You’re Invited to the 2026 Lake Superior Ice Festival – Jan 30 & 31
10 years of family fun for everyone!
In the dead of winter, when the holidays are long gone, and the bleak stretch of January lies ahead….there is ONE THING that shines on the horizon…something joyful and sparkly and full of life…it’s the Lake Superior Ice Festival!
This is the 10th year that hearty Wisconsinites will take to the ice and prove why Superior is Wisconsin’s Winter Capital. You in?
What Is It?
It’s the most fun you can have in January – period. It happens every year, and it transforms Barkers Island in Superior, Wisconsin, into a literal winter wonderland.
Each year, event organizers add a new and exciting big-ticket attraction. In years past, the event featured a hot air balloon and even fireworks!
This year’s new addition sponsored by Gotta Be Superior: A Laser Light Show Grand Finale!
2026 Event Lineup:
Pond Hockey – it wouldn’t be an Ice Festival without it
Ice sculptors – watch them in action!
Ice Carousel – spin right round, baby
Snow slide – built for laughs
Food trucks!!! – tons of ‘em serving piping hot favorites
Midwest Ice Racing – motorcycles and quads on ice
Games and MORE+++ – disc golf, ice bowling, cornhole, and kids’ zones, face painting, photo booths, & warming tents
Laser Light Show Finale! – Saturday @ 6:30 pm (sponsored by Gotta Be Superior)
And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg.
See the full festival schedule here:
Festival Lodging
Barkers Island Inn is a cozy spot right in the festival action – but you’d better hurry, it books up fast during the festival weekend. If Barkers doesn’t work, fear not! There are plenty of other great stays:
Superior Inn
Best Western Bridgeview
Holiday Inn Express
Boarders Inn and Suites
Androy Hotel
And wayyy more…
The Festival in a Nutshell
A lot is happening that weekend, so we’ve broken it out by day of what to expect.
Check it out ⬇️
Friday, January 30 – The Festival Comes to Life!
Friday marks the magical beginning of the Ice Festival as Barker’s Island changes from shoreline to winter playground. The evening builds with glowing ice sculptures, the first spin of the Ice Carousel, live carving by Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptors, and the crackle of the holiday tree bonfire lighting up the ice.
Pond hockey, ice racing, sledding, winter games, art installations, and cozy warming spaces set the tone for the weekend, creating an atmosphere that feels equal parts celebration, curiosity, and winter wonder. It’s the perfect night to wander, explore, and watch the festival come alive.
Saturday, January 31 — The Heart of the Festival
Saturday is the heart of the Ice Festival, packed from morning to night with nonstop winter fun for all ages. From dog sled rides, curling, pond hockey, skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing to family activities, live demonstrations, community art, shopping, and hands-on learning – the island will be buzzing with energy all day long.
As the afternoon turns to evening, the excitement builds toward unforgettable stage performances, fire twirling, and aspectacular laser light show grand finale (Sponsored by yours truly, Gotta Be Superior) that will light up the winter sky – closing the festival in bold, unforgettable fashion.
Food & Warming Spots
Make no mistake, it’s going to be cold. But don’t you worry – this isn’t our first rodeo.
We’re stocking the grounds with plenty of food trucks offering a wide variety of piping-hot favorites – from hearty meals to sweet treats and hot cocoa perfect for warming up between activities.
When you or the kids need a break from the brisk air, warmth isn’t far. Step inside the Missinne Warming Tent, a cozy spot (located right in Festival Park) where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy your food before heading back out for more fun.
There will also be a Pond Hockey Warming Tent located in the boat launch parking lot so that you can stay close to the action!
Other ways to warm up:
Barkers Island Inn and the Lake Superior Estuarium – both within walking distance or just hop on the shuttle!
Shuttles
There will be two types of shuttles running during the festival to help you explore the island:
• DTA Trolley – wheelchair accessible
• Hay bale shuttles – it’s not winter without a hayride
Still Want More Info?
For even more info, live updates, or to interact, follow along on social: Instagram | Facebook
See You There!
We can’t think of a better way to spend a January weekend in the Badger State. So join us for the annual Lake Superior Ice Festival right here in Superior, Wisconsin. Don’t forget your mittens!
