A WEEKEND OF FROSTY FUN DURING THE 2026 ICE FEST, FEBRUARY 6-8

St. Joseph Mich., is renowned as a four-season water wonderland, with Lake Michigan and nearby rivers and inland lakes. This time of year, the city’s focus turns to frozen water during the 2025 Ice Fest. Presented by Silver Beach Pizza, February 6-8. Professional ice carving, Ice Wars, a Scavenger Hunt and Ice Interactives are just some of the reasons to bring family and friends to this frosty, fun-filled weekend.

“This event is the perfect antidote to the winter blues,” Executive Director, Paul Knapp said. “Local hotels often package it as a fantastic mid-winter getaway for families or a romantic pre-Valentine's Day weekend for couples.”

The winter festivities start Friday with the Professional Individual Carving, sponsored by Caffe Tosi, along Pleasant St. from 5:00p-8:00p. Watch as carvers magically turn frozen blocks of ice into works of art. As the ice carving wraps up that evening, attendees will enjoy the glimmer and glow of the Fire & Ice Tower, at 7:00p on the corner of State and Pleasant Streets. 

All weekend long, visitors can participate in the Scavenger Hunt. Stop in the St. Joe Today Welcome Center, 301 State St., to grab a map and start the frosty fun! Completing the hunt puts participants in the running for a $25 Love Local SWMI Gift Card.

The fun continues Saturday with the Professional Team & Individual Carving along State St. from 7:30a-4:00p. Watch as teams of two and individuals transform eight blocks of ice into amazing creations. 

Attendees will also enjoy Ice Interactives on Saturday from 11:00a-4:00p. Fan favorites will be featured - Frozen Fish Toss sponsored by Silver Harbor Brewing, Ice Tic-Tac-Toe sponsored by The Market, Hockey Mini Golf, Hole-In-One sponsored by Harbor Shores Golf Course, and the Ice Throne sponsored by Cook Nuclear Plant. Additional Saturday fun includes the Magic Tour with magician John Dudley. Magic Tour stops include 1:00p Downtown St. Joseph (Corner of State & Pleasant Streets), 2:30p and 4:00p at the Silver Beach Center.

NEW for 2026, watch as Professional ice carvers go head-to-head in 15-minute rounds of ice carving frenzy during Ice Wars. The crowd determines who wins the "best sculpture" title! Sponsored by Visit Southwest Michigan.

This year’s event and interactive sponsors include Silver Beach Pizza, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Caffe Tosi, Cook Nuclear, Holt Bosse, Renaissance Athletic Club, Schultz Roofing, Silver Harbor Brewing, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Visit Southwest Michigan, Harbor Shores Golf Course, The Market and Mid-West Family Broadcasting. This year’s block sponsors include Beaudoin Electrical, Bricks and Minifigs Saint Joseph, Brookview Montessori, Caffe Tosi, Caretel Inns, Culver’s of Stevensville, Dad’s Farm & Cafe, Forté Coffee, Freedom Boat Club, Full of Crepe, FuzzyButz Pet Boutique & Bakery, G&M Variety, Glik’s, Holt Bosse, Infusco Coffee, Jimmy John’s, Kilwins, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan Pizza Hut, MidWest Family Media & Marketing, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, Pier 1000, Pier 33, Renaissance Athletic Club, Schultz Roofing, Silver Beach Carousel, Silver Beach Pizza, Silver Harbor Brewing, South Bend International Airport, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, St. Joe Community Taproom, St. Joe Wine Shoppe, The Batalis Agency, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, The Cheese Lady, The Mark III Grille & Bar, The Tea Annex, Tom & Judy Gawlik, Visit Southwest Michigan, Wanderlust Outfitters, White Pine Winery, Wild Ginger Flowers & Gifts and WSJM.

For a complete weekend schedule, visit stjoetoday.com/icefest.

Catch these upcoming St. Joe Today events:
Chili Tour: January 30 (5:00p-8:00p)
St. Joe Winter Beer Fest: January 31 (12:00p-4:00p)
Ice Fest: February 6-8 (All Weekend)
Savor the Shoreline: March 2-31 (All Month)
March Mannequins: March 6 (7:00p-8:30p)
Spring Artisan Market: March 7 (11:00a-4:00p)
Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-October (10:00a-5:00p)
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 23-October 10 (9:00a-2:00p)
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: May 30, July 18, August 15, September 5 (10:00a-5:00p)

St. Joe Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Michigan and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events and details call St. Joe Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.