Winter Blast Royal Oak Returns for 2023 Season with Family-friendly Attractions

Organizers of Winter Blast Royal Oak presented by the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort have announced the festival will return in 2023, and take place Friday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 5, in downtown Royal Oak.
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Winter Blast Royal Oak will return in 2023 and be centered around the new ice rink in downtown Royal Oak. // Courtesy of Winter Blast
Winter Blast Royal Oak will return in 2023 and be centered around the new ice rink in downtown Royal Oak. // Courtesy of Winter Blast

Organizers of Winter Blast Royal Oak presented by the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort have announced the festival will return in 2023, and take place Friday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 5, in downtown Royal Oak.

“After a successful event earlier this year, we are thrilled to bring back Winter Blast, which is known for seasonal offerings that bring so much joy to city residents and families from all over metro Detroit,” says Raul Venegas, executive director of marketing, entertainment and sales at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.

The southeast Michigan winter tradition will feature a new layout and several signature and returning outdoor seasonal activities with free admission.

The 2022 inaugural Winter Blast Royal Oak drew nearly 80,000 people and is anticipated to perform even better in 2023. Attendees can expect a winter wonderland of outdoor activities and live local music.

Winter Blast festivities in 2023 will surround The Rink at Royal Oak at Centennial Commons located between Main and Troy streets and 11 Mile Road and 3rd Street.

Winter Blast Royal Oak welcomes the return of sponsor Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, which will deliver a learn to ski and snowboard experience in downtown Royal Oak. Eventgoers have a chance to be fitted for ski or snowboard gear and then go down a beginner-level slope with the help of Mt. Brighton Ski and Ride School instructors. The resort will use its snowmaking system to make a snow hill for the event.

Additional attractions, such as a snow slide, zip line, ice garden, ice carving demonstrations, food trucks, and a family zone with kids stage, will be offered, as well as a live music showcase of metro Detroit’s most talented up-and-coming and longtime favorite musical acts.

Attendees can take advantage of warming zones inside heated tents, as well as roasting stations located throughout the festival area for respite and other entertainment and hands-on activities.

Winter Blast Royal Oak’s complete lineup of activities and entertainment will be announced early in the new year.

Admission to Winter Blast Royal Oak is free and open to the public from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Feb, 3; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4; and 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5.

Royal Oak parking will operate as it normally does. The parking structures will offer two hours of free parking and is 75 cents per hour after that.