When the temperatures dip down low, Indiana embraces the chill with fun ice festivals all around the state. Here’s where to catch some of the hottest events this season:
Goshen rings in the new year with a Fire-and-Ice-themed First Friday event Jan. 2 that highlights ice carvers and fire dancers along with music, food trucks, photo ops, and marshmallow toasting.
In Richmond, the annual Meltdown Winter Ice Festival (Jan. 29-31, 2026) takes over Jack Elstro Plaza and the downtown Main Street with gorgeously detailed ice sculptures to admire until Mother Nature makes them naturally disappear. In addition to an ice cream eating contest, fireworks, and family-friendly fun, the highlight of the whole weekend is the high-energy throwdown competitions that pit world-class ice carvers against each other in a battle to see whose artistry prevails.
On Jan. 23 and 24, 2026, Freezefest in Bloomington’s Switchyard Park fills the 58-acre green space with an enchanting collection of ice sculptures, carving demonstrations, an ice carving chainsaw battle, a beer/wine garden, food truck fare and treats from local vendors, a chili cook-off, and other chilly attractions.
Carmel’s Arts and Design District hosts the 2026 Festival of Ice on Jan. 16 and 17, two days of thrilling professional ice carving demonstrations culminating in a People’s Choice Award presentation ceremony. Ice skating and a Carmel Fire Department chili cook-off round out the schedule of festivities.
Also on Jan. 16 and 17, 2026, Shipshewana comes alive with an Annual Ice Festival that includes carving competitions with results displayed outside the visitor center, Yoder Red Barn Shops, and other businesses; a chili cook-off; and the Icy and Spicy chicken wing competition. Pick up a $20 Ice Festival Pin for access to both tastings as well as special discounts across 35 local stores good through the entire month of January.
Culver Winterfest (Feb. 13-15, 2026) offers three days of fun-filled outdoor events like professional ice carving, a polar plunge for the brave at heart, a chili cook-off, a beer garden, and a sledding hill. Warm up with the Lions Club pancake breakfast, Soup for the Soul sampling, or Cupid’s Karaoke and cocktails at the Lakehouse Grille.
With all these activities, you won't want to hibernate this winter! Make plans to see some of these fun festivals IN Indiana so you don't miss out!
