Get ready to chill and stroll through a winter wonderland at the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville, a signature event of the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend (Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2026)! On Friday, January 30, from 5–8 PM, Main Street transforms into a glowing scene of dazzling ice sculptures, icy activities, and wintertime fun—and best of all, it’s free to attend.
As you wander downtown, put the party in block party with a live DJ, interactive games like hula-hooping and cornhole, and cozy fire pits perfect for warming up. Families and friends can enjoy craft activities hosted by local non-profit organizations, watch live glassblowing in action, stop and shop at businesses open late and even stop by a puppy kissing booth. Don’t forget to swing by the free photo booth to capture a frosty memory you’ll want to keep forever.
Sip & Stroll in the Waynesville Social District
New this year, guests can sip while they stroll during the Ice Block Party thanks to the temporary special event Waynesville Social District. From 5–8 PM, visitors ages 21+ can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating downtown restaurants and receive an icy blue Waynesville Social District cup.
With your blue cup in hand, you’re free to wander within the designated social district boundaries or pop into local shops displaying the “Drinks Welcome Here” signs. It’s the perfect way to stay warm while admiring the 20+ ice sculptures, browsing shops, and soaking up the festive downtown atmosphere.
Many local businesses are getting into the spirit with special drink offerings, too like the Jack Frost cocktail at Waypoint or a Salted Caramel Whiskey White Russian from The Scotsman. Prefer a non-alcoholic option? Roll Up Herbal Bar’s VW bus will be set up in the middle of Main Street serving the “Something Icy’ special Ice Fest mocktail.
Ice Fest Flavors
Feeling snacky? Grab pretzels or kettle corn as you stroll, or duck into a nearby restaurant for Ice Fest–exclusive dinner specials, like an Angus beef short rib meal from Boojum Brewery or gazpacho and a triple-cheese melt from Waynesville Main Street Diner.
Find Your Way: Parking, Sculptures & Activities Maps
To make your Ice Block Party experience as smooth as possible, be sure to check out the official Ice Block Party Parking & Event Maps before you arrive. The parking map highlights convenient public parking areas, so you can park once and easily stroll through downtown all evening.
On the event map you’ll also find locations for ice sculptures, activity zones, live entertainment, food vendors, fire pits, and non-profit tents, making it easy to plan your route and ensure you don’t miss a thing. Whether you’re hunting for your favorite sculpture, heading straight to the DJ, or tracking down the puppy kissing booth, the map helps you spend less time searching and more time enjoying the fun.
Printed maps will be available downtown during the event at the Visit Haywood tent, and a digital version will be posted on the Visit Haywood Ice Fest website and Ice Fest Facebook Page ahead of Ice Fest Weekend—so you can plan your chill adventure in advance.
