Battle Creek Winter Wanderland 2025

❄️ Winter Wanderland returns to Downtown Battle Creek! ❄️

Winter Wanderland is a collection of holiday events happening in and around Battle Creek. Join in celebrating this magical time of year and wander all around our beautiful city to get into the holiday spirit. Special events happening December 6, 2025 from 2-8pm.

Event Highlights:

🎄Holiday Market

DoubleTree by Hilton Atrium
Saturday, December 6: 2-8 pm

🎨 Artisans and Makers: Browse handmade crafts by local vendors. Vendor spaces are full.

Event activities include:

  • Santa Meet & Greet
  • The Grinch Meet & Greet
  • Cookie Decorating
  • Chiropractic adjustments & massages

🐎 Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

Festival Market Square
Saturday, December 6: 3-8 pm

Dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh around downtown Battle Creek. Rides are free of charge. Wagon rides will ONLY operate out of Festival Market Square. Click here to see the wagon ride route.

Rides will be available from 5-8 pm. Wagons can hold 12-14 people and will be running continuously every 25 minutes. Horse drawn wagon rides provided by Twinn Pines Carriages.

ALL WAGON RIDES ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. BE SURE TO GET THERE EARLY TO SECURE YOUR BOARDING PASS TICKET. 

🚃 Mini Polar Express Train Rides

Festival Market Square
Saturday, December 6: 2-8 pm

All aboard! Enjoy a free magical ride around holiday themed track in Festival Market Square!

🎟️ Winter Wanderland events are FREE for all ages!

Bring your holiday spirit and join us for a memorable celebration at Battle Creek Winter Wanderland! 🌟

Grand Valley State University Innovation Hub Community Celebration

GVSU President Philomenia V. Mantella cordially invites you to celebrate the official Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the Battle Creek Innovation Hub.

Remarks and Ribbon Cutting will take place under a tent at Festival Market Square at 3:15 P.M.

Festival Market Square is located at the southeast corner of McCamly and Jackson Streets, directly across from the Innovation Hub.

Following the ceremony, enjoy a community reception and self-guided tours of the new Battle Creek Innovation Hub.

Self-parking is available in the Hamblin Ramp, 40 W. Hamblin Ave.

Casual attire recommended, Laker attire encouraged!

RSVP HERE!

ID Dance Competition – Zenith Tour

The ID Dance Competition returns to Kellogg Arena for the 2026 Zenith Tour!

Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1

A downloadable program will be available before the start of the event. 

What to expect: 👇

-The ID Icon experience of a lifetime! 
-Stress-free, organized event with interactive mc and backstage manager
-CERTIFIED PANEL OF DANCE ADJUDICATORS
-Exciting and energetic awards ceremonies
-Huge and inventive awards
-State of the art stage, lighting and LED video backdrop
-Improv dance off challenges
-THE ID HYPE HAT EXPERIENCE
-COMPLIMENTARY master classes
-Constructive & PROFESSIONAL judges feedback
-Reserved teacher seating & VIP TEACHER refreshment lounge available all weekend
-Best merchandise selection in the industry
-Photo and video ALL ACCESS OPTIONAL PASS
-ICONIC photo backdrops to capture every moment & more!

Parking is available in the Hamblin Ave. parking ramp (Connected to the Kellogg Arena) for $8. Other Downtown Battle Creek parking structures and street parking are also available, prices vary per structure.

NO OUTSIDE FOOD, DRINK, COOLERS OR WEAPONS ALLOWED IN KELLOGG ARENA.

Recommended Hotel: BRAND NEW DoubleTree by Hilton, connected to the Kellogg Arena.

Visit https://www.iddancecomp.com/ for most updated info.

Battle Creek Fall Art Festival

🎨 Artist Festivals announces the Battle Creek Fall Festival just in time for those artists gearing up to end their selling season! The Fall Festival aims to offer shoppers a curated collection of unique artisanal gifts, from stunning paintings to handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, fiber, and more.

  • Saturday, 9/13: 10am – 6pm
  • Sunday, 9/14: 10am-5pm

🧑‍🎨 Fine Arts & Crafts

🎶 Live Music

🍔 Food Trucks & Concessions

  • Love Dem Dogs
  • DelectABLE Treats and Sweets
  • Cousins Maine Lobster

🎟️ $5.00 two-day general admission gate fee for adults and children over the age of 16. Ages 16 and under are FREE. Tickets available at the gates.

