Talkeetna is proud to host the 4th Annual Talkeetna Ice Festival! This collaborative event kicks off on Saturday, January 25th with the start of the Ice Carving Competition and runs through Sunday, February 2nd. The festival is family-friendly and mostly free, offering something for everyone to enjoy!
Ice Sculpting Workshop – Saturday, January 4th
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. This year we are offering two workshops. The adult workshop is 11am to 1pm and the youth workshop is 2pm to 4pm.
Saturday, January 25th – The sculpting begins!
Calling all wannabe sculptors! Join us for our fourth annual Talkeetna Ice Sculpting Competition! The competition will be held in the downtown Village Park. Novice and expert sculptors welcome and this year we have a youth category! No experience necessary! Ice blocks will be set up for sculpting by 12noon on Saturday, January 25th and sculptors can work at their own pace between that time and Saturday, February 1st. Public sculpture viewing and voting will officially begin at 12pm on Saturday, February 1st.
Saturday, January 25th – Talkeetna Ice Festival Kick Off Party!
There will be a Kick-Off Party in Village Park on Saturday, January 25th, with fires and music from 12noon to 5:00pm. There will also be s’mores, hot cocoa, and hot soups for sale (benefiting the Talkeetna Elementary PTA) from 1pm until they’re gone! Join us as we celebrate the start of the Festival and cheer on our ice carving competitors!
After the kick off party, join us at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar for the 20th annual Backcountry Film Festival!
International Guitar Night – Sunday, January 26th
Join us for the 25th Annual North American Tour of International Guitar Night at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar on Sunday, January 26th at 7pm.
This is a celebration of the world’s most innovative and diverse guitar talents. Brian Gore has curated a stellar lineup featuring Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Alexandra Whittingham (Britain), Niwel Tsumbu (Democratic Republic of The Congo) and Sönke Meinen (Germany), promising a night of breathtaking performances that span the global spectrum of guitar artistry.
Talkeetna Ice Festival – January 27th through 29th
January 27th: (3:30pm to 7:00pm) Ice Block Making workshop at Denali Education Center
January 28th: (3:30pm to 9:00pm) Hangar Door Cinema at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Family friendly ice themed films and art projects. Taco’s available for purchase from 5pm to 9pm.
January 29th: (3:30pm to 7:00pm) Igloo Building – Community igloo build in the Talkeetna Historical Society Garden
Talkeetna Jeopardy – Thursday, January 30th
Talkeetna Jeopardy is a production of Talkeetna Historical Society and part of the 2025 Talkeetna Ice Festival. This fun, family friendly show will be held at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm. Spectate or compete! If you have a team of 3 interested in competing, sign up by calling the museum or email manager@talkeetnahistoricalsociety.org
Art Walk – Friday, January 31st
The Talkeetna Art Walk will be on Friday, January 31st from 3pm to 6pm. There are multiple participating businesses featuring local artists. This free, family friendly event will have you enjoying beautiful art, interactive art installations and games, hot beverages and light snacks. Art walk passports will be available for pickup on Friday, January 31st at the Flying Squirrel Bakery and Cafe and Denali Arts Council’s Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Passports can be turned in at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar between 5pm and 7pm that day to be entered into a drawing.
Participating vendors to be announced.
Fiber and Ice Art Show – Friday, January 31st
As part of the Talkeetna Ice Festival, Denali Arts Council presents the Fiber and Ice Art Show. This is a community art show, and represents a variety of local artists. The show is on Friday, January 31st from 3pm to 6pm. Bring your art walk passport to the Hangar between 5 and 7pm to be entered into a drawing for great prizes from the participating businesses! At 6pm join us for a beautiful fire spinning performance outside!
Candlelit Concert
Denali Arts Council presents Myles from Dublin. This trio features John Walsh, Pat Broaders, and Jannell Canerday. This lovely concert of traditional Irish music and song will be by candle light. This beautiful event is free to the community. Donations are welcome.
Saturday, February 1st
Talkeetna Ice Festival Downtown Events – Saturday, February 1st
Bring your whole family to Downtown Talkeetna for the Talkeetna Ice Festival! Walk around the Talkeetna Village Park and explore the incredible ice sculptures created by your neighbors!
Talkeetna Village Park
12:00-5:00pm Ice sculpture viewing and voting, hot beverages, kid activities, an ice carving demonstration.
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
12:00-6:00pm Warm Up Station
12:00-1:00pm Chili Drop Off
1:00-5:00pm Chili Cook-Off
7:00pm Frostbitten documentary film
Main Street, Talkeetna
Kick Sled Race Times 1:00-2:00pm
Dog Sled Rides in the Ball Field: 1pm to 4pm. This is a fundraising event by Alex Floor for the Jr Iditarod!
Tandem Ski Race (put on by the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce) 2:00-3:00pm
Dog Keg Pull Race (put on by Denali Education Center) 3:00-4:00pm – Dog Keg Pull Registration
Ice Sculpture and Dog Keg Pull Winners Announced in the Park at 5:00pm
Poker Ski – Sunday, February 2nd
If you are looking for a fun way to work work off the biscuits and gravy, you can join the Frozen Basil! The 13th annual Poker Ski starts at the Flying Squirrel at 12pm and ends at the Denali Brew Pub. This 7.5 mile ski is fun for all ages!
PickUp Hockey – Sunday, February 2nd
Come out and skate in this fun, all ages game of pick up hockey at the Jack MacDonald Ice Rink at Talkeetna Elementary School. Helmets and sportsmanship are required for participation! 3:00pm start!
The Talkeetna Ice Festival was made possible by the generous donation of our sponsors!
