Waupun IceFest: A Magical Winter Weekend in the City of Sculpture
The Great Outdoors | February 13, 2025
This February, the charming City of Sculpture—Waupun, Wisconsin—will host its second annual Waupun IceFest on February 15th and 16th, transforming the town into a winter wonderland for locals and visitors alike.
With an exciting mix of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a dazzling display of ice sculptures, this year’s IceFest promises to be a weekend to remember!
Waupun’s stunning collection of permanent sculptures will be complemented by dozens of breathtaking ice sculptures, creating an art-filled environment that will inspire awe and wonder. “Waupun’s IceFest will be an awesome opportunity for locals to get out and have some mid-winter fun. And for visitors, it will showcase all of the wonderful elements of this sweet, little Wisconsin town,” says Craig Molitor, President/CEO of Destination Lake Winnebago Region. From charming shops to local dining, there’s something for everyone in this cozy community.
A Weekend Full of Fun and Entertainment
Whether you’re an ice-sculpting aficionado or looking to enjoy a cozy family outing, IceFest has something for everyone:
- Live Ice Sculpting Demonstration: Watch Nate Johnson, a renowned ice carver from Johnson’s Studios Ice Sculptures, bring a block of ice to life before your eyes in a live carving demonstration that’s sure to captivate all ages.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of live shows including a kids’ performance by Dave Landau, lunchtime tunes by Scotty Meyer, a unique presentation on Wisconsin’s Wizard of Oz, and a lively Dueling Pianos show at the Art Gala. Music and entertainment will fill the streets and venues, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Marsh Haven Nature Center Activities: A highlight of the festival will be the array of activities at Marsh Haven Nature Center, offering a variety of educational and fun programs:
- Saturday, February 15:
10am–8pm: Museum and gift shop open, featuring a fire pit, lighted ice sculpture, free s’mores (one pack per person), hot dogs and chips for just $1, and free hot chocolate and water. A silent auction will be available for bidding throughout the day.
11am–12pm: Live Bat Program – Learn about Wisconsin’s bats, the challenges they face, and how we can help them. Get up close with a live bat!
1pm–2pm: Wild Birds of Prey Program – Discover Wisconsin’s raptors and meet some of these majestic birds in person.
10am–8pm: Enjoy the Outdoor Recreation Group, offering hiking instruction and snowshoe rentals (if snow permits).
2pm–4pm: Make and Take Homemade Bird Feeder Station – Craft your own bird feeder to take home.
10am–3pm: Sponsor a Lantern for a donation, which will be used during the evening’s lantern hike.
5pm–8pm: Lighted Lantern Hike along Marsh Haven’s beautiful trails. - Sunday, February 16:
10am–4pm: Museum and gift shop open, with similar offerings of s’mores, hot chocolate, and a silent auction.
11am–12pm & 1pm–2pm: Bat Programs.
2pm–4pm: Make and Take Homemade Bird Feeder Station. For more information about Marsh Haven’s programs, visit marshhaven.org.
- Saturday, February 15:
- Waupun Heritage Museum: Explore permanent and rotating exhibits in the historic 1904 Carnegie Library—a must-see for history lovers.
- Fun for the Whole Family: Get ready for interactive activities like live caricature drawings and Indoor Paint Splatter at Imagine That! Art Studio, where you can throw paint in a glow-in-the-dark vault. The festival also offers an array of games, a heated IceFest Market, and delicious food from Bent Spork and local vendors.
Breakfast with Princesses
A magical moment for children and families, Breakfast with Princesses on Sunday at The Rock Golf Club will feature photo opportunities, fun activities, and goodie bags for the kids, making it a heartwarming experience for the entire family.
A Festival with a Purpose
The Waupun IceFest isn’t just a celebration of art and winter fun—it’s also an investment in the community. Jeni Maly, IceFest event organizer, explains, “Waupun is a ‘City of Sculpture,’ and what better way to highlight our incredible permanent sculpture collection than by bringing in dozens and dozens of stunning ice sculptures and building an amazing winter festival around them. The proceeds from this festival will be used to add more future sculptures to our community collection!”
The festival offers a rare opportunity to celebrate Waupun’s unique art culture, enjoy a weekend of unforgettable entertainment, and contribute to the town’s vibrant arts scene.
A Winter Wonderland in Waupun
Waupun IceFest will be the perfect winter getaway, filled with vibrant art, exciting activities, and heartwarming moments for the whole family. Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby, you won’t want to miss this magical event. The City of Sculpture is waiting for you—mark your calendars for February 15th and 16th and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information about this weekend’s events, please visit waupunicefest.com.
