Get ready to bundle up and make memories at the coolest celebration of the season! The Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend transforms Haywood County’s five mountain towns into a winter wonderland from January 29-February 1, 2026.
Ice Fest Weekend Schedule & Event Highlights
Read on for the lowdown on all four days of frosty fun (including insider tips on how to make the best of each experience)!’
Day 1 – Thursday, January 29, 2026
Cool Jazz Concert at HART Theatre:
Kick off Ice Fest Weekend in style with a Cool Jazz Concert at HART Theatre. Enjoy an evening of smooth, sophisticated sounds led by acclaimed pianist Ben Rosenblum. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m., so arrive early to browse the lobby and view artwork from the Haywood Arts Council.
Can’t make it Thursday night? Catch the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., featuring renowned saxophonist Walter Smith III and his talented trio.
Pro tip: Grab your tickets early for the best seats in the house before they’re gone!
–
Day 2 – Friday, January 30, 2026
Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Head to Downtown Waynesville as Main Street is set aglow with glowing ice sculptures and magical winter lights for the free-to-attend Ice Block Party. As you go, put the “party” in “block party” with a live DJ and games like hula-hooping, or kick back and relax around a fire pit. Try a craft activity hosted by local organizations, watch live glassblowing, and stop by a puppy kissing booth.
Grab a pretzel or kettle corn to enjoy while you walk or stop into a nearby restaurant for an Ice Fest-exclusive dinner special, like an Angus beef short rib meal from Boojum Brewery or gazpacho and a triple-cheese melt from Waynesville Main Street Diner.
New this year, sip while you stroll through the Waynesville Social District with a beverage from a participating restaurant. The social district will be active from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. within the designated boundaries. For more information, click here.
Want to dig in more to what’s happening? Read our Ultimate Guide to the Block Party here.
Pro tip: Strike a goofy pose in the free photo booth for a cute memento of your Ice Block Party experience!
Day 3 – Saturday, January 31, 2026
Frosty 5K at Haywood Community College: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lace up your tennis shoes and outrun the winter chill at the Frosty 5K! Set on Haywood Community College’s scenic campus, you’ll walk, jog, or run over gentle hills and along beautiful pine forests. Take one of two loops along the trail and enjoy tasty snacks at the finish line––and we’re not saying to rush, but we are saying that the top five times receive a medal (and bragging rights). Make this your first race of the season!
Click here to register for the race. Registration closes on Thursday, January 29 at 9:00 p.m.
Pro tip: Snag a commemorative shirt during registration!
Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bundle up and head to the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds on Saturday from 4–9 p.m. for the Ice Extravaganza, an evening of frosty family-friendly fun. Be amazed as talented ice carvers transform massive blocks of ice into impressive works of art during live demonstrations. Take your turn at ice games like cornhole, Skee-Ball, and Tic-Tac-Toe, or race your friends down the ice slides.
Snow straight from Cataloochee Ski Area will be there for kids to play in, creating a true winter wonderland complete with magical appearances by beloved Frozen characters. New this year, stroll through a glowing light tunnel filled with ice sculptures, feel the heat as fire performers light up the night, then cozy up in the expanded warming tent with plenty of seating to relax and enjoy food and drinks from a variety of tasty food trucks.
Browse local vendor tents for one-of-a-kind finds, gather around the firepits for s’mores, and keep the fun going as you move between all the icy activities and photo ops.
Tickets are $7 in advance (plus taxes and fees) or $10 at the gate, with free admission for kids 12 and under!
Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance to skip the gate lines and score a special discount, and plan to arrive after sunset if you want to see the ice sculptures fully illuminated.
Day 4 – Sunday, February 1, 2026
Sunday Brunch Specials
Before heading out of town, warm up with an icy-themed brunch at one of three local favorites, all serving up special menus and unique ice sculptures on display.
Enjoy an elegant, pinkies-up experience at Crown & Thistle Tea Room with refined brunch dishes and specialty teas; dig into hearty, UK-inspired comfort food and brunch cocktails at The Scotsman Public House; or wrap up the weekend at Lake Junaluska’s York Dining Commons with a themed all-you-can-eat Ice Brunch buffet and festive décor.
No matter which stop you choose, it’s the perfect way to reminisce on your Ice Fest Weekend and make plans to come back next year!
See what’s on the menu by clicking here.
–
All Weekend Long
Canton Ice Rink: Try out your ice-skating skills with a spin around Canton’s “The Rink” in Sorrells Street Park (or pretend you’re the lead in a dramatic figure skating movie; we don’t judge)! Bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site. Rentals are available Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pro tip: While you’re near downtown Canton, head up the street to The Southern Porch Kitchen & Drink to grab a meal of refined Southern classics and an Ice Fest-special cocktail, the Frosted Lavish Lemonade.
Ice Garden at Lake Junaluska: Step into a moment of winter wonder frozen in time at Lake Junaluska‘s dazzling Ice Garden. The Susanna Wesley Garden, one of the Lake’s hidden gems, will be illuminated by hundreds of glowing snowflakes, icicles, and special ice lanterns. The Ice Garden is free to experience., 5 p.m. to midnight, through Ice Fest Weekend.
Pro tip: Make sure you arrive after dusk to see the lights display in full glory!
Where to Stay: Lodging Specials
Looking for your perfect Ice Fest Weekend homebase? Check out these special lodging packages from local bed and breakfasts, hotels, and vacation rental homes:
Andon-Reid Inn B&B: Friday & Saturday night stay package, complete with an in-room hot cocoa station, ice-themed baked goods, and tickets to the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley.
The Yellow House Bed & Breakfast: Add on the Ice Fest Weekend Package to enjoy a special welcome breakfast, Friday night chili supper, Saturday evening dessert bar, and tickets to the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley.
The Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska: Two-night package with shuttle service to the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville and the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, tickets to the Ice Extravaganza, and a Sunday “Ice Brunch” at York Dining Commons.
Moose Crossing Log Cabin Rentals: Score $75 off a three-night stay from January 20 to February 8, 2026. Plus, snack on complimentary winter treats in your cozy cabin.
Blue Mountain Realty: Enjoy 10% off, up to $50 off, your Ice Fest vacation rental between January 26 and February 2, 2026. Use code ICY26 to unlock your discount!
Maggie Mountain Vacations: Take 10% off, up to $50 off, your Ice Fest vacation rental between January 26 and February 2, 2026. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
Check out the official Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend page for even more information about events, specials, and all the frosty fun your heart can handle!
