February 8, 2026 – Winter fun returns to central Illinois as the 10th Annual Argenta IceFest is set for Saturday, February 14, 2026, in downtown Argenta. This free, family‑friendly celebration brings art, community, and winter magic to life with dozens of stunning ice sculptures and engaging activities for all ages.
Organized by Argenta in Motion, IceFest has grown significantly since its debut in 2017, when the first festival featured about 25 ice sculptures carved by expert artists. Over the years, the number of icy creations has nearly doubled, thanks in large part to Argenta native and Olympic gold medalist ice carver Aaric Kendall and a talented team of carvers.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Argenta, with live ice carving demonstrations scheduled at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Visitors can stroll the streets and Prairie Park to admire intricate ice sculptures, meet the artists, and watch ice blocks transform into art throughout the day.
In addition to the sculptures and demonstrations, IceFest offers a range of family‑oriented activities, food options from local vendors, and community engagement opportunities. A 50/50 raffle will also be held to support future events and programming.
Argenta IceFest has become a beloved winter tradition, attracting visitors from across the region to enjoy the creativity, chilly charm, and small‑town hospitality for which Argenta is known. For more details and updates, visit the event page at argentafest.org.
