Winterfest 2026 Results
America's Snow Sculpting Invitational Champions
Winterfest 2026 Winners
Congratulations to all the talented sculptors who braved the cold to create these stunning works of art
Up to Snow Good
Wisconsin
"K'inich Ahau And Ixchel"
The Sun God and Moon Goddess
Sculptora Borealis
Wisconsin
"Controller of Worlds"
Doing Our Best
Minnesota
"It's a Moth and Mushrooms"
❄️ Winterfest 2027
Lake Geneva's premier winter event returns next year
Winterfest typically takes place late January/early February
Be the first to know when 2027 dates are announced
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Lake Geneva Winterfest 2026 runs January 28 through February 1, 2026 at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Admission is free. The main event is America's Snow Sculpting Invitational where 15 elite teams compete in a 72-hour sculpting marathon. Best day to visit is Saturday, January 31st for final judging. Paid parking started January 28th ($4/hour). Free shuttle runs Saturday and Sunday.
What Is Lake Geneva Winterfest?
Lake Geneva Winterfest is Wisconsin's premier winter festival, now in its 31st year. The event features America's Snow Sculpting Invitational, a nationally recognized competition where 15 elite teams from across the country transform 10-foot blocks of snow into massive sculptures during a 72-hour sculpting marathon. The free, family-friendly festival includes Bonfires on the Beach, a Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, fire art performances, and live entertainment.
When Is Lake Geneva Winterfest 2026?
January 28 through February 1, 2026. The sculpting competition runs Wednesday to Saturday; sculptures remain on display through Sunday.
Where Is Lake Geneva Winterfest Held?
Downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Snow sculptures are at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along Wrigley Drive, near the lakefront.
Is Lake Geneva Winterfest Free?
Yes, admission is completely free. There is no charge to view sculptures or attend outdoor entertainment. Paid parking started January 28th ($4/hour).
Lake Geneva Winterfest transforms downtown Lake Geneva into an outdoor gallery of massive snow sculptures. Now in its 31st year, the festival features America's Snow Sculpting Invitational, where 15 elite teams from across the country battle for national honors in a 72-hour sculpting marathon.
Watch artists transform 10-foot blocks of snow into gravity-defying masterpieces. Beyond the competition, enjoy the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach with s'mores and hot cocoa, fire art performances, and live entertainment in the historic Riviera Ballroom.
2026 Event Schedule
5 days of snow sculpting, entertainment, and winter magic
2026 Competing Teams
Elite sculptors from across America who battled for national honors
House of Thune
Minnesota
2025 2nd Place, 2024 2nd Place
The Band of Misfit Boys
Illinois
Regional competitors
Flozen
Florida
Warm-state creativity
Team Vermont
Vermont
2025 Artists Choice
Snowblind
Wisconsin
2025 People's Choice
WA Awesome
Washington
Pacific Northwest
Sculptora Borealis
Wisconsin
2025 & 2024 Champions
The Pour Saps
Vermont
Second Vermont team
The Enchanted Forest
Colorado
Breckenridge veterans
The KWE
Minnesota
Second Minnesota team
Granite State Snow Carvers
New Hampshire
Detailed work
Jay Ray w/SnoKraft
North Dakota
2023 Champions
AK Department of Snow
Alaska
2025 3rd Place
Team USA
Wisconsin
International competitors
The Three Amigos
Michigan
Great Lakes
Past Champions
2025 Winners (30th Anniversary)
Wisconsin 3 - Sculptora Borealis
"Creativity Come to Life"
Minnesota 2 - House of Thune
"Nature Prevails"
Alaska - AK Department of Snow
"Focus: Our Nature"
Artists Choice: Vermont 1
"Trilliant"
People's Choice: Wisconsin 1 - Snowblind
"The Book of Souls"
2024 Winners
Wisconsin 2 - Sculptora Borealis
"Trust Me"
Minnesota 1 - House of Thune
"Mischief Maker"
Minnesota 2
"It's Two Bugs Fighting"
Getting There & Parking
Parking Info
- All Winterfest:Paid parking started January 28th — $4/hour (enforced 9am-7pm)
- Payment: Kiosks or ParkMobile app
- Handicap: FREE at any metered stall with valid placard
- ⚠️ No overnight parking 2am-6am
Free Shuttle
Saturday & Sunday, 8am-8pm
Every 20 minutes • One bus is handicap accessible
Pickup Locations:
- Park-n-Ride (Sheridan Springs Rd & Edwards Blvd)
- Home Depot (550 N. Edwards Blvd)
Drop-off: Baker Street & Wrigley Drive
Shuttle Pickup & Drop-off Locations
Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk
30+ ice sculptures throughout downtown businesses
Starting Friday morning, downtown Lake Geneva transforms into a glittering gallery with ice sculptures outside local shops and restaurants. Stroll the streets, snap photos, and warm up inside.
Where to Stay
📅 Book early - Winterfest weekend sells out!
Vacation Rentals
Hotels
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
10 min from downtown
- • Ski hill
- • Spa
- • Waterpark
💡 They provide the snow for the sculptures!
The Abbey Resort
Fontana (quieter side)
- • 90 lakeside acres
- • Spa
- • Ice skating rink
Timber Ridge Lodge
Next to Grand Geneva
- • 50,000 sq ft indoor waterpark
- • Perfect for families
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
Downtown location
- • Walking distance to sculptures
The Cove of Lake Geneva
Downtown suites
- • Spa services
Maxwell Mansion
Boutique historic
- • Hosts Winterfest Tiki events
Where to Eat & Warm Up
Near the Sculptures (Walking Distance)
Lake City Social
Popeye's
Oakfire Pizza
Egg Harbor Café
Sopra Bistro
Magpies Den & Pen
Special Winterfest Experiences
Baker House Ice Bar
Outdoor ice bar with lake views
Maxwell Mansion Tiki Igloo
Snow painting, hot chocolate bombs
Pier 290 Igloo Dining
Williams Bay
At the Event
Riviera Ballroom
Food, hot drinks, entertainment
Pearce's Farm Stand
Concessions
Boy Scout Troop #239
Snacks, hot beverages
Bonfires on the Beach
S'mores, hot cocoa (Fri 4-8pm)
Insider Tips
More Winter Fun in Lake Geneva
Indoor (When You Need to Warm Up)
- The Candle Mercantile - Make your own candles
- Lake Geneva Clue Room - Escape rooms
- Geneva Lake Museum - Local history
- The Market of Lake Geneva - Shopping & eateries
- Tristan Crist Magic Theatre - Magic shows
Outdoor Winter Activities
- The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva - Skiing, snowboarding, tubing
- Wilmot Mountain - Local favorite ski hill
- Lake Geneva Zip Lines - Winter ziplining
- Ice Skating - Grand Geneva, Abbey Resort
- Shore Path - Winter hiking (weather permitting)
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers from locals who attend every year
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Plan your Lake Geneva Winterfest trip:
This guide is maintained by lakegeneva.ai, a Lake Geneva-focused resource covering local events, businesses, lodging, and seasonal travel planning year-round.