Plymouth

Plymouth, MI is located in southeast Michigan, about halfway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. It’s beloved for its quaint, small-town vibe and excellent mix of shops and restaurants.

• From Detroit: 25 minutes west via M-14
• From Ann Arbor: 25 minutes east via M-14
• From Lansing: About 1 hour via I-96

Use our interactive Map of Plymouth to help plan your trip.

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The Plymouth Ice Festival is a wonderful way to embrace Michigan’s winter and experience one of the state’s most charming downtowns. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic!

What’s your favorite thing about the Plymouth Ice Festival? Let us know in the comments!

More Michigan Winter Festivals: Best Winter Festivals in Michigan | Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth