The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s “Winter at Valade” Continues this Weekend with a Fire & Ice Festival
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s family-friendly “Winter at
Valade” celebration continues with a Fire & Ice Festival featuring techno music this Friday through Sunday. The January 15-17 celebration is located at the Robert C. Valade Park at 2670 East Atwater along the East Riverfront in downtown Detroit and it’s FREE! The celebration is part of the Conservancy’s winter programming that takes place every weekend at Robert C. Valade Park through February 28.
This weekend features a 12-foot fire and ice sculpture, techno music, a kid’s dance party, outdoor fireplaces, delicious food and drink, games, sledding, and marshmallow roasting! One of the most visual and exciting elements of the weekend will be the dramatic lighting of a 12-foot ice sculpture along the bridge overlooking Valade Park. The lighting of the “Fire & Ice” sculpture begins promptly at 7 p.m. on Friday the 15th.
The pulsating sounds of techno will be bumping throughout the park all weekend long with jams spun by local DJs. Children can get in on all the fun with their very own techno dance party on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. A limited number of lighted jewelry will be available for free all weekend long to help get visitors into the techno spirit.
The techno schedule includes:
*Friday, January 15, 6 to 9 p.m. DJ Shea
*Saturday, January 16, 2 to 5 p.m. Kids Dance Party with DJ Etta, 6 to 9 p.m. with DJ 5 th DIM.
*Sunday, January 17, 2 to 6 p.m. DJ 5 th DIM.
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Giant outdoor fireplaces, games, food and drink, and more!
Other highlights for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend include a variety of ice sculptures made by local artists, marshmallow roasting stations, giant outdoor fireplaces, sledding on the hills of Valade Park, fun games like box hockey and curling, and delicious food and drink.
Additionally, Conservancy volunteers have free gloves and hand-warmer pouches available for guests during select hours.
Delicious food and drink this and every weekend during “Winter at Valade” will be available. Bob’s Barge will feature hot seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic classics for purchase like hot chocolate and cider and Granny’s Hot Toddys. Marshmallow kits for roasting at the park will also be available for purchase. Since opening several months ago, the two eateries operating out of The Shed at Valade Park have gained quite a following among Detroiters. Smokey G’s menu includes pulled pork, brisket, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and other delicious items. The menu of Geisha Girls Sushi features crab Rangoon, shrimp tempura, Panko chicken tenders, and more. Both eateries are open Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 8 p.m. year-round.
While every weekend this winter has programming at the Valade Park, there are two special themed celebrations that feature even more activities and programming.
Upcoming themed weekends include:
*January 29-31, Ice Carving Festival
*February 12-14, Carriage Rides and Valentine’s Day Celebration
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“Entertainment options are typically limited during the winter, especially during this pandemic,” said Rachel Frierson, director of programming. “The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is proud to offer people throughout our community the opportunity to get outside and enjoy themselves in a safe, fun environment where socially-distancing protocols are in place.”
The hours for Winter at Valade this weekend are:
Friday, January 15, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, January 16, Noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, January 17, Noon to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org. The safety of all riverfront visitors is of paramount concern to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, so social-distancing protocols will be in place for all activities during “Winter at Valade.” Additionally, the Conservancy requires that all guests wear masks when not eating or drinking and to practice social distancing at all times.
