Free, Family-Friendly Winterfest Set for Jan. 24 at Civic Center

Grand Traverse County will host a free, family-friendly Winterfest on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center grounds. The county invitation asks families to dress warmly and promises winter activities and games on the Civic Center campus.

The three-hour midday event is designed to provide low-cost outdoor recreation during what is typically a quieter month for local businesses and community programming. By offering free admission and a compact schedule, Winterfest reduces barriers for families balancing childcare and heating costs in January while concentrating attendees during daytime hours that are safer and easier for older residents and parents with young children.

Organizers are positioning the Civic Center site as a neighborhood gathering place rather than a ticketed attraction. With no admission charge, the event is likely to draw residents from throughout Grand Traverse County looking for accessible winter entertainment and social connection. Local retailers and restaurants near the Civic Center can expect modest foot traffic increases as families attend the event, warm up afterward, and run errands. For small businesses, even a brief uptick in visitors during an otherwise slow retail month can help smooth winter cash flow.

Practical considerations for attendees include dressing for January conditions in northern Michigan. The county notice explicitly invites families to "dress warmly" and notes that activities will take place outdoors on the Civic Center grounds. Weather and snow conditions could alter plans; attendees should check the county website, gtcountymi.gov, for any updates or changes before leaving home.

Winterfest fits a larger community pattern of using public space to maintain social ties through the winter months. Public events like this serve multiple local policy goals: they provide affordable recreation, encourage use of county facilities, and create informal economic stimulus for nearby businesses. For households on tight budgets, a free, short-duration event offers a low-cost option for weekend plans and child-friendly activities without the need to travel far.

For residents planning to attend, bring layered clothing, sturdy footwear, and any needed cold-weather gear for children. The county’s announcement lists the Civic Center grounds as the site and gives the 11:00 a.m. start time. Winterfest offers a brief, community-focused break from the winter routine and a chance for neighbors to gather outdoors before the transition to longer daylight in spring.