By Kathryn Nickell
FRANKENMUTH – Zehnder’s Snowfest is a can’t-miss, winter tradition with larger-than-life snow and ice sculptures throughout the community of Frankenmuth.
Beginning Jan. 25 through Jan. 29, this charming Bavarian-style town provides five whole days of fabulous fun right in the middle of winter!
The entire family can have fun at the snow festival from petting zoos, a fireworks display, and warming tents filled with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and live entertainment.
Start to plan now to attend Zehnder’s Snow festival, one of the top snow and ice sculpting events in North America for the past 31 years.
Wednesday, Jan. 25
- Zehnder’s Snowfest warming tent 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment.
- Entertainment by Halsey Old Timers 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Baking contest 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Children’s snow sculpting at Frankenmuth River Place.
- World-class snow carving teams competition in Zehnder’s parking lot.
- State of Michigan snow sculpting begins at 6 p.m.
Thursday, January 26
- Zehnder’s Snowfest warming tent 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment.
- Bingo 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- World-class snow carving teams competition in Zehnder’s parking lot. Public voting begins.
- State of Michigan snow sculpting continues throughout the day.
- Dueling Pianos luncheon at noon.
- Tickets are $55 per person.
- Children’s snow sculpting at Frankenmuth River Place.
- High school snow sculpting competition begins at 9 a.m. at Frankenmuth Riverplace.
Friday, January 27
- Zehnder’s Snowfest warming tent 10 a.m. to midnight.
- Food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment.
- The Swift Brothers concert 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- U.S. 338th Army Band country concert from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Karaoke contest finals 6 p.m.
- The Family Tradition concert 8 p.m. to midnight.
- $5 cover charge after 6 p.m., children 12 and under free.
- Professional ice exhibition located at Zehnder’s parking lot behind Rau’s Country Store.
- World-class snow carving teams competition in Zehnder’s parking lot. Public voting continues.
- State of Michigan snow sculpting continues throughout the day. Public voting begins.
- High school snow sculpting competition continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frankenmuth Riverplace.
- Collegiate alumni ice carving challenge 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Children’s play area next to Frankenmuth Toy Company.
- Petting zoo 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Pony rides 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 28
- Zehnder’s Snowfest warming tent 9:30 a.m. to midnight.
- Food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment.
- U.S. 338th Army brash & wind ensemble 9:30 to 10 a.m.
- U.S. 338th Army patriotic concert 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Magician Jason Abbott 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Saucecats concert 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Snow carving awards 2 p.m.
- U.S. 338th Army rock concert 8 p.m. to midnight.
- $5 cover charge after 6 p.m., children 12 and under free.
- World-class snow carving concludes at 10 a.m.
- State snow sculpting concludes at 10 a.m.
- Children’s play area next to Frankenmuth Toy Company.
- Petting zoo 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pony rides noon to 6 p.m.
- Carousel Ride 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Collegiate alumni ice carving challenge 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Annual fireworks display 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, January 29
- Zehnder’s Snowfest warming tent 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and entertainment.
- Magician Jason Abbott 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Stone Street Revival concert 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Children’s play area next to Frankenmuth Toy Company.
- Petting zoo noon to 5 p.m.
- Pony rides noon to 5 p.m.
- Carousel Ride noon to 5 p.m.
Where to park at Zehnder’s Snowfest
Parking is available at Zehnder’s, the Bavarian Inn, and Riverplace.
Where to stay overnight at Zehnder’s Snowfest
When visiting with the family, Zehnder’s Splash Village and the Bavarian Inn both offer indoor water parks and hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. The Marv Herzog Hotel is a great choice, too, and offers picturesque river views.
