New Medieval Village offers themed activities such as knights on horseback and family-friendly quests
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Organizers of Winter Blast Royal Oak presented by the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort today unveiled the current lineup of outdoor winter activities, tasty treats, live local music, family fun and more for this year’s event, taking place Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in and around The Rink at Royal Oak at Centennial Commons in downtown Royal Oak. And, once again, admission to the festival, along with many of its activities, are free.
“Winter Blast Royal Oak would not be the same without an abundance of returning favorite outdoor winter activities and, of course, a few new elements, so that is what attendees can expect,” said Jon Witz, producer of Winter Blast Royal Oak. “And to ensure attendees can have the best Winter Blast experience possible, we will monitor the weather and adjust accordingly, just as we have in past years. No snow? No problem. We will offer more outdoor activities. If temps drop, we will feature an additional snow attraction and heated tent.”
OUTDOOR WINTER FUN
Ice Skating for FREE!
For one weekend only Winter Blast Royal Oak attendees can lace up and ice skate for free courtesy of Oakland County at The Rink at Royal Oak, downtown Royal Oak’s outdoor ice rink presented by M3 Investment Services located at Centennial Commons. To enjoy this popular winter pastime, visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair for $5.
Hit the ‘Slopes’ in Downtown Royal Oak
Winter Blast Royal Oak welcomes the return of sponsor Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, who will deliver a learn to ski and snowboard experience right in downtown Royal Oak – no mountains required. Mt. Brighton’s state-of-the-art snowmaking machines will deliver the snow for a beginner ski slope and provide eventgoers with ski or snowboard gear, as well as lessons from Mt. Brighton Ski and Ride School instructors throughout the weekend.
Works of Art in Ice Form
To add to the festival’s ambiance and continue the winter theme, Winter Blast will feature an Ice Garden presented by Henry Ford Health filled with expertly carved and stunning, photo worthy sculptures that will colorfully light up at night. The garden will feature medieval themed designs, such as a Fire and Ice Tower, dragons and knights, plus large sculptures of the University of Michigan and Detroit Lions’ logos in honor of both teams’ remarkable football seasons.
Fly high on the Zip Line
Thrill-seekers can soar over Winter Blast from a zip line sponsored by Baker College. This 300-foot long, 34-foot high zip line will offer riders the ultimate rush with panoramic views of Royal Oak’s Centennial Commons. Tickets are available at $15 each or two for $25.
WHAT’S NEW
Medieval Village at Winter Blast
This year’s Winter Blast will magically transport festivalgoers to a 15th century renaissance-themed village for tons of medieval experiences with a winter spin. Michigan’s very own medieval jousting team, Knights of the New Order, will be on hand giving attendees the opportunity to meet these noblemen and noblewomen in their dazzling suits of armor, pet the stunning war horses and learn about the history of medieval jousting from the Knights of the New Order’s Marshall Lady Margaret.
Guests also will be able to try their hand at archery or ax throwing and take a photo with one of the many renaissance performers wandering the event. Interactive storytelling, a Grand Winter Dance and Knighting Ceremony will be performed, along with renaissance characters conducting family-friendly interactive quests. Fire will meet ice on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. when the village ice tower is set on fire – a spectacular event not to be missed.
Medieval Village Schedule of Entertainment:
Friday, Feb 2
4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Vikings, Shoe Cobblers, Ice Garden, Ice Throne, Ax Throwing and Archery
Jugglers & Fire Eaters (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
Lighting of the Ice Tower (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 3
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Vikings, Shoe Cobblers, Ice Garden, Ice Throne, Ax Throwing and Archery
Quest, Village Players and Knights of the New Order (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Jugglers & Fire Eaters (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Lighting of the Ice Tower (7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 4
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Vikings, Shoe Cobblers, Ice Garden, Ice Throne, Ax Throwing and Archery
Quest, Village Players and Knights of the New Order (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Jugglers & Fire Eaters (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
Winter Blast Rock the Mic 2024 Karaoke Competition – Offering $2,000 in Cash and Prizes
Organizers are excited to introduce the Winter Blast Rock the Mic 2024 Karaoke Competition,
showcasing metro Detroit’s immense pool of talented, amateur singers and giving them a chance to shine on stage. Taking place on the DTE Energy Stage in the Cornerstone Community Financial Family Tent, the competition is free to enter and offers $2,000 in cash and prizes to the top six performers.
1st Place – $1,000 Cash + (1) Stay at Soaring Eagle with breakfast (valued at $400) and a Future performance with the Persuasion Band
2nd Place – $250 Cash (provided by Fifth Avenue/Tequila Blue)
3rd Place – $150 Cash (provided by Fifth Avenue/Tequila Blue)
4th Place – $100 Cash (provided by Fifth Avenue/Tequila Blue)
5th Place – $75 Gift Card to Fifth Avenue or Tequila Blue
6th Place – $50 Gift Card to Fifth Avenue or Tequila Blue
In addition to individuals from the local entertainment scene (TBD) serving as judges, the audience will help decide who will be crowned Winter Blast Rock the Mic winners.
