Fun Winter Festivals to Check Out in Iowa in 2022

The cold weather can't stop Iowans from having a good time!

If you're looking to enjoy some fun activities with the family these next couple of months, there are several big festivals and events happening across Eastern Iowa and beyond! Here are details on some of them:

Ice Fest

• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque
• Saturday, January 15th & Sunday, January 16th
• Featuring snow shoeing, ice fishing in the port, cross country skiing, snow carving, demonstrations, hots chocolate & s'mores, a scavenger hunt, a figure skating show, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Winterfest

• Amana Colonies
• Saturday, January 22nd
• Featuring open fire chili, ice sculpting, games, kid's activities, a wine & beer walk, a parade, a beer competition, a 5k and more

University of Okoboji Winter Games

• Okoboji, Arnolds Park, Milford, and Spirit Lake
• Thursday, January 27th through Sunday, January 30th
• Featuring broomball, flag football, softball, a bags tournament, a chili cook-off, fireworks, live music, ice skating, a kite festival, and more

Downtown Hot Cocoa Crawl

• Iowa City Downtown District
• Friday, January 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "A ticket purchase will include a customized hot cocoa mug, a small gift, an ICDD tote bag, and access to the sales and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic will be available) at each participating shop"
• Purchase Tickets HERE

BrrrFest

• Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
• Saturday, January 29th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Sample and purchase craft beers showcased by breweries from across the Midwest"
• Must be 21+ to attend
• Purchase tickets HERE

Beat the Bitter

• Penn Meadows Park in North Liberty
• Sunday, January 30th
• Featuring a fireworks, horse-drawn carriage ride, ice sculptures, fire performances, food trucks, hot chocolate & s'mores, and more

Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival

• Washington Park in Dubuque
• Thursday, February 10th through Sunday, February 13th
• Featuring snow sculpting, hands-on activities, food & beverage vendors, and more

2022 Winter Blues Fest

• Des Moines Marriott Downtown
• Friday, February 11th & Saturday, February 12th
• Featuring 20 blues acts, a guitar workshop, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Color the Wind Kite Festival

• Clear Lake
• Saturday, February 19th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "The Midwest’s largest and most colorful winter kite festival, featuring huge inflatable kites of all kinds flown by serious kite-flyers from across the United States"

Icestravaganza

• Freight House & LeClaire Park in Davenport
• Friday, January 14th through Sunday, January 16th
• Featuring ice carvings, hot chocolate, vendors, beer & food, demonstrations, a drive-thru sculpture display, and more