🚗 Parking available in the Hamblin Ave. Parking Structure

⭐ Up to 70 positions will be available for artists to participate. Register HERE to apply to showcase your talent! ⭐

🎨 Meet the Artists 

Friday Nite Beats & Bites – Retro Night

🎶✨ Join us for our Friday Concert Series, Friday Nite Beats & Bites! 🎶✨

Markets will take place June 27, August 22, and October 10 from 6pm-9pm.

🎧🕺 Friday Nite Beats & Bites is a vibrant concert series at the Battle Creek Farmers Market! Enjoy live music from talented bands, savor delicious bites from local food vendors, and shop unique crafts from area artisans. Join us for an evening of great music, tasty food, artisan vendors and community fun!

Check out our Facebook page for a list of Friday vendors!

August 22nd’s night market theme will be Retro Night! 🛼 Throw on your neon, your bell bottoms, or your best grunge look — whatever decade you love most — and meet us at Festival Market Square! 🪩

💿  Music coming soon!

🍔 Current Food Trucks:

  • Kona Ice
  • Scott’s Sweets

10th Annual Backyard Burgers and Brews Fest

The 10th Annual Backyard Burgers & Brews Festival returns to Downtown Battle Creek! 🍔🍻🎶

Downtown Battle Creek’s favorite end-of-summer bash is back and bigger than ever! Featuring 40-50 mouthwatering food trucks, 9 hopping downtown bars and restaurants, the buzz of the Social District, and the electric sounds of Run 4 Cover rocking the 80s and 90s all night long.

Families, foodies, and fun-seekers unite for one unforgettable evening of flavor, music, and community connection!

Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 | 5pm-10pm

Presented by the Battle Creek Chamber.

🚗 Parking available in the Hamblin Ave. Parking Structure: $5

Friday Night Beats & Bites – Country Night

Join us for our Friday Concert Series, Friday Nite Beats & Bites!

Markets will take place June 27, August 22, and October 10 from 6pm-9pm.

Friday Nite Beats & Bites is a vibrant concert series at the Battle Creek Farmers Market! Enjoy live music from talented bands, savor delicious bites from local food vendors, and shop unique crafts from area artisans. Join us for an evening of great music, tasty food, and community fun!

Check out our Facebook page for a list of Friday vendors!

June 27th’s theme will be Country Night!

Music by Double Wide Ride

Food Trucks:

  • Cookin’ With Beans
  • Momma Stacy’s Kitchen & Catering
  • Kona Ice
  • Scott’s Sweets

Battle Creek Taco & Tequila Festival

🌮 Taco & Tequila Fest Returns—Now in Downtown Battle Creek!🍹

🍋‍🟩 The Battle Creek Battle Jacks who have hosted fan-favorite festivals like Donut & Beer Fest and Piepalooza—are thrilled to bring back one of the area’s most flavorful events: Taco & Tequila Fest, coming to Downtown Battle Creek’s Festival Market Square on Saturday, July 19th, 2025!

🌮 Taco Heaven
Sample a delicious variety of tacos from some of the best local taquerias and restaurants across Southwest Michigan.

🥃 Tequila, Cerveza & More
Taste from a selection of tequila samples, plus cervezas, margaritas, and other refreshing mixed drinks from top tequila brands and regional breweries.

🎉 A Downtown Fiesta for Everyone
With a new home in the heart of downtown, Taco & Tequila Fest is bigger and better than ever—and it’s still fun for all ages. Special ticket options are available for guests under 21 or those choosing not to consume alcohol.

Tickets on sale NOW!

🎟️ https://www.bctacoandtequilafest.com/

🚗 Parking available in the Hamblin Ave. Parking Structure: $5

Downtown Country Jam featuring Drake Milligan

Roach Home Improvement, Kellogg Arena and WIN 98.5 present: Downtown Country Jam!


🎤 Featuring: Drake Milligan with special guest Jason Cross, and a special FREE pre-party at Festival Market Square, with performance from Michigan native Audrey Ray!
📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | Show: 7pm, Pre-Party: 4pm-6pm

🤠 Get ready for a boot-stompin’ good time at Downtown Country Jam, bringing high-energy country music to the heart of Battle Creek! Headlining the night is country sensation Drake Milligan, known for his classic sound and electrifying performances. Opening for him is the talented Michigan native Jason Cross, delivering a powerful set that will have fans singing along all night long.

