TALKEETNA ICE FESTIVAL 2026
Join us for a spectacular celebration of art, community, and winter wonderland adventures at the 5th Annual Talkeetna Ice Festival. Immerse yourself in a world of ice sculptures, live performances, and unforgettable memories.
SCHEDULE
Ice Carving Workshops
Saturday, January 3rd and Sunday, February 8th
Ice Carving Competition
Saturday, January 31 STARTS!
First Annual Snow Ball
Saturday, January 31
Talkeetna Ice Festival Week
Thursday, February 5th – Sunday February 8th
Talkeetna, Alaska
Thursday, February 5th – Sunday February 8th
Kick Off Celebration and Snow Ball
Celebrate the start of the festival with warming fires, music, and delicious hot cocoa and soup as we welcome the artists!
This year, we are thrilled to introduce our first annual Snow Ball — an elegant, winter-themed dance where everyone is invited to dress in dazzling, icy elegance (think: Ice Queen!) and dance the night away. During the evening, we will also crown our Snow Queen and Snow King, marking a magical highlight of the night.
Saturday, January 31
Times TBD
$50 Registration Fee per block of ice
Talkeetna Ice Festival Week Schedule
Thursday, February 5th
Talkeetna Jeopardy
7PM
Join the Talkeetna Historical Society at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar for a fun evening where locals will duke it out to see who knows the most Talkeetna history! It’s sure to bring plenty of laughs! Doors open at 6:30pm and games start at 7pm. Contact the Historical Society if you are interested in being on a team!
$10 Admission
Friday, February 6th
Talkeetna Art Walk
Talkeetna, Alaska
3PM – 6PM
Enjoy a lovely evening in downtown Talkeetna as you stroll through local businesses and galleries featuring art openings and creative installations. Don’t forget to pick up a passport and get stamped at each location for a chance to win prizes!
Free
Fire Spinners
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
6PM – 7PM
Experience the mesmerizing fire performance at 6pm at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.
Free
Candlelit Concert
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
7:30PM
Immerse yourself in a candlelit evening with award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis and jazz guitarist Jimmy Grant, performing Django Duets — a glowing tribute to the smoky, swinging spirit of Parisian jazz. This is a free concert, donations are welcome.
Donations Welcome
Saturday, February 7th
Village Park
12PM – 5PM
Ice Carving Competition Voting
Ice Carving Demonstrations
Kids Games
Stroll through downtown Talkeetna Village Park and vote for your favorite ice carving! Enjoy the beautifully illuminated park, watch live ice carving demonstrations, and have fun with frosty games for all ages.
Main Street
1PM – 5PM
Kick Sled Race
1PM
Whether you’re speedy and competitive, trying a kicksled for the first time, or just curious, there’s a place for you! Kicksleds are provided.
Free
Tandem Cross Country Ski Race
2PM
The Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce is hosting a hilariously good time as teams of four strap onto a single set of skis and race tandem! Enter for a chance to win prizes… and ultimate bragging rights!
$ To Register
The Cardboard Chariot Challenge
3PM
Teams of at least 2 will create a one of a kind Cardboard Sleigh to be pulled by a fat tire bike down Talkeetna Main Street as part of the Ice Festival.
Free
Dog Keg Pull
4PM
Everyone’s favorite event is back! The Denali Education Center hosts the annual Dog Keg Pull! Line up on Main Street and cheer as the pups pull kegs of all sizes — from little pups hauling cans to the bigger dogs racing across the finish line.
$ to Register
Free to watch!
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
12PM – 9PM
Chili Cook Off
Sponsored by High Expedition
1PM
Warm up in the hangar with a bowl of chili… or sample a whole flight! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite — or better yet, throw your hat in the ring and create your own fabulous chili for a chance to win a sweet prize! This year we are offering a Business Category!
$ to Register
$5 Bowl/$ Flight of Chili
Free to watch!
Northern Aspects Film Festival
7PM
Northern Aspects Film Festival joins the Talkeetna Ice Festival – showcasing the best independent ski and ride films of Alaska! The film will be followed by a Q&A with festival and film directors.
Donations Welcome
Sunday, February 8th
Talkeenta, Alaska
Ice Carving Workshop
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
11AM – 1PM Youth
2PM – 4PM Adult
Professional Ice Sculptor, Tommy Salami will guide you through the intricacies of ice art. You’ll carve a 10lb block of ice into a masterpiece that you get to take home! Ice and tools will be provided. This workshop will be outside at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, so dress warmly.
$25 Workshop
Frozen Basil Poker Ski
Starts at the Flying Squirrel Bakery and Cafe
12PM
The 14th Annual Poker Ski starts at the Flying Squirrel at 12pm and ends at the Denali Brewpub. This 7.5 mile ski is fun for all ages! Not a timed race, best hand wins!
Must bring ‘prize’ for the pot
Snowshoe Softball
Ballfield
Time TBD
This will be a relaxed pickup game. More information Coming Soon!