GOOD EATS AND TASTY TREATS
Fuel up (and warm up) with good eats. This year P.F. Chang’s China Bistro joins Winter Blast Royal Oak for the first time to feature its Asian and Chinese fare, made from scratch in its restaurants every day. From its famous Lettuce Wraps made from a secret family recipe to one of its many signature entrees, like Crispy Honey Chicken, eventgoers will have plenty of flavorful menu options to choose and enjoy.
Winter Blast will host a delectable lineup of food trucks throughout the weekend as well, including Bowdler’s Concessions, Chick-A-D, Cinnabon, Egg Roll Diva, Imperial Tacos, Island Noodles, Little Bros. Burgers, Mercurio Elephant Ears, Mercurio Popper, Mr. Deep Fried, Niko’s Gyros, OPEN and Real Taco Express.
Eventgoers can also take advantage of the many downtown restaurants available for visitors to dine at, representing an array of menu items and tastes. From juicy hamburgers to Hawaiian stir-fry to authentic Mexican and crave-worthy confections – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Additionally, marshmallow roasting stations located throughout the festival grounds will offer festivalgoers a place to warm their mitts and also enjoy a tasty, toasty treat reminiscent of summertime campfires. Marshmallow and s’more kits will be available starting at $3 per kit.
FAMILY FUN
There will be plenty of family-friendly activities offered inside the Cornerstone Community Financial Kids Tent and, best of all, they are free of charge. Kiddos can investigate how temperature relates to the movement of atoms and molecules through an engaging and educational “Frostology” presentation by the Michigan Science Center. They can explore their creativity with a hands-on cozy winter hat craft and Color with Cornerstone Community Financial at Winter Blast! Every hour two winners will be chosen to receive a free hot chocolate from any beverage booth while at the festival. Kids can choose between a Winter Mittens or a Snowman Carnival coloring page and then have the option of picking up their masterpiece or having it displayed throughout the weekend inside the tent.
LOCAL MUSICIANS SHOWCASE
Shake off the chilly temperatures and groove to the sounds of many talented musicians from across metro Detroit. Winter Blast Royal Oak provides a unique showcase of up-and-coming acts along with longtime favorites, who will be performing live across three stages located inside heated tents throughout all three days of the festival. Video screens will be placed outside of each tent allowing visitors to enjoy the performances while walking through the festival footprint.
The Soaring Eagle Stage,located in the M3 Investments Comfort Zone will feature a wide variety of genres such as Americana from singer-songwriter Keelan Starr, alternative rock from Tiffadelic and high-energy pop from Kalysta.Closing out the party is the dynamic Persuasion Band; popular party-starters Larry Lee & the Back in the Day Band; and the country and classic rock group, Billy Gunther & Midwest Riders.
Located inside the House of Dank Comfort Zone, the House of Dank Gallery Stage will include performances by bands and musical acts representing a variety of genres, such as country musician, Kira Blue; tribute band Lou Fighters; Gridiron and Friends playing high-energy dance and party musicand George Dudley, a solo musician who will entertain listeners with grunge and alternative rock from the 90s.
House of Dank Gallery Stage headliners will include the soulful R&B powerhouse, Alise King, the energetic, fun and always entertaining Lyons Lane, taking 50’s doo-wop and disguising it as modern earwormy pop and veterans of the Detroit pop/rock scene Killer Flamingos who will provide an unforgettable high-energy performance.
Over on the DTE Energy Kids Stage inside the Cornerstone Community Financial Family Tent, families with children will be treated to engaging and entertaining performances from magicians, puppeteers, jugglers, musicians and more. Featured acts include Cool Tricks & Funny Stuff, Randyl Lee Magic Show, Zippity 2 Guys & A Guitar, Kam Komics, Juggler Tim Salisbury and Nat Spinz Hula Hoops.
In addition to the Winter Blast Rock the Mic Karaoke Competition Saturday night, the area transforms into a party for adults on Friday evening with top DJs from the Detroit Techno Militia, who will heat up the night with hot tunes, and then again on Sunday with Dueling Pianos Featuring Davy Tyson & Ryan Romanik, who will be taking requests that are sure to get the crowd singing along.
Elevating THE Senses and Style at the House of Dank Comfort Zone
Stepping inside the House of Dank Comfort Zone will be the epitome of cool. In addition to offering attendees the chance to immerse themselves in three days of live music on the House of Dank Gallery Stage, where the atmosphere is set to elevate one’s chill experience, Clubhouse Rewards members can spin the Wheel of Wonder to enjoy exclusive rewards. Of course, no chill zone is complete without House of Dank’s carefully curated offerings. Attendees can explore its premium CBD products and indulge in the latest collection apparel, both available for purchase.
SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE CITY
Festivalgoers can opt for overnight stays at the Hotel Royal Oak to enjoy Winter Blast Royal Oak for free. Not only can they take advantage of an affordable rate, but they can receive two free hot chocolate drinks, marshmallow kit, zip line pass and two free skate rentals.
Hotel Royal Oakis a boutique hotel with stylishly retro-modern touches and a resort vibe. Conveniently located just steps away from the festival, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a mini vacation in downtown Royal Oak. Amenities include a hot breakfast, high-speed WI-FI, HDTV flat screen TVs and perks at local restaurants and clubs. Guests can use code “WinterBlast” to receive 10 percent off their stay.
