PLYMOUTH — If you look up while weaving through the ice carvings this year, you might spot something not usually seen at the Plymouth Ice Festival: People zipping overhead.
The 2026 Plymouth Ice Festival returns to downtown Plymouth Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, bringing more than 150 ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations and family attractions – plus a brand-new zip line experience festival director James Gietzen says has been on the wish list for a while.
“Each year, we look for ways to raise the bar while staying true to what makes the Ice Festival special,” Gietzen said. “From world-class carvings to new interactive experiences like the zip line, the Ice Festival is about bringing people together, supporting our downtown, and creating unforgettable winter memories.”
The 300-foot zip line, operated by Westland-based Time to Play, will run down Ann Arbor Trail between Main and Union streets, Gietzen noted. Rides are $10.
“You’ll be able to take in the festival while you’re up there and see the crowds and all the ice carvings from about 30 feet up,” Gietzen said.
During the weekend, more than 150 professionally carved sculptures – each created from a 350-pound block of ice – will line sidewalks and fill Kellogg Park.
Nationally recognized, award-winning ice carvers will demonstrate their craft throughout the weekend, giving visitors a chance to watch blocks turn into finished pieces in real time.
Competitions are also scheduled, including a college and professional carving contests and a “Dueling Chainsaws” event.
Other interactive features include an Ice Throne photo spot, an Interactive Ice Experience Area with sit-on carvings and games like ice shuffleboard. An Ice Festival Bingo game encourages visitors to explore downtown businesses for a chance at prizes from the Plymouth DDA.
Also new for 2026 is the Hot Chocolate & S’mores Porch, planned along Penniman Avenue, where festival-goers can grab drinks, buy a s’mores kit and roast marshmallows around fire pits.
“We’re also going to have some benches made out of ice so people can sit and roast their marshmallows,” Gietzen said.
Other attractions in the lineup include a petting zoo with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, a baby calf and pony rides.
A sensory-friendly space will again be available in partnership with the Miracle League of Plymouth, with a dedicated tent near the Penn Theatre designed as a quieter, less crowded environment for guests who need a break from the busiest areas.
At the Penn Theatre, the festival’s featured film is “Ice Age,” with all seats just $5 all weekend.
For adults, the Ice Bar and Party Tent is scheduled to return at E.G. Nick’s Party Lot, with a heated party tent open Friday and Saturday nights and live music from 8 to 11 p.m., with cover charge proceeds benefiting the Plymouth VFW Post.
Warming hubs include The Hot Spot under The Gathering across from Kellogg Park with vendors, seating and restrooms and a HomeCraft Real Estate warming station on Forest Avenue.
“This festival is one of the most important weekends of the year for our downtown,” Gietzen said. “It shines a spotlight on our small businesses and brings incredible energy to Plymouth during the winter months.”
More information and a full schedule is available at PlymouthIceFestival.com.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Above the crowds: Plymouth Ice Fest introduces new zipline
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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