SAVE THE DATE! February 23 - 25, 2024
The 2023 Ice Festival
Was presented by:
Join us in downtown Belfast February 24 – 26, 2023 for the weekend. A safe and fun way to get out of the house this winter and the State of Maine Ice Carving Championship.
Come take a walk and visit the ice sculptures that will be located throughout downtown Belfast. Take a break and have a drink at one of the ice bars or participate in one of the many outdoor activities Belfast has to offer throughout the winter. If you’re visiting from out of town, make it a weekend!
Downtown Belfast can be enjoyed year-round!
The Ice Festival is made possible by sponsor support and volunteers.
Countdown to the
2023 Ice Festival
Schedule of Weekend Activities
Updated 2/17/23 - check back often for updates
Live Ice Sculpture Carving times are subject to change
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor. Click HERE to learn more.
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Fur, Feathers and Feet: Chewonki Traveling Natural History Presentation at the Belfast Free Library.
- 5:00 – 8:00 p.m: Live music at Marshall Wharf Brewing – Fully Funktional.
- 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Magical Luminary Trail on the Belfast Rail Trail by Coastal Mountain Land Trust.
- 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Taste of Belfast at the Waldo County Shrine Club. Enjoy music by Jonesville, appetizers from downtown restaurants, two (2) drinks that will be made in your keepsake Ice Festival cup that can be used downtown throughout the weekend. Proceeds from this ticketed event will go towards supporting the Our Town Belfast mission to grow and sustain our historic downtown while celebrating our unique cultural heritage. Purchase tickets at the door for $60.
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m: Ice Class at the Front Street Pub.
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- All Day: Poem Story Walk around downtown by the Belfast Free Library – check back for locations.
- All Day: Sledding on Federal Street. Bring your own sled.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor. Click HERE to learn more.
- 10:00 a.m.: – Live Ice Sculpture Carving of a Unicorn sponsored by Belfast Parks & Recreation at the Park on Main. Time is subject to change.
- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Children’s Activities at the Park on Main (33 Main Street).
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Horse drawn Carriage Rides at the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce (14 Main Street). Sponsored by Colburn Shoe Store.
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Warming station with cocoa and popcorn at the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce (14 Main Street)
- 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: 2nd Annual State of Maine Ice Carving Championship at the lot on the corner of Main and Cross Street. Sponsored by Rollie’s Bar and Grill and Rollie’s Remote Catering.
- 11:30 a.m.: Live Ice Sculpture Carving sponsored by Rollie’s Bar and Grill in their lot (39 Main Street). The sculpture is the carvers choice and will be a surprise! Time is subject to change.
- 1:00 p.m.: Live Ice Sculpture Carving of a Moose sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank in the MALL on High Street courtyard (171 High Street). Time subject to change.
- 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Weaving and Felting activities for families. Warm up indoors at Belfast Fiberarts (171 High Street).
- 3:00 p.m.: Live Ice Sculpture Carving of an Anchor at Nautilus (3 Main Street). Time is subject to change.
- 3:00 p.m.: Kahlua and Coffee/Cocoa Event with free gift at Delvino’s. Click HERE to learn more.
- 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Magical Luminary Trail on the Belfast Rail Trail by Coastal Mountain Land Trust.
- 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.: Live music at Marshall Wharf Brewing – Unknown.
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- All Day: Poem Story Walk around downtown by the Belfast Free Library – check back for locations.
- All Day: Sledding on Federal Street. Bring your own sled.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor. Click HERE to learn more.
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Kid’s Ice Fest Party at Delvino’s Grill and Pasta House (52 Main Street). Click HERE to learn more.
- Shop at our many downtown stores. You can find something for everyone.
- Take a walk along the Harborwalk Trail.
- Sleding on the Common – bring your own sled.
- Ice Skating at the rink at Waterfall Arts – bring your own skates.
Ice Sculpture and Ice Bar Locations
Taste of Belfast
Kick off the weekend at the Taste of Belfast at the Waldo County Shrine Club from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, February, 24. Your ticket includes:
- Appetizers provided by downtown restaurants
- Two (2) drinks – choose from beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails
- A keepsake Ice Festival cup that can be used throughout the weekend at downtown businesses
- Music by Jonesville
This event will benefit Our Town Belfast’s mission to grow and sustain our historic downtown by celebrating our unique cultural heritage.
Tickets are available at the door for $60.
2nd Annual State of Maine
Ice Carving Championship
Come see the competitors make a fantastic work of art by carving a crystal-clear block of ice during the ice carving competition.
Saturday, February 25 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Judging will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. with first, second, and third place winners announced when scores are tabulated.