Frederick Fire & Ice Festival 2026
Downtown Frederick's signature winter festival featuring ice sculptures, live carving, fire performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Completely free admission.
Quick Information
📅 When
Friday, February 6: 6-9 PM
Saturday, February 7: 11 AM-9 PM
Sunday, February 8: 12-4 PM
📍 Where
Downtown Frederick, MD
Carroll Creek Amphitheater
Polar Lounge (15 E 6th St)
Ice Games Center (100 N East St)
💰 Cost
Completely Free
No tickets required
Just walk in and enjoy
🅿️ Parking
Free shuttles from 3 locations
Interactive map available
Arrive early for best spots
About Fire & Ice Festival
The Fire & Ice Festival is Frederick's premier winter celebration, organized by the Downtown Frederick Partnership and presented by Atlantic Union Bank. This free annual festival transforms downtown Frederick into a winter wonderland with over 100 life-sized ice sculptures, spectacular fire performances, interactive ice attractions, and family-friendly activities.
Now in its several-year run, the festival showcases the charm of downtown Frederick while drawing crowds from across the region for seasonal fun. The unique combination of ice artistry and fire performances creates a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
What Makes It Special
- Free Admission: Completely free to attend - no tickets required
- Interactive Elements: Ice slide, putt-putt, luges, and games
- Live Entertainment: Ice carving demos and fire performances
- Community Focus: Local sponsors and downtown business participation
- Family-Friendly: Activities for all ages throughout the festival
2026 Festival Schedule
Friday, February 6
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM- Polar Lounge opens (15 E 6th St)
- Ice Games Center opens (100 N East St)
- Live ice carving at 6 PM
- Pyrophoric fire performances at 7 PM & 8 PM (Carroll Creek Amphitheater)
- Sailing Through Winter Solstice boats on Carroll Creek
Saturday, February 7
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM- Ice Walk with sculptures throughout Downtown
- Ice Games Center and putt-putt
- Ice Slide (Carroll Creek Amphitheater)
- Polar Lounge
- Food Truck Court (11 AM - 7 PM)
- Scavenger Hunt (12 PM - 6 PM)
- Marshmallow Roasting Stations (4 PM - 9 PM)
- Live music at various venues
- Special brewery/distillery releases
- First Saturday lineup by Downtown Frederick Partnership
Sunday, February 8
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM- Artwalk throughout Downtown
- Ice sculptures still on display
- Merchant specials and extended hours
Festival Activities
Ice Sculptures
Over 100 life-sized ice sculptures displayed throughout downtown Frederick, with live carving demonstrations throughout the festival.
Ice Attractions
Interactive ice experiences including a giant ice slide, ice putt-putt course, ice luges, and ice bar tops for the Polar Lounge.
Fire Performances
Spectacular fire performances by Pyrophoric, featuring fire dancing, fire towers, and fire pits that contrast beautifully with the ice sculptures.
Food & Drinks
Food truck court at Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Polar Lounge bar with ice bar tops, marshmallow roasting stations, and special dining options at local restaurants.
Family Activities
Scavenger hunt, ice games, marshmallow roasting, and family-friendly activities throughout the festival. Perfect for all ages.
Art & Shopping
Artwalk on Sunday, special promotions at local shops, art exhibits, and merchant specials including rooftop ice luge at Brewer's Alley and wax dipping at 7th Sister.
Key Festival Locations
Carroll Creek Amphitheater
Main festival hub featuring ice slide, food truck court, fire performances, and Sailing Through Winter Solstice boats.
Polar Lounge (15 E 6th St)
Adult-oriented venue with ice bar tops, ice luges, fire tower, games, music, and live ice carving.
Ice Games Center (100 N East St)
Family-friendly ice games, putt-putt, and marshmallow roasting stations. Perfect for kids and families.
Downtown Streets
Ice sculptures displayed along Market Street, Patrick Street, and throughout the historic downtown district.
Parking & Transportation
Free shuttle service is available from three convenient locations. Interactive maps show all sculpture locations, shuttle stops, and real-time navigation.
Thomas Johnson Middle School
1799 Schifferstadt Blvd
Dropoff: Polar Lounge
Note: Wheelchair accessible
Frederick Old National Pike Park & Ride
Old Maryland 144
Dropoff: Everedy Square (20 N East St)
Note: New for 2026
NYMEO Field at Harry Grove Stadium
21 Stadium Dr
Dropoff: Visitor Center (151 S East St)
Parking Tips
- Use free shuttles to avoid downtown parking congestion
- Interactive map available for real-time navigation
- Arrive early for best parking, especially on Saturday
- Thomas Johnson Middle School shuttle is wheelchair accessible
- Downtown parking garages available for those who prefer to drive directly
Visitor Tips
🧥 Dress Warmly
This is an outdoor winter festival. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and warm boots. Temperatures can be quite cold in February.
🗺️ Use the Interactive Map
Download or view the interactive festival map for real-time navigation to sculptures, activities, and shuttle stops.
🍽️ Plan Your Dining
Combine the festival with downtown dining. Many restaurants offer special Fire & Ice menus and extended hours.
🎯 Combine with First Saturday
The festival coincides with First Saturday on Saturday, February 7. Enjoy both events for a full downtown experience.
📸 Bring Your Camera
The ice sculptures and fire performances make for incredible photos. The ice curtain is perfect for social media shots.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
Activities for all ages. The Ice Games Center is perfect for kids, while the Polar Lounge offers adult entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival really free?
Yes! The Fire & Ice Festival is completely free with no admission fee. No tickets are required - just walk in and enjoy all activities.
What happens if it rains or snows?
The festival is held rain or shine. Ice sculptures are designed to withstand winter weather. Check the Downtown Frederick Partnership website for weather updates.
Are pets allowed?
While downtown Frederick is generally pet-friendly, the festival areas with ice and fire performances may not be suitable for pets. Leave pets at home for safety.
Is the Polar Lounge 21+ only?
The Polar Lounge is designed as an adult-oriented venue with ice bar and luges. Valid ID is required for alcohol service. Families should head to the Ice Games Center.
Can I sponsor an ice sculpture?
Yes! Community sponsorships are available for custom ice sculptures. Contact mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org for sculpture ideas and sponsorship opportunities.
How long do the ice sculptures last?
Ice sculptures are displayed throughout the festival weekend. Weather conditions affect longevity, but most sculptures remain impressive through Sunday.
Contact & Information
Downtown Frederick Partnership
Website: downtownfrederick.org/fireinice
Email: mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org
Interactive Map: Available on official website