Schedule:

Family fun filled weekend of indoor and outdoor activities and entertainment as well as more than 50 ice sculptures on display throughout our community.

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Open Museum - Marsh Haven Nature Center-Vine/Griffith Building

Bring your friends, family, and groups to Marsh Haven for a wonderful experience in nature. The Vine/Griffith Main Building houses museum displays depicting the history and wildlife of the Horicon Marsh area and takes a chronological look at Horicon Marsh history. The Griffith Bird Gallery gives visitors a look at local raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. If you love the outdoors, this is your place to stop first! Warm up next to the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate!

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Storytime & Art - Imagine That! Art Studio

Little Snowflake written by Igloo Books will be read aloud by guest reader Brittany Kastein, Waupun Area School Districts Literacy Coach, during storytime at Imagine That! Art Studio. The reading will be interactive and entertaining while providing some useful tools for reading with your children. Inspired by the events in the book, children will paint snowflake ornaments!

FREE Children under 5 and $5 Snowflake Ornament

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Food Truck Delights - Various Locations

Savor the flavors of winter at Waupun IceFest! Join us for a culinary adventure featuring an exciting lineup of local food trucks offering a diverse array of delicious dishes to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re craving savor comfort food, sweet treats, or something adventurous, there’s something for everyone!

Pay-As-You-Go

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Open Museum - Waupun Heritage Museum & Gift Shop

The Heritage Museum hosts two permanent exhibitions, as well as one rotating exhibition in the main-floor galleries. Exhibits on local people, events, industries, and military service are hosted in the lower galleries. The museum is housed in a 1904 Carnegie Library and is Waupun's best-kept secret, which remains practically untouched by time. Enjoy a visit with featured photo opportunities set back in time.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Kids Fun Zone - Emmanuel Waupun Church

This Kids Fun Zone is packed with music, activities, and most importantly fun for the whole family! Gather your children of all ages to participate in a variety of outdoor adventures.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM David Landau Kids Show - Waupun Community Center

David Landau is dedicated to sparking joy, fostering creativity, and instilling a love of music in children through entertaining and educational performances. By combining music, humor, and interactive engagement, he aims to create magical moments that leave a lasting impression on young hearts and minds.

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Family Snowshoeing - Marsh Haven Nature Center-Hiking Trail

Embrace the beauty of winter and explore the serene landscapes of Marsh Haven Nature Center with our unguided snowshoeing experience! This event invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to discover the magic of winter at their own pace. Snowshoes available for adults and children.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Splatter Painting - Imagine That! Art Studio

Experience Waupun with some paint splattering in the one-of-a-kind indoor Splatter Studio! Fling, splat, and splatter paint in a glow-in-the-dark vault! Take your masterpiece canvas home with you and remember your fun times at Waupun IceFest

$15 Per Participant

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Live Broadcasting - The Source Radio Station

Swing by The Source Radio Station in downtown Waupun and experience “The Sound of Downtown!” Tune in and experience the energy of live radio as our talented hosts bring you all the action and excitement happening throughout the festival. Test your luck on their prize wheel!

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM IceFest Winter Market - Waupun Community Center

Experience the charm and excitement at this year’s vendor market at the new Waupun Community Center! This indoor vibrant market will showcase a diverse array of local vendors offering unique handmade goods, delicious treats, and festive winter-themed products. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop, support local artisans, and find one-of-a-kind treasures.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Face Painting - Fox Valley Savings Bank

The talented team of Fondy Face Painters will be on-site ready to transform your face into a canvas of winter wonderland! Choose from a variety of designs, including seasonal themes, characters, and custom requests tailored to your wishes.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Ice Sculpture Tour - City of Waupun

Experience the beauty and artistry of winter at the annual IceFest Ice Sculpture Tour in the City of Sculpture! This enchanting outdoor tour invites visitors of all ages to explore a stunning array of ice sculptures created by Johnson Studios Ice Sculptures. Each sculpture tells a unique story, showcasing creativity and craftsmanship that will leave you in awe.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Iced Goose Chase-Scavenger Hunt - Horicon Bank

Gather a team and sign up for a thrilling good time! Inspired by scavenger hunts, Goosechase is an online platform that will give you and your team real-world interactive experiences at Waupun IceFest! Missions will be assigned and fun will be fulfilled with this prize-winning scavenger hunt! You and your team will snap photos and take videos to capture the special moments you shared during your visit to the Waupun City of Sculpture! Contact Horicon Bank for more information.

8 Team Limit & Entry Fee

11:00 AM Live Ice Sculpting Demonstration and Interactive Q&A - Eagle Flexible Packaging, Inc

Witness the magic of ice come to life at the live ice sculpting demonstration featuring renowned Master Carver Nate Johnson of Johnson Studios! This captivating event invites attendees to experience the artistry and skill involved in creating stunning ice sculptures right before your eyes! Johnson Studios is Chicago’s #1 Ice Sculpting Studio and has been carving ice for 30 years! Watch as Nate Johnson transforms large blocks of ice into breathtaking works of art!

