Rochester's Fire & Ice Festival: What To Know

ROCHESTER, MI — It's that time of year again. The annual Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is right around the corner and this year it's even more special.

The event will be the inaugural event to commemorate Oakland County’s bicentennial year. The fireworks pre-show will honor Oakland County’s 200 years and the event stage will have a bicentennial ice sculpture.

“We can’t think of a better way to kick off celebrating Oakland County’s 200th year than with the Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester,” County Executive David Coulter said. “We welcome everyone to attend our free winter festival to take part in the winter fun.”

Oakland County’s actual 200th birthday is March 28. A birthday celebration is in the planning stages as well as other events throughout the year.

The Fire & Ice Festival is set for Jan. 17-19 and is among the most anticipated winter events in the region.

Activities include dog sled rides, a tube sledding hill, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice carvings, face painting, marshmallow roasting, food trucks and a taste fest/beer tent. Best of all, it's all free.

Returning this year is a collegiate ice carving competition, which begins Saturday morning. Oakland Community College and Macomb Community College are among those expected to compete in the competition, which is sponsored by Consumers Energy.

The Big, Bright Light Show illuminates downtown Rochester each night in a glorious rainbow of colors.

A spectacular firework display lights up the sky Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and the seventh running of The Brooksie Way “Chill at the Mills” 5k race happens Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Registration is available at thebrooksieway.com. The race typically attracts more than 700 participants.

The Rochester Fire Department spaghetti dinners on Friday and Saturday night and a pancake breakfast Sunday morning to support Rochester Area Youth Assistance;

Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center’s tent where festival goers may adopt dogs or renew or purchase dog licenses.

The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The festival site is at East Second and Mill streets in downtown Rochester. Parking is available at Buffalo Wild Wings at 1234 Walton in Rochester. There will be a free shuttle running between the restaurant and the festival.

For detailed event schedules and more information, go to OakGov.com/FireAndIce or Facebook.com/FireAndIceRochester.

Stay tuned to oakgov.com/bicentennial for additional details as they are announced.