Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit - February 2026 Edition
- Dan Cooke
- 8 hours ago
- 8 min read
Love. Trails. Powder. If that trio sounds like an amazing time to you, then a February spent in Detroit's outdoors may become your new favorite month of the year - especially with these "Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit" coming down the pipeline for February 2026!
February in Detroit's outdoors typically keeps you guessing. One day you'll have your cross-country skis clipped in or snowshoes strapped on tight, trekking through fresh powder looking for backcountry ski lines. A week later and you might be running the same line with your trail runners, shorts, and a light long-sleeve shirt. At least that's how Februaries past have played out.
February 2026 is looking ALL-TIME though. A "true winter" vs. a "shoulder-season prelude" where we'll actually properly skiing the "Big Four" resorts. Or explore trails that are perfectly groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. Maybe even set out on a winter backpacking expedition or relax at a favorite "glamping" destination.
In this season of love, we encourage each of you to fall deeply in love with each sporadic moment that February may throw at us. And if you're looking for easy "Valentine's Season" date ideas, well, these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit will provide the perfect ice breaker for your new recreational love!
Spoiler: Keep scrolling for SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON RACE ENTRIES below!
1. Fall in Love with Winter along the Detroit River
Throughout February | Valade Park, Detroit, Michigan and Belle Isle Park
"When in doubt, head to the Detroit Riverfront." That has been our go-to advice for visitors to Downtown Detroit for the last decade, and it has become an easier and easier sell thanks to the ground-breaking team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
All February long, head down to Valade Park for a full schedule of programs and events, including the return of their signature themed weekends, winter wellness activities, and so much more. The highlights include their "Winter in Valade" weekend events, a "Lunar New Year"celebration on February 14th, a "Polar Power Walk" with Urban Solace on February 15th, and more. On top of all of this, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the best riverwalks in America.
But wait, there's more. On February 7th, follow the Riverfront Trail over the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle Park for "Shiver on the River"! Hosted by a conglomeration of Friends of the Detroit River, the Detroit Historical Society, Belle Isle Conservancy, and the Belle Isle Nature Center, this FREE eco-fair will feature caricature drawings, a magic show, ice carvings, open entry to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and more! Friends of the Detroit River will host the event inside the Dossin Great Lakes Museum from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M, and the Belle Isle Nature Center will host event activities at the Nature Center from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
EXPLORE BELLE ISLE STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
2. Viva la Après at Detroit's Big Four Ski Resorts
Throughout February | Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, and Mt. Holly Ski Resorts
Of all of the time-honored traditions associated with a ski trip, you would be hard-pressed to beat a good ol' fashion Après-ski. For the uninitiated, "Après" is loosely defined as any pre or post-ski activity that typically involves a healthy level of rivalry or debauchery.
And don't worry, friends - Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" have plenty of Après to go around. Here are the main highlights this month at the Big Four:
Live music at Alpine Valley (February 15th)
College Nights at Mt. Brighton (every Friday)
Beer Tasting at Mt. Holly (February 18th)
Dew After Dark at Mt. Brighton (February 27th)
Cardboard Classic at Alpine Valley (February 28th)
3. Experience the Best of Winter in Detroit at Rouge Park's "Winterfest"
February 7th | Rouge Park, Detroit | 12 p.m.
Bundle up and head over to Detroit's west side for a fun-filled - and FREE - winter celebration at Rouge Park Winterfest! Hosted by Friends of Rouge Park, this annual winter festival promises a fun-filled day for the whole family to enjoy a variety of winter-time fun, treats and activities on Detroit's premier west side park.
Winterfest will be filled with plenty of activities and amenities to warm you up during this coldest of Detroit months. Hang out by the bonfire with s'mores or get your heart rate up by sledding down the hill. You can even try some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating (equipment provided on-site)!
4. Run like a Champion at the Super 5K
February 8th | Novi, Michigan | 8:30 a.m.
Yes, the rumors are unfortuantely true: the Detroit Lions are not, yet again, playing in the Super Bowl. Shocker, we know.
That doesn't mean you can't run like a champion, though! Super Bowl Sunday is a de facto American national holiday, even if the Feds never formally acknowledge it as one. And, whenever there's a holiday, there will always be an appropriately themed holiday 5K run to support it.
For the Detroit region, our premiere Super Bowl 5K run - the "Super 5K" - is annually hosted by our friends at RF Events. Lace up the shoes, burn some pregame calories, and earn that spot on the couch!
