Winterfest is a full weekend of winter fun in Grand Haven, Michigan during the last week of January. The snow is upon us, and with Michigan’s winters being long and cold, this is a perfect time to get out and be active. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone warm and having a great time.

Winterfest began in 1976, formed a 501c3 non-profit in 1979, and has grown into a big event along the West Michigan shoreline. This is an interactive festival with many participants getting involved from the very young to the old. Activities are indoors as well as outdoors.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 25, 2024:

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Glow Bowl at Mulligan’s Hollow

The kick-off event of Winterfest! If it glows, flashes, or lights up, slap it on and glow it up! Battery LED lights look amazing with the hill.

Friday, January 26, 2024:

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Cardboard Sled Build at White Pines Middle School

If you waited until the last minute to build a sled, no worries. Or maybe you need to put the finishing touches on your mostly-done sled. Bring it and work on it. Either way, this is the event for you. Kids of all ages welcome. Cardboard and building supplies provided. We’ll even transport the sled to the hill the next morning for those of you without trucks or trailers. Come get your corrugated paper product race machine ready to fly!

Bring stickers, printouts, and decorations for your sled.  No Paint. 

Skip the line Saturday morning by pre-registering your sled at this event after you’re done building it.

Saturday, January 27, 2024:

Family Dog Pull at Mulligan’s Hollow:

Gear up for the most fun that you can have with a saucer sled and a four-legged friend during the Family Dog Pull.

Children and dogs of all ages are welcome. Bring a sled and your best friend and maybe a treat or two to help convince them to run!

Registration:9:00 am

Races Begin: 9:30 am

Cardboard Sled Race at Mulligan’s Hollow:

Build a Cardboard Sled and race it down the snowy hill at Mulligan’s Hollow. Sleds must pass inspection to participate. Compete in contests for best designs and the most te am spirit, and have some fun!

Registration: 10:00 am

Sled Judging: 10:30 am

Races Begin: 11:00 am

Euchre Tournament at Elk’s Lodge:

Space is limited. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pre-register by calling the Elk’s Club at (616) 842-0970. Space is limited. You need to pre-register soon!! The Elks is a non-smoking facility.

Registration 10:45 am

Play Begins at 12:00 pm

Kids Day at Tri-Cities YMCA:

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Balloons, face painting, bounce house, and more:

This is the place for kids! Creative projects, balloons, face painting, bounce house, snow angels, and more! Food available from various vendors. Bring the family inside and warm up with a variety of activities. Walk over from the Cardboard Sled Race or catch the shuttle from downtown. There’s plenty of parking available in the afternoon too.

1:00 pm: Snow Angel Contest:

Come make a snow angel along Y Drive. Come by after the Cardboard Sled Race or pop out from inside at Kids’ Day and create a colorful snow angel. We provide the decorating materials.

No need to register ahead of time, just show up and make pretty angels in the snow. All ages welcome!

3:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Bonfire Bash at Harborfront Parking Lot

It’s the middle of winter in Grand Haven… let’s roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a bonfire, have an ice cream eating contest, and run around town in our pajamas.

Sounds Perfect!

Enjoy craft beers, ciders, music, and more around a dozen fire pits right downtown. Fun for kids of all ages. Free hotdogs, marshmallows, and hot chocolate while they last.

Freeze 4 All Snow Volleyball at Harborfront Parking Lot:

It’s like summer beach volleyball in the sand.

Except without the beach… or the summer… or the sand…

But who needs those?!?!

We’re playing volleyball. In the middle of winter. In the snow. In a parking lot.  And yeah, it’s going to be awesome!

We’re hauling in dump truck loads of snow into the Harborfront Parking Lot. Grooming the courts. And setting you loose.

It’s a 4 on 4. (get it? Freeze “4” All… we’re so clever )

It’s Co-ed. (because that’s more fun)

Check-in at 3:00 pm

Play 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm

$40 registration

Register Here

Sunday, January 28, 2024:

9:00 am - 11:00 am: Flannels and Flapjacks at Kirby House:

Wrap up Winterfest in your cozy flannel and some warm pancakes at this pancake breakfast hosted by The Kirby House! $14 adults $12 children (10 & under)

Proceeds and monetary donations to benefit Love in Action’s Backpack Blessings.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Ski and Snowboard Competition at Mulligan’s Hollow:

Come catch some air and show your mad skills. This judged event is open to all ages. Free entry with lift ticket.

Date:

Thursday, January 25, 2024 - Sunday, January 28, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Click here for More Information