11:00 AM Absolutely Batty-Educational Program and Live Bat Encounter - Marsh Haven Nature Center-Respect Our Earth Theater

Discover the unique adaptations, behaviors, and habits of the bat of Wisconsin This engaging session with intriguing bat education information, bat owl encounter, and Q&A session is perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike, offering a fascinating look into the life of one of Wisconsin's most misunderstood animals.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Lunchtime Live Music with Scotty Meyer - Food Truck Alley-Downtown Waupun

Take a break from the winter festivities and enjoy the soulful sounds of Waupun native Scotty Meyer! Enjoy a delightful afternoon of music, where you can relax, recharge, and savor the local talent that Waupun has to offer. Warm up next to a fire pit, grab a bite to eat, sip on a warm beverage and soak in the festive vibes with great music and community spirit.

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Horse Drawn Wagon Rides - Waupun Heritage Museum

Take in the sights and sounds of winter as you and your family glide through the picturesque streets of Waupun. This horse-drawn wagon offers a unique and leisurely way to appreciate the beauty of the City of Sculpture! Enjoy the 15-minute ride through the beautiful, snow-covered cityscape of Waupun as you relax in a cozy wagon pulled with magnificent horses.

$5 Per Person, Child Age 3 or Under on Lap for FREE

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Open Gym Time - Waupun Gymnastic Club

Get ready to flip, tumble, and have a blast at Open Gym Time hosted by the Waupun Gymnastic Club! This fitness event invites kids and families to a fun-filled afternoon of gymnastics in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome to practice and play.

$5 Per Participant

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Winter Pony Rides - Downtown Waupun

Saddle up for fun at Waupun IceFest with Pony Rides hosted by Whisper Hill Clydesdales! Bring the whole family to experience the joy of riding these beautiful, well-trained ponies in the heart of downtown Waupun.

$5 Per Ride

1:00 PM Wild Birds of Prey Program-Educational Program and Live Bird Encounter - Marsh Haven Nature Center-Respect Our Earth Theater

This interactive presentation and engaging educational experience is perfect for nature lovers and families who want to learn more about the fascinating world of birds of prey and their vital role in our ecosystem. This program will introduce some of Wisconsin’s raptors with live bird encounters and hands-on activities. Appreciate the many benefits raptors provide to humans and nature, learn action items to help our raptors through habitat conservation and awareness, and celebrate the majesty of these amazing birds of prey.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Waupun Sculpture Tour - Waupun Community Center

Explore the artistic treasures of Waupun on a guided Waupun Sculpture Tour led by Steve Buchholz from Waupun Education Foundation. Come along for an enlightening journey through the city’s vibrant public art scene, complemented by the innovative OtoCast Audio Guide for an immersive experience in the comfort of a tour van.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Balloon Twisting - Go Dutch Solutions

Get ready for a burst of creativity with Balloon Twisting featuring Neil the Real Deal! Watch Neil transform simple balloons into sculptures and whimsical characters in his amazing balloon creations. Kids will have the opportunity to request their favorite balloon creations and even learn a few basic twisting techniques from Neil! This interactive session guarantees smiles and laughter for all ages.

1:00 PM Wisconsin’s Wizard of Oz: The Life & Legacy of Clarence Shaler Presentation - Waupun Community Center

Dive into the fascinating story of Clarence Shaler, a remarkable Waupun industrialist whose contributions to the City of Sculpture have left an indelible mark on Waupun’s cultural landscape. Discover how Shaler’s unique vision and creativity not only influenced the Wizard of Oz narrative but also shaped the imaginations of generations of children and adults alike. Learn about his connections to Waupun and the broader impact of his legacy led by local historian Zac Dickhut.

2:00 PM Iced Goose Chase-Award Ceremony - Horicon Bank

Final destination for the Iced Goose Chase is Horicon Bank! Prizes will be awarded!
 
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Family Ice Skating - Waupun Ice Arena

Grab your skates and glide across the ice with your loved ones during an indoor open skating session hosted by Waupun Hockey Association and Waupun Figure Skating Club. Enjoy a family friendly open skating time with music and refreshments! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, the rink is a place for everyone to enjoy the winter spirit and enjoy quality time together as you skate, laugh, and create lasting memories on ice. Don’t have your own ice skates? No problem! Skate rentals will be available for children and adults on-site so everyone can join in on the fun!!

$5 Per Person and $5 Skate Rental

2:00 PM Family Bingo - Waupun Community Center

Bingo!! Gather together for an afternoon of Bingo at the Waupun Community Center! A variety of games are offered and seats are limited.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Illuminary Ice Sculpture Stroll - Downtown Waupun

As the sun sets the illuminated ice sculptures will shine even brighter, creating a captivating spectacle downtown that lights up the night. Take a stroll and marvel at the variety of beautifully crafted ice sculptures, each capturing intricate artistry designs. Watch downtown Waupun transform into a dazzling display of ice art