Up North is the place to be this weekend with multiple winter festivals across the region.
Other highlights include Valentine’s festivities across the state and free fishing without a license during Free Fishing Weekend.
As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you want me to highlight, send me a note here (please send suggestions at least one week before the event).
West Michigan
Thursday, Feb. 12, 4-7 p.m.
1530 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
“Valentine’s Mercadito is a community pop-up market organized by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC), featuring multiple vendors offering Valentine’s-themed products, gifts, crafts, and services.”
2. Luv’n Lunch
Friday, Feb. 13, 12-1:30 p.m.
Rosa Parks Circle (135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids)
“Check out our Valentine’s Day Pop-up at Rosa Parks Circle. Join us for ice skating, live music, free roses and festive surprises, all part of World of Winter.”
3. Celebrate Lunar New Year – GR Main Library
Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids
“Families are invited to the library to celebrate Lunar New Year! Join us for activities and crafts that honor Lunar New Year traditions from China, Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian cultures.”
Saturday, Feb. 14, 5-8 p.m.
Dinks & Dingers Social Club (5080 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids)
“Join us for a structured singles event designed to make meeting new people fun and easy. This event combines 45 minutes of pickleball play with 45 minutes of speed dating and includes one complimentary drink and access to an appetizer bar.”
Northern Michigan/UP
Feb. 11-15
Munising
“With classes taught by the best ice climbers in the world, evening presentations to inspire you in your next adventure, and the unequaled beauty of the ice in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this is an event for everyone.”
6. UP 200, Midnight Run, & Jack Pine 30 Sled Dog Races
Feb. 12-16
337 W. Washington St., Marquette
“The UP200 is one of the top 12-dog mid-distance races in the Midwest and is also an Iditarod qualifier. The UP200 trail covers 228 miles of challenging terrain from Marquette to Grand Marais, Michigan, and back again through forested land and near-wilderness. Mushers face hills, creek crossings, deep snow, and isolated trails.”
7. Les Cheneaux Islands Snowsfest
Feb. 12-15
Downtown Hessel and Cedarville
“Join us for a weekend of fun for all ages! Celebrate our Woodland Animals theme in Downtown Hessel and Cedarville!”
8. The Cheesiest Valentine’s Ever
Feb. 12-15
Traverse City
“Your Valentine’s – or Galentine’s – weekend will be extra fun in 2026 when you c’mon up to Traverse City for The Cheesiest Valentine’s Ever. Presented by Traverse City Food & Wine, you can enjoy cheesy meals, cheese pairings (with wine, or even whiskey!), cheese making, and special menus that will lure you into a cozy, blissful state..”
Feb. 13-15
Higgins Lake
“Join us each February for our annual festival! Fun for the whole family at beautiful Higgins Lake!”
10. Honey Bear Classic Cross Country Ski
Saturday, Feb. 14, race begins at 11 a.m.
Big Bay Pathway and Thunder Bay Inn (400 Bensinger St., Big Bay)
“The 37th Honey Bear Classic Ski and Snowshoe invites you to celebrate the unique beauty of the Big Bay Pathway with a fundraising event for all ages and interests.”
Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
S Benzie Blvd., Beulah
“Cookie sale, snowmobile poker run, frozen turkey bowling, chili cookoff, horse drawn wagon rides, snowball target throw, frozen fish toss, parade, valentine contest, 50/50 drawing, outhouse race, and fireworks!”
12. Yeti Fest
Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Suttons Bay
“Includes Yeti fun at Suttons Bay Bingham District Library from 10am-2pm; a free movie at Bay Theatre at 10am; Digital Scavenger Hunt & Kids Scavenger Hunt from noon-4pm; Strolling Chili Cook-Off from 2-4:30pm, & much more.”
Saturday, Feb. 14
Downtown Pentwater
“The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to enjoy winter along the lakeshore during Pentwater Winterfest, featuring outdoor recreation, arts, shopping, and family-friendly activities.”
Mid/South Michigan
14. REO Town Marketplace Celebrates Mardi Gras
Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
“Join us once again for our 5th annual Mardi Gras Comes To Reo Town Marketplace celebration. Come enjoy the sights, sounds and festivities of New Orleans and Mardi Gras…Right here in Lansing.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
15. Galentine’s Bash at the Marketplace
Friday, Feb. 13, 5-8 p.m.
9720 Village Place Blvd., Brighton
“Make it a girls’ night out in the Brighton Howell Area and celebrate friendship at the Galentine’s Bash, hosted by Michigan Makers Marketplace.”
Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Tin Roof Detroit (47 E. Adams Ave., Detroit)
“Our annual Galentine’s Day Party is here! Ladies free before 11pm! Grab your girls and get ready to celebrate friendship, fun, and fabulous vibes!”
17. 2026 Paczki Party by Detroit City Distillery
Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
1000 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
“Get ready for one of Detroit’s most beloved winter traditions! Detroit City Distillery is once again turning up the heat for Pączki Day with a full day of fun, flavors, and festive energy in it is new space this year! Join us at 100 Proof where we will be bringing together spirits lovers, foodies, and community members from across Michigan and beyond.“
