FRANKENMUTH, MI – Zehnder’s Snowfest is set to return for its 34th year, transforming Michigan’s Little Bavaria into a dazzling winter destination. From Wednesday, Jan. 29 to Sunday, Feb. 2, the festival will feature a stunning display of snow and ice sculptures, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, cementing its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier winter events.
This year’s festival kicks off on Wednesday, with the highly anticipated world-class snow carving competitions and State of Michigan snow sculpting competitions. Teams of skilled artists will transform blocks of snow into intricate works of art, displayed at Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn parking lots.
On Thursday, young talent takes the spotlight during the children’s snow sculpting competition at Frankenmuth River Place Shops, followed by the high school snow sculpting competition, where budding artists showcase their creativity.
Friday’s highlight is the professional ice exhibition, led by award-winning sculptor Greg Butauski and his team. Visitors will marvel as they create a multi-block masterpiece inspired by an “Arcade Game” theme, a must-see event for all ages.
The festival winds down on Saturday, with the completion of the snow carving competitions, live musical performances, and the annual fireworks display, lighting up the sky at 6:45 p.m. On Sunday, visitors can enjoy viewing the completed snow and ice sculptures.
To ensure accessibility, free shuttle services will run from Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland and Birch Run Premium Outlets, with additional parking available at The Fortress Golf Course and Frankenmuth River Place Shops.
For more information, visit www.zehnders.com/snowfest or call (844) 602-4873.
Event schedule:
Wednesday, January 29
- 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Zehnder’s warming tent open with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pioneer Sugar’s “All Things Chocolate” Baking Contest
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Live entertainment by The Halsey Old Timers
- Throughout the day World-class snow carving continues with double and single block competitions in Zehnder’s parking lot
- 6 p.m. State of Michigan snow sculpting begins in Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s parking lot
- Throughout the day Children’s snow sculpting at Frankenmuth River Place Shops
Thursday, January 30
- 9 a.m. High school snow sculpting begins at Frankenmuth River Place Shops
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Zehnder’s warming tent open with food, refreshments, and exhibit booths
- 12 noon Zehnder’s Snowfest Lunch Show in Zehnder’s Main Dining Room (sold out)
- 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Bingo at Zehnder’s warming tent
- Throughout the day World-class snow carving continues in Zehnder’s parking lot, with public voting beginning
- Throughout the day Children’s snow sculpting at Frankenmuth River Place Shops
- Throughout the day State of Michigan snow sculpting continues in Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s parking lot
Friday, January 31
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. High school snow sculpting continues at Frankenmuth River Place Shops
- 10 a.m. – 12 midnight Zehnder’s warming tent open with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment
- 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live performance by The Swift Brothers
- 12 noon – 6 p.m. Zehnder’s Snowfest information tent open
- 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. U.S. 338th Army Band country concert
- 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Children’s play area, petting zoo, pony rides ($3), musical carousel ride, and collegiate alumni ice carving competition at Edwin L. Zehnder Park
- 6 p.m. WKCQ line dancing
- 8 p.m. – 12 midnight Shiatown live performance ($5 cover charge after 6 p.m.; children 12 and under free)
- Throughout the day Professional ice exhibition featuring Greg Butauski, showcasing a multi-block “Arcade Game” theme in Zehnder’s parking lot
- Throughout the day World-class snow carving continues in Zehnder’s parking lot, with public voting
- Throughout the day State of Michigan snow sculpting continues in Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s parking lot
Saturday, February 1
- 9 a.m. – 12 midnight Zehnder’s warming tent open with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment
- 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. U.S. 338th Army Brass & Wind Ensemble performance
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. U.S. 338th Army Band Patriotic Concert
- 10 a.m. World-class snow carving (single, double block, and state snow sculpting) concludes
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Magician Joel Tacey performs three shows
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Collegiate alumni ice carving competition at Edwin L. Zehnder Park
- 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Music by Stone Street Revival
- 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Children’s play area, petting zoo, pony rides ($3), and musical carousel rides near Toyberg
- 2 p.m. Snow carving awards presented
- 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. U.S. 338th Army Band Rock Concert
- 6:45 p.m. Annual fireworks display
- 8 p.m. – 12 midnight The Rock Show live performance ($5 cover charge after 6 p.m.; children 12 and under free)
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Zehnder’s Snowfest information tent open
Sunday, February 2
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Zehnder’s warming tent open with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Magician Joel Tacey performs three shows
- 12 noon – 3 p.m. Zehnder’s Snowfest information tent open
- 12 noon – 5 p.m. Children’s play area, petting zoo, pony rides ($3), and musical carousel rides near Toyberg
- 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Live music by The Saucecats
- Throughout the day Completed ice and snow sculptures available for public viewing
