IceFest 2026 has arrived, bringing sparkling sculptures, family‑friendly activities, and winter magic to downtown Chambersburg. The festival kicks off at 5 PM on Thursday, January 29, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on the courthouse plaza, joined by presenting sponsor M&T Bank. Guests can enjoy complimentary IceFest cupcakes while supplies last, stroll Main Street to watch live ice carving, and explore dozens of activities throughout the weekend.
Inside the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, festivalgoers can warm up and enjoy Art on Ice, featuring more than 100 works by over 40 regional artists. The student art display from Chambersburg Area Middle School highlights the creativity of emerging young talent. A bit of Franklin County American history intermingles with the art and is highlighted in the Franklin County America250PA bell, part of the state’s Bells Across PA. Outside, the populardouble‑wide ice slidereturns, along with the IceFest Scavenger Hunt, offering three age categories with cash prizes for adults and gift certificates for youth.
Friday, January 30
Giant ice carving continues from 5 PM to 8 PM, and the ice slide reopens for more frosty fun. The beloved Snowfall Ball returns to The Capitol Theatre for an elegant winter evening.
Saturday, February 1
Saturday is packed with activities from morning to night.
- 8 AM–11 AM: All‑You‑Can‑Eat Pancake Breakfast at Trinity Episcopal Church
- 10 AM–8 PM: Ice slide open
- 10 AM–5 PM: Icing on the Cake decorating competition at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, featuring professional, amateur, and student divisions. This year’s theme is “Yellow Roads and Ruby Slippers.”
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy:
- 10 AM: Food Truck Fest on Memorial Square
- 11 AM: Chili Q on North Main Street, where amateur and professional cooks compete for the best chili
- Wing‑off Competition: Part of the Chili Q festivities
- Noon–3 PM: Beer Garden featuring local and regional breweries
Arts and culture also take center stage:
- 9 AM to 7:30 AM: Meet the Artist Reception at Art on Ice Exhibit at Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center
- 10 AM–3 PM: The World Turned Upside Down, a special America250 exhibit at the Franklin County Old Jail
- 10 AM–2 PM: Chambersburg Ballet behind‑the‑scenes demonstrationsD at The Capitol Theatre
- 10:45 AM: Cumberland Valley School of Music student performances, culminating in a symphonic band concert at Central Presbyterian on the square, 3 PM
- 5:30 PM: A Cappella & Unplugged IceFest Open Mic in the Visitors Center Great Room, featuring more than a dozen performers
- 7 PM: Spice Up the Ice Pyrophoric Fire Dance Troupe performance at Chambers Fort Park
Sunday, February 2
The final day of IceFest features more winter fun:
- Noon–4 PM: Ice slide open
- 11 AM: “Run Your Ice Off” 5K for runners and walkers
- Noon–4 PM: Artist reception for Art on Ice at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center
Throughout the festival, Main Street shops extend their hours and offer winter specials. Stop and explore the shops and boutiques of downtown Chambersburg.
IceFest is the largest ice festival in Pennsylvania and one of Franklin County’s signature winter traditions, drawing thousands of visitors each year to celebrate creativity, community, and the beauty of winter.
For more on IceFest and all to see and do in Franklin County, be sure to visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com.