WINTER BLAST ROYAL OAK PRESENTED BY SOARING EAGLE MUSIC LINEUP
All performances are subject to change
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT STAGE
FRIDAY, FEB. 2
4:30 – 5:15 p.m. Kareem Kanouh (Arabic/Alt Rock)
5:45 – 6:30 p.m. Syd Burnham (Americana/Rock)
7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Ska’t Ya Covered (Ska Rock)
8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Kalysta (Pop/R&B)
9:45 – 11:00 p.m. Persuasion Band (Pop)
SATURDAY, FEB. 3
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Ashley Pyle (Acoustic Variety)
1:15 – 2:00 p.m. Odyssey A Cappella (Variety)
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Misty Blues Party Band (Cover Band)
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tiffadelic (Alternative/Rock)
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Dirty White and the High Life Social Club (Alternative/Hip Hop)
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Detroit RSVP AllStars (Jazz/R&B)
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. LostWest (Country/Classic Rock)
10:00 – 11:00 p.m. Larry Lee & Back in the Day (R&B/Funk)
SUNDAY, FEB. 4
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Keelan Starr Music (Acoustic/Americana)
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Donatella (Pop/Folk)
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Brizzl (Alternative/Hip Hop)
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Last Stand Band (Country/Classic Rock)
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. The Sax Maniacs (Rock/Soul)
6:45 – 8:00 p.m. Billy Gunther & Midwest Riders (Country/Classic Rock)
HOUSE OF DANK GALLERY STAGE (Inside the House of Dank Comfort Zone)
FRIDAY, FEB. 2
4:45 – 5:30 p.m. IZVYE (Pop/R&B)
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. The New Old (Rock)
7:15 – 8:00 p.m. Sued Brain (Rock/Psychedelic Rock)
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Vendors (Americana/Country)
10:00 – 11:00 p.m. Alise King (R&B/Soul)
SATURDAY, FEB. 3
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. New Strategy (Jazz/R&B)
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. King of Strings (Rock)
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Gridiron and Friends (Party Music)
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Kira Blue (Country/Pop)
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Lou Fighters (Tribute Band)
6:45 – 7:45 p.m. Hung Up (Alternative/Rock)
8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Herb The Artist (Cover Band)
9:45 – 11:00 p.m. Lyons Lane (Rock/Rockabilly)
SUNDAY, FEB. 4
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. George Dudley (Acoustic Variety)
1:15 – 2:00 p.m. Jackie C. & Detroit Rhythm Band (R&B/Soul)
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Wilson Thicket (Americana/Bluegrass)
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kayfabe: thepplsband (Cover Band)
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Shagg Nasty (Rock)
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Killer Flamingos (Pop/Rock)
DTE ENERGY KIDS STAGE (Inside the Cornerstone Community Financial Family Tent)
FRIDAY, FEB. 2
4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Magic with Randyl Lee
4:45 – 5:15 p.m. Beatbox Jake
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Magic with Randyl Lee
6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Beatbox Jake
7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Detroit Techno Militia Presents: T.Linder & DJ Seoul
SATURDAY, FEB. 3
11:15 – 11:45 a.m. Kevin Devine’s Rollicking Music
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Juggler Tim Salisbury
12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Magic with Randyl Lee
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Michigan Science Center Presents Frostology
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Kevin Devine’s Rollicking Music
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Juggler Tim Salisbury
3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Zippity 2 Guys & A Guitar
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Michigan Science Center Presents Frostology
5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Juggler Tim Salisbury
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Zippity 2 Guys & A Guitar
7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Winter Blast Rock the Mic 2024 (Karaoke Competition)
SUNDAY, FEB. 4
11:15 – 11:45 a.m. Kam Komics
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Nat Spinz Hula Hoops
12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Cool Tricks & Funny Stuff
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Michigan Science Center Presents Frostology
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Kam Komics
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Cool Tricks & Funny Stuff
3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Nat Spinz Hula Hoops
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Michigan Science Center Presents Frostology
5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Kam Komics
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Nat Spinz Hula Hoops
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dueling Pianos Featuring Davy Tyson & Ryan Romanik
ADMISSION AND PARKING
Winter Blast Royal Oak offers affordable fun for the whole family. Admission is free and open to the public from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Feb, 2; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3; and 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4. Affordable parking to be announced soon.
SPONSORS
Winter Blast Royal Oak is grateful for the generous support from returning presenting sponsor Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, as well as Baker College, City of Royal Oak, Cornerstone Community Financial, DTE Energy, Faygo, Henry Ford Health, Hotel Royal Oak, House of Dank, M3 Investment Services, Maker’s Mark, Michelob Ultra, Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, Royal Oak DDA, Tito’s and US Park.
About Winter Blast Royal Oak
Winter Blast Royal Oak is a celebration of winter experiences, dining, music and family fun, originally created as the backdrop for Super Bowl XL. For additional information, call 248-541-7550 or visit WinterBlast.com.
Source: Winter Blast Royal Oak