🍻 Start the party early at Festival Market Square, 4pm-6pm, where the official Pre-Party kicks off with live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and ice-cold drinks to get you in the country spirit before the main event at Kellogg Arena. Opening performance by Audrey Ray, Michigan native and rising country star, who can be seen sharing the stage with national touring artists such as Uncle Kracker and Kelsea Ballerini.

🎤 Hosted by Mike Geeter and Michael Harrison

🎵 Don’t miss your chance to experience an unforgettable night of country music, great vibes, and good times in Downtown Battle Creek, all for a great cause! A portion of ticket proceeds benefit The Haven of Rest.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now! CLICK HERE

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

🚗 Parking available in the Hamblin Ave. Parking Structure: $8

🚫 NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE PERMITTED IN THE KELLOGG ARENA. Concessions available on site. 🚫

👜 Kellogg Arena Bag Policy

For the safety and security of all guests, Kellogg Arena enforces the following bag policy:

  • Bags must be no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

  • All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Guests are encouraged to leave bags at home whenever possible to expedite the entry process. Thank you for your cooperation.

PRE-PARTY VENDOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! $50 per booth rental space. Register HERE.

🎹 Singer, songwriter, and actor, Drake Milligan has been hailed as a Country traditionalist redefining the current landscape of the music industry. Making his breakout debut, with his critically acclaimed album, Dallas / Fort Worth, Milligan perfected his baritone vocals and honky-tonk hooks to create his one-of-a-kind signature sound. Recently releasing, his follow up EP, Jukebox Songs, Milligan once again sets the stage for another project full of high-energy, twang and soulful Country. Drake recently performed at Stagecoach Festival 2025.
🤘Jason Cross is a rising, fully-independent country rock artist known for his edgy style and country swagger. Originally from Michigan, Jason began performing in 2015 and moved to Nashville in 2020. With a haircut fit for a rockstar and the stage presence to match, Jason has created an undeniable brand for himself. Over the years, Jason has opened for national acts such as Jon Langston, Chase Matthew, Lakeview, Granger Smith, and Buckcherry, steadily building a dedicated fan base along the way. His music has also been featured on Spotify playlists such as “All New Country,” “New Music Friday Country,” and “Fresh Finds Country.” To kick off 2025, Jason joined Lakeview on their headlining “Blue Collar Country” tour, which wrapped up at the end of March. Inspired by a diverse range of artists, including Alice in Chains, Randy Houser, and Koe Wetzel.

That Arena Rock Show

🚨 Important Event Update 🚨

Doors for That Arena Rock Show at Kellogg Arena tonight have been postponed to 7:30 PM due to technical difficulties.

🎸 Don’t worry — the party is still on! Head out to Festival Market Square for a pre-party and band meet & greet, plus a bar for guests to enjoy while we get everything set inside.

Thank you for your patience — we can’t wait to rock with you tonight! 🤘

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

🤘 Kellogg Arena is bringing rock ‘n’ roll back to Battle Creek! Come rock out at That Arena Rock Show: Saturday, October 11! 🤘

Doors Open: 7:30pm

In-Person box office Purchases will be made available at 6pm day of show – No price increase for day of show purchases

That Arena Rock Show is the ultimate high energy tribute to “Classic” Rock N’ Roll. Performing legendary rock anthems that ruled the airwaves in the 70s and 80s. Including artists like: Poison, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses to name a few. This show will take you on a trip back in time, turning every sized venue into an arena for a night! Get your lighters out and your fist in the air. This rock show is more than just music -it’s an experience!

🎟️ Tickets available HERE

*NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE ALLOWED IN ARENA*

Kellogg Arena Bag Policy

For the safety and security of all guests, Kellogg Arena enforces the following bag policy:

  • Bags must be no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

  • All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Guests are encouraged to leave bags at home whenever possible to expedite the entry process. Thank you for your cooperation.

ADA/Wheelchair Accessible seating available on arena floor. First come, first served basis.

Parking available for $8 in the Hamblin Ave ramp

Thank you to our community partner, Kellogg Community Credit Union, for helping to make this event a success!

Kellogg Arena