Cripple Creek Ice Festival

February 14 - 22, 2026

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is one of the most exciting times of the year in historic Pikes Peak Region.

Dates, Times, Location & Cost
Activities & Experiences
Food Vendors & Shopping

Each winter, historic Cripple Creek turns Bennett Avenue into an open-air gallery of ice. The Cripple Creek Ice Festival brings together elite ice carvers from around the country for live competitions, large-scale sculpture displays, and hands-on fun that feels right at home in the Pikes Peak Region.

This nine-day festival runs February 14–22, with the most activity happening on the weekends. You can see the sculptures throughout the week, but live carving battles, vendors, and family activities take place Friday through Sunday, including Presidents Day weekend.

The event is free, outdoors, and easy to pair with a mountain day trip from Colorado Springs.

More Event Information

Event Times, Location & Cost

Dates

February 14 - 22, 2026

Times

10am - 5pm

Location

Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO >> Find a map here

Cost

Free and open to the public

Featured Activities & Experiences

Live Ice Carving Competitions

One of the festival’s highlights is the return of the head-to-head carving battles, held in a stadium-style setting on Saturdays at:

  • 12:00 p.m.
  • 1:30 p.m.
  • 3:00 p.m.

Top carving teams compete for a $1,000 cash prize each weekend, with additional awards on the line. Visitors can also vote for their favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice Award, adding a little friendly competition to the experience.

Carvers work throughout the full run of the festival, so even on weekdays you can watch blocks of ice slowly transform into detailed, temporary works of art.

Sculptures, Activities & Family-Friendly Fun

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is especially popular with families. Many sculptures are designed to be interactive, and at least one or two each year invite kids to climb, touch, and explore. Don't worry... these pieces are sturdier than they look and meant to be enjoyed up close.

Expect:

  • Large-scale themed ice sculptures
  • Interactive pieces designed for kids
  • Plenty of photo-worthy moments along Bennett Avenue

Pro-tip: Bring the camera. This is one of the few winter events in the Pikes Peak Region where kids can truly engage with the art.

Vendors, Food & Local Shopping

Weekend dates only:

February 14–16 and February 21–22, including Presidents Day

Street vendors line Bennett Avenue during festival weekends, offering:

  • Classic festival food
  • Sweet treats and warm snacks
  • Handmade goods and creative gifts

Cripple Creek’s storefronts are also open throughout the festival, making it easy to browse for souvenirs or pop inside to warm up a bit. When it’s time to grab food, local restaurants range from casual diners to steakhouse classics, with fudge shops and ice cream spots nearby for dessert.

Know Before You Go

  • Elevation: Cripple Creek sits at 9,494 feet. So make sure to drink water, take breaks, and plan for the altitude.
  • Weather: Dress in layers. February weather can change quickly, even in a single afternoon.
  • Road Closures: Bennett Avenue will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on February 10 and February 17 for ice delivery.
  • Best Days to Visit: Weekends offer the most programming. Weekdays are quieter and still great for viewing sculptures.

The drive to Cripple Creek is part of the experience, with scenic mountain views along the way. If you are looking for a winter event that feels distinctly Colorado and easy to enjoy in a day, this festival delivers.

More Winter Fun