Join us for a day of winter fun at the annual Alpena Ice Festival on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 9 am- 8 pm. The event begins at Mich-e-kewis Park from 9 am- 2 pm with the Alpena Farmers Market opening at 9 am, then at 11 am, ice sculptures arrive from Ice Creations of Napolean, Ohio, a huge bonfire by the Alpena Fire Department, food trucks, and other snow and ice-related activities. Then, come downtown for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge (new this year!) at 3 pm on Second Avenue. Wrap up the day by strolling the city streets to enjoy dazzling ice sculptures, live music, firepits, and more special winter activities from 5-8 pm in Downtown Alpena. At 6:30 pm, a special "fire and ice" sculpture will be lit on River St near Red Brick.
schedule of events:
9 am- 2 pm: 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. At 10:30 am, stop by for a free kids craft inside the warming shleter.
11 am- 2 pm: 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!
1- 2 pm: 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!
3- 4:30 pm: 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.
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. Enjoy the winter ambiance near solo stoves while enjoying a Social District beverage.
