Campus Martius Park will transform into a winter wonderland on February 6, 7, and 8 for the 2015 Meridian Winter Blast. The event is a great opportunity to banish the winter blues by getting your family out of the house and engaged in exciting winter activities.
The lineup of events at the 2015 Winter Blast promises one of the most exciting yet. Here’s the rundown for fun
Outdoor Events
Take your kids snowshoeing, iceskating, or zip lining (if they’re brave enough). Whatever you decide to do, one thing is certain – they won’t be bored!
Snow Slide
The Winter Blast’s signature event is back! Older kids and adults can check out the 200-foot snow slide and enjoy the thrill that comes with zooming down into the heart of Detroit. Tickets for the attraction are three dollars, but you can skip the line with a Winter Blast Snow Slide Fast Pass, available at the Meridian Health Plan Booth inside the Monroe Street Comfort Zone.
Zip Line
Adrenaline junkies rejoice! The first zip line in downtown Detroit premiers Feb. 6 at Winter Blast. The Bedrock Zip Line Adventure features the longest, fastest mobile zip line available. You can see Detroit like never before as you fly 300 feet through the air. If you have a friend, you can partner up – the zip line allows two people to zip simultaneously on 2 lines. Don’t miss your chance to ride Detroit’s first zip line. Tickets for one person are $10. For two people, they’re $15.
Snowshoeing and Ice Skating
Take your family snowshoeing for free at Cadillac Square. Snowshoes are available in a variety of sizes for kids and adults and are provided free of charge. If ice skating is more to your liking, take advantage of free ice skating at the Campus Martius Park ice rink. You can bring your skates or rent a pair for $3.
Hockey Shot Competition
Participants will have a chance to shoot and score for prizes from Great Expressions Dental Centers. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a dental care package valued at $5,000. All participants will get a GEDC t-shirt and smile bag. The competition takes place on the Campus Martius Park ice rink on Friday and Saturday at 6pm and on Sunday at 4pm.
Ice Garden
The Ice Garden will be located along the Woodward Circle, and it will feature exquisitely carved ice sculptures, including a large replica of The Spirit of Detroit. If you want to check out ice-carving as it happens, check out the live demonstrations on Friday during festival hours.
Outdoor Exhibitions
Sometimes watching is more fun than playing, especially if you have a front row seat. To make sure you know when and where your favorite exhibitions are taking place, check out the Outdoor Exhibitions schedule.
Figure Skating Exhibitions
Join local professional and amateur figure skaters at the Campus Martius Park ice skating rink Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for exciting performances featuring the incredible Detroit Skating Club.
Dog Sledding Exhibitions
The Dog Sledding Exhibition will feature professional sled dog racer Amanda Vogel and her Snomad Racing Sled Dogs. One of the top competitors in mid-distance sled racing, Vogel has over 10 years of experience training and racing sled dogs. To learn more about dog sledding, check out this unique exhibition.
Indoor Events
If you need a respite from the cold, you can head over to one of three Tim Hortons comfort zones: the Monroe Street Tent, the Cadillac Square Tent, and the Compuware Building Atrium. While you’re warming up, you can still enjoy some entertaining activities for music lovers and kids alike.
Music Stages
If you want to check out some of Detroit’s best musicians, Winter Blast is the place to do it. Singers from all genres including country, rock, gospel, and blues will be performing at two music stages: the Michigan Lottery Stage, located in the Monroe Street Tent, and the Greektown Casino and Hotel Stage, located in the Cadillac Square Tent. For the full 2015 music line-up and schedule, click here.
Kids Activities
To keep your little ones warm and happy, check out 1 Campus Martius Building. There you’ll find kid-friendly entertainment on the Quicken Loans Kids Stage. The line-up includes magic shows, music acts, and science presentations. Kids can also participate in the Winter Fun Lab with the Michigan Science Center. Children will learn about topics like static electricity, energy conservation, and the science of sound. For more information about kids activities, click here.
Admission Information
Winter Blast has almost everything this year …. action-packed activities for the entire family and warm places to grab a cup of free coffee or hot chocolate and listen to some awesome music from Detroit natives.
The Winter Blast runs from 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7. On Sunday, Feb. 8 it runs from 11am to 9pm. To gain admission, you can donate any of the following:
- Three canned food items
- One children’s book
- Or $2 to be donated to Matrix Human Services to help Detroiters in need
