FRANKENMUTH, MI — Getting ready to bundle up and head out to Frankenmuth for Zehnder’s Snowfest 2016?

We’ve got you covered. 

The annual event in Michigan’s Little Bavaria includes competitive snow sculpting and ice carving, a children’s area, fireworks, entertainment, a warming tent and more. 

Here’s what you should know before you go: 

Snow, polka, beer, brats and more

Zehnder’s Snowfest 2016 takes place Wednesday, Jan. 27, through Monday, Feb. 1, and offers fun for all ages. The outdoor sculptures are open to viewing anytime during the event. A warming tent opens at 10 a.m. each day. 

Guests can watch snow-carving teams work on double- and single-block competitions in the Zehnder’s parking lot, take their little ones to children’s snow sculpting at Frankenmuth Riverplace, and dance to the tunes of the Kowalski Brother’s Polka Band while warming up with brats and beers. 

See a complete schedule of events here, or find a printable PDF of the events schedule here.

There is no charge to view the snow sculptures. Some events have a nominal fee, such as a $2 charge to ride a carousel and a $5 charge per adult to enter the warming tent in the evening on Friday and Saturday.

How to get there 

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is located at 730 S. Main in Frankenmuth. It is located 16 miles from Saginaw, 85 miles from Lansing, 86 miles from Detroit and 118 miles from Grand Rapids. 

Find driving directions and more here. 

For more information, see the official event brochure here, or visit www.zehnders.com/zehnderssnowfest. 

What does it cost? 

It’s free to attend Snowfest, but there is a charge for some activities, food and other things.  

See a complete schedule of events and prices here. 

Places to eat 

Whether you’re looking for traditional German fare, pizza, burgers or something else, Frankenmuth has plenty of places to eat. 

Find some of them here:

Try these Saginaw County restaurants in 2016

Enter the Impressions of Snowfest photo contest

Snowfest guests are invited to upload their favorite photos to the Zehnder’s Snowfest Facebook page or post them on Twitter or Instagram using #zsnowfest for a chance to win Zehnder’s prizes. 

Read the contest details and rules here. 

Heather Jordan is a reporter for MLive. She can be reached at 989-450-2652 or hjordan@mlive.com. For more news, follow her on Twitter.