If you’re looking for something fun to do this wintry Saturday, then look no further than the Thunder Bay Arts Alpena Ice Festival! The festival begins at Mich-e-kewis Park at 9am with plenty of ice & snow activities, unique ice sculptures, food trucks and a huge bonfire put on by the Alpena Fire Department. It ends downtown at 3pm with the all-new Polar Plunge, firepits and even more ice sculptures and winter activities!

8am to 9:30am – Fire & Ice Circuit at Bay Urban
Start your day with a special themed Fire & Ice workout at Bay Urban (106 River St). $5 drop in fee for non-members.

9am to 2pm – Alpena Farmers Market at Mich-e-kewis Park
Visit the Alpena Farmers Market in the warming shelter at Mich-e-kewis 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.

10:30am – Storytime and craft at the Alpena Farmers Market
Join Elsa from Frozen and a penguin for a story time provided by the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library. Then create a wintry craft.

10am to 2pm – ICE FEST Winter Carnival at All Saints Center of Charity
There will be booths and fun for all inside and outside the Center of Charity (near St Bernard’s Church at 322 W Chisholm St): Snow Angels Booth, Penny Snow Hunt, Hot Cocoa Booth, Cookie Decorating Activity, Face Painting and more! The Snowman Contest will start at 10 AM and be judged at 2 PM with a prize awarded at 2:15. Lunch starts at 2:30 in the Center of Charity’s Friendship Room. All are invited!

11am to 2pm – Activities at Mich-e-kewis Park
The day starts at Mich-e-kewis 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
– Meet Elsa and the Penguins, enjoy ice bowling, ice sledding, and more fun for kids
– Ice sculptures by Ice Creations from Napolean, Ohio and live carvings
– Hot chocolate, Tony Burgers, s’mores, and more!

1pm to 2pm – Police vs. Fire Broomball
The rivalry continues this year as the Alpena City Police and Alpena City Fire Department face off in an epic broomball game at Mich-e-kewis Park!

2:30pm to 3:30pm – Community lunch at the Center of Charity’s Friendship Room
Come eat a warm meal at the Center of Charity’s Friendship Room. Lunch starts at 2:30 pm. Enjoy a meal with fellow community members before you walk down to see the Polar Plunge!

3pm to 4:30pm – Polar Plunge on Second Ave **new this year!**
Get ready to plunge and raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan! The annual Polar Plunge will be held downtown this year as part of the Ice Festival on Second Ave. Registration 2-3 pm at Red Brick Tap & Barrel. 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: https://www.classy.org/…/2025-alpena-polar-plunge/e622084

5pm to 8pm – 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, enjoy the lighting of the “fire and ice” sculpture on River St. in front of Red Brick as you warm up by solo stoves with a warm beverage!

Huge thank you to all of the sponsors that made this year’s Ice Festival possible!

Thunder Bay Arts
Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union
Alpena Farmers Market
Wolverine State Credit Union
Besser Foundation
Alpena Convention & Visitors Bureau

For any updates on the Ice Festival click the link here!