5. Explore Your State Parks with Expedition Detroit!
All February | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
From winter wonderland bliss to frozen arctic tundra, for us at Expedition Detroit, it doesn't matter what crazy weather February may throw at us. We'll keep leading our top-rated guided trips across the Detroit region's most beautiful state parks, and we hope that you'll join us!
This February, we are planning a select offering of guided hiking, snowshoeing, and night hiking day trips throughout Metro Detroit. For anyone interested in our guided snowshoe treks, note that we offer no-risk reservation transfer options for any treks that are cancelled due to conditions.
In other words, we GUARANTEE that you will enjoy a world-class experience in Detroit's oudoors!
The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, wildlife viewing tours, and snowshoe tours and rentals across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our guided trips AND online store items...
NEW! Premium Snowshoe Rentals near Detroit for Winter 2026
6. Embrace the WTF Life at Winter Trail Fest 2026
February 14th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 10:30 a.m.
Freezing temperatures. Snow-covered trails. Half-marathon trail racing event. If at least one of these descriptors gave you a "WTF?" sentiment coupled with curiosity, then congratulations - you've found your perfect mid-winter racing event!
If logging serious miles in the dead of winter is moderately appealing to you, then we strongly encourage joining the off-season running faithful at the the fourth annual "Winter Trail Fest." This year's edition goes beyond Winter Trail Fest's famous half-marathon or 5-mile race events, adding half-marathon and 5 miles "Ruck Races" too. Bonus points if you also join in June's "Summer Trail Fest Ultra and Half Marathon," appropriately acronymed "STFU," or March's "west side" "WTF" event, through the new "WTF-STFU 2026 Bundle."
7. Feel the Love at Cupid's Undie Run
February 14th | Detroit, Michigan | 12 p.m.
You really didn't think we'd publish this "Events Article" without a Valentine's Day themed race, did you..? Oh, and we found a good one. Strip down and feel the love (while probably going numb) at the "Cupid's Undie Run" through Downtown Detroit!
Join thousands of runners in cities all across the U.S. to support patients affected by neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births. The run appropriately starts with ample drinking and dancing to warm up, followed by a mile(ish) run in your best undies, before concluding with an epic dance party at the finish line.
8. Ski under Candlelight at a Special Winter Trails Event
February 14th | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 6:30 p.m.
Head over to Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area to experience one of this winter's most unique recreational events! The Michigan DNR invites you to cross-country ski (or snowshoe) a groomed trail through the park, but illuminated by candles at night. Then warm up by the fire with a refreshment. If there is a lack of snow, this will convert into a hiking event.
This event is open to all ages. Bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes (skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent). Dress for the weather. No advanced registration required.
9. Run Off the Cold with a Frosty 5K
February 21st | Milford, Michigan | 10 a.m.
As much as we love winter's cold - and take advantage of every opportunity that we can to #OptOutside during Detroit's coldest, darkest months - we must admit that winter can take its toll. Especially when it comes to gearing up for the 2025 racing season.
If this sounds like you, then we invite to you LACE UP with us for a "Frosty 5K" in Milford! We're joining forces with our #ExpeditionPartner Running Venture in encouraging the Detroit region to run off the cold in a community-focused 5K. All race participants will receive a custom winter beanie, finisher medal, and complimentary refreshments.
The Frosty 5K is also the first installation of Running Venture's NEW "Run Milford" Series! This 4-race bundle provides a 20% discount on ALL races covering the entirety of the 2026 events calendar. We'll be promoting the Run Milford Series throughout this year, so stay tuned for more racing content as 2026 progresses!
SAVE 15% ON YOUR RACE REGISTRATION WITH CODE "15EXPDET26"!
10. Light Up the Night at Dew After Dark
February 27th | Mt. Brighton Ski Area | 5 p.m.
Back for its second year, the team at Mt. Brighton will be lighting up its terrain park with their epic "Dew After Dark" freestyle event! Beyond fully-lit jumps, rails, and slopes, Dew After Dark will feature MTN DEW samples, exclusive Dew After Dark swag, "Rail Jam," live music, glow sticks, and the good vibes that you can only expect at Mt. Brighton.
Keeping with the holiday spirit, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to tell you all - our growing, dynamic community - how much we love and appreciate you. Wishing you nothing but the best for this month and rest of the 2026 winter season. And, as always, we can’t wait to see you out one, two, or all of these events!
Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.
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