Ice Festival
February 24 - 26, 2023
Downtown Belfast
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
Ice Sculpture Sponsorship
Are you interested in sponsoring a ice sculpture? We have two options:
- Pre-carved
- Live-carved
There are many designs to choice from but are first come first served. We will work with you to pick a design and location.
Questions? Please contact Amanda Cunningham by email at director@ourtownbelfast.org or call 207.218.1158.
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 $50 now through February 20. After that, they will only be available at the door for $60.
2nd Annual State of Maine
Ice Carving Championship
Make a fantastic work of art by carving a crystal-clear block of ice during the ice carving competition. This year’s competition in limited to a maximum of 10 teams, pre-registration is required.
WHEN? Saturday, February 25
TIME? Carving competition 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.
WHO? You can be an amateur or a professional as a solo carver or a team of two (2).
HOW? Ice is provided. Carvers provide their own tools. All ice carvings will be judged by a panel of community member judges.
WHY? To compete for bragging rights and the title of the State of Maine Ice Carving Champion!
Schedule of Weekend Activities
Updated 1/10/23 - check back often for updates
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor.
- 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 HERE.
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor
- 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. – 3:00 p.m. 2nd Annual State of Maine Ice Carving Championship at the lot on the corner of Main and Cross Street. Pre-registration is required. Pre-register HERE. Sponsored by Rollie’s.
- All Day: Ice Sculptures on display throughout downtown.
- Ice Row with DoryWoman Rowing in Belfast Harbor.
- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Children’s Activities at the Park on Main (33 Main Street).
- Shop at our many downtown stores. You can find something for everyone.
- Take a walk along the Harborwalk Trail.
Ice Festival Sponsorship
The 2023 Ice Festival presenting sponsor is Nordic Aquafarms.
Thank you for considering supporting the 2023 Ice Festival. Last year’s event had THOUSANDS of visitors to downtown Belfast from Friday to Sunday. They enjoyed more than a dozen ice sculptures – some carved live in front of them, family-friendly activities, shopping at our downtown retailers, and specials from our restaurants. We expect the 2023 event to have even MORE downtown visitors.
We are working on the 2023 sponsorship opportunities that will include:
- Presenting Weekend Sponsors that will list your name everywhere for thousands of visitors to see.
- Activity Sponsors: Live Carving Demonstrations, Children’s Activity Area, and more as plans continue to come together.
- Ice Sculpture Sponsors.
Are you ready to commit to sponsoring this great event now? Please contact Executive Director, Amanda Cunningham, at director@ourtownbelfast.org or 207.218.118.