Downtown Cripple Creek will transform into a sparkling outdoor gallery of world-class ice art once again, starting this weekend. The Cripple Creek Ice Festival returns Feb. 14–22, filling Bennett Avenue and the historic mining town with spectacular ice sculptures, interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities and the high-energy carving competitions. The festival’s main weekend festivities happen Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 21-22, but there are also President’s Day activities this year on Monday, Feb. 16.
“The City of Cripple Creek is very pleased to bring Ice Festival to town again this year,” says Annie Durham, mayor of Cripple Creek. “It is unquestionably one of our community’s most popular events, and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike for this unique, family-friendly experience.”
The ice sculptures will line Bennett Avenue, complemented by an ice slide for family fun. Live speed-carving competitions are a fan favorite, and they will take place on Saturdays, Feb.y 14 and Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Six carvers will race against the clock for 60 minutes to complete themed before a live audience. Each winning carving will be awarded $1,000.
Attendees can cast votes for their favorite main sculpture displayed on Bennett Avenue via QR codes displayed throughout the festival. Six teams will compete for a $5,000 cash prize, with the winning team announced on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The six participating carving teams are Snice Carvings LLC, Ice Cubed of Denver, Cool Hand Ice Carving, Bui Art, Colorado Fruit Designs, and Thomas Barlow.
In addition to Ice Fest 2026, Ice Castles will be open throughout the festival. You can read more about the experience in our Ice Castles Make a Magical Day Trip to Cripple Creek.
Other events and exhibitions are also open in Cripple Creek during the Ice Festival, including its 24-hour casinos. At the Cripple Creek Heritage Center, the Cripple Creek Art Alliance presents its Ice Festival Art Show and Sale. Local artists will be onsite, exhibiting and selling their artwork, including pen and ink illustrations, watercolors, acrylics, photography, jewelry and more.
The Old Homestead, once a grand brothel during the Gold Rush Era, also will be open the weekends of the Ice Festival, including President’s Day. Built in 1896, the opulent brothel was owned and operated by Cripple Creek’s most famous madam, Pearl DeVere.
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is free to the public and accessible. Please note that it will be closed on Tuesday mornings, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17, for ice deliveries. And with ice sculptures and many festivities outside, be sure to plan for winter weather.
Find more information at visitcripplecreek.com.
