Cauldron Lighting in Marquette

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HEIKKI LUNTA WINTER FESTIVAL

The Cauldron Lighting for the Winter Games will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 in Downtown Negaunee.

Join us February 6th, 2026 on Iron Street in Downtown Negaunee for the fourth annual Marquette Winter Games Opening Ceremony! All registered athletes and spectators will receive free admission.

WHAT

The Heikki Lunta Winter Festival is inspired by the Heikki Lunta snow god folklore that originated in the Upper Peninsula. The festival is a celebration that leans into the winter season and includes snowshoe tours, ice fishing, fireworks, and much more. Come celebrate February 6-8 in Negaunee!

WHEN

Friday, February 6th, 2026

WHERE

Downtown Negaunee (outside of Love & Bicycles)
340 Iron Street
Negaunee, MI 49866
Directions

Time

6:00 PM start

Map

Heikki Lunta Winter Festival activities will be taking place all over Negaunee, MI. The festival’s hub will be found in the Social District of Downtown Negaunee. Click on the map below to expand.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Athlete Grab Bag

  • Participants of the Games are welcome to come to our Athlete Grab Bag station to pick up our welcome bag for competing. Bag location pickup will be determined shortly.

• Paralympian appearance by Evan Medell, a two-time bronze medalist in Para Tae Kwon Do in both 2020 and 2024

• Volunteers sponsored by PFN

• Lighting of the Cauldron

• Rail Jam Competition

  • The ski and snowboard rail jam competition (register here) as part of the State Games will take place after the lighting of the cauldron.

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Thank you to the sponsors of the Marquette Winter Games!