Saturday, February 21, 2026
Downtown Alpena & Mich-e-ke-wis Park
Join us for a day of winter fun at the annual Alpena Ice Festival on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 am- 8 pm. The event begins at Mich-e-ke-wis Park with the Alpena Farmers Market, ice sculptures arrive from Ice Creations of Napolean, Ohio, a huge bonfire by the Alpena Fire Department, sledding, and other snow and ice-related activities. Wrap up the day in Downtown Alpena by strolling the city streets to enjoy dazzling ice sculptures, live music, firepits, and more special winter activities throughout the downtown.
2026 schedule of events
9 am- 2 pm: Alpena Farmers Market at Mich-e-ke-wis Park
Visit the Alpena Farmers Market in the warming shelter at Mich-e-ke-wis Park- multiple vendors with baked goods, artisan gifts, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, and festival swag (hoodies, hats, and shirts) available throughout the day, including kids' crafts and programming.
11 am- 2 pm: Activities at Mich-e-ke-wis Park
The day starts at Mich-e-ke-wis Park on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron with ice sculptures on display and winter activities, including:
3- 4:30 pm: Polar Plunge on Second Ave
Get ready to plunge and raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan! The annual Polar Plunge will be held downtown again this year as part of the Ice Festival on Second Ave. Registration takes place 2-3 pm at Bay Urban (106 River St), plus a Pre-Plunge Gathering at Rusty Petunias Marketplace! The plunge will take place in a large pool at the intersection of Second Ave. and River St. Grab a hot cocoa or Social District beverage, watch brave souls take the plunge, and help raise funds for Special Olympics. Register and learn more here.
4:30 pm: Water and Limestone Sculpture Dedication at Culligan Plaza
Join Thunder Bay Arts for a dedication ceremony of Alpena's newest sculpture, "Water and Limestone" created by artist Autumn Bildson. The sculpture is located at Culligan Plaza, next to the parking lot entrance on Washington Ave.
5- 8 pm: Fire & Ice Downtown
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy dazzling ice sculptures on display sponsored by local businesses. Enjoy themed drinks from downtown bars and taprooms and other special winter menu items at downtown restaurants. At 6:30 pm, we will light a special "fire and ice" sculpture in front of Red Brick Tap & Barrel on River St., sponsored by Wolverine State Credit Union. Enjoy the winter ambiance while warming up with special Social District drinks, warm bonfires, and music from DJ Cliff LaMay!
Visit the Alpena Farmers Market in the warming shelter at Mich-e-ke-wis Park- multiple vendors with baked goods, artisan gifts, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, and festival swag (hoodies, hats, and shirts) available throughout the day, including kids' crafts and programming.
11 am- 2 pm: Activities at Mich-e-ke-wis Park
The day starts at Mich-e-ke-wis Park on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron with ice sculptures on display and winter activities, including:
- HUGE bonfire courtesy of the City of Alpena Fire Department
- Snow sledding hill, horse and wagon rides, and sled dog meet-and-greets
- Ice sculptures by Ice Creations from Napolean, Ohio, including student artwork from Alpena Public Schools transformed into ice sculptures
- Live carving by ice artists
- Food truck
3- 4:30 pm: Polar Plunge on Second Ave
Get ready to plunge and raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan! The annual Polar Plunge will be held downtown again this year as part of the Ice Festival on Second Ave. Registration takes place 2-3 pm at Bay Urban (106 River St), plus a Pre-Plunge Gathering at Rusty Petunias Marketplace! The plunge will take place in a large pool at the intersection of Second Ave. and River St. Grab a hot cocoa or Social District beverage, watch brave souls take the plunge, and help raise funds for Special Olympics. Register and learn more here.
4:30 pm: Water and Limestone Sculpture Dedication at Culligan Plaza
Join Thunder Bay Arts for a dedication ceremony of Alpena's newest sculpture, "Water and Limestone" created by artist Autumn Bildson. The sculpture is located at Culligan Plaza, next to the parking lot entrance on Washington Ave.
5- 8 pm: Fire & Ice Downtown
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy dazzling ice sculptures on display sponsored by local businesses. Enjoy themed drinks from downtown bars and taprooms and other special winter menu items at downtown restaurants. At 6:30 pm, we will light a special "fire and ice" sculpture in front of Red Brick Tap & Barrel on River St., sponsored by Wolverine State Credit Union. Enjoy the winter ambiance while warming up with special Social District drinks, warm bonfires, and music from DJ Cliff LaMay!
sponsorship information
Get involved with the 2026 Alpena Ice Festival by contacting Thunder Bay Arts at 989-356-6678 or [email protected]. Sculptures are available for purchase to display next to your business, at Mich-e-kewis, or in downtown.
thank you to our sponsors and partners!
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