4 Outdoor Winter Festivals to Warm Your Month

Buckeye Chuck, we’ve got an issue. Even though Ohio’s own weather-predicting groundhog told us we’d have an early spring, the mercury has stayed mired in the freezing zone since his Feb. 3 appearance. But Ohioans are a hearty bunch and the season of ice and snow may slow us down a bit, but it never stops us. These four outdoor festivals set between now and March 1 promise to warm up the final stretch of February, from intricate ice sculptures to an outdoor music festival. 

Medina Ice Festival | Feb. 14-16
Bundle up and head to Medina’s historic Public Square for this annual festival highlighting local pride and craftsmanship. The event kicks off on Friday night with events like the speed-carving challenge and a fire-and-ice tower (a giant block of ice that is set ablaze). Saturday and Sunday offer the chance to peruse ice sculptures around the square and browse the local shops and restaurants in the area.

Brite Winter | Feb. 22
Although winter can be particular rough along Lake Erie, that has not stopped Clevelanders from coming out each February to show their support for the arts and live music. Since 2010, Brite Winter — held on the East Bank of the Flats —  has showcased local and regional music acts and artists in a festival that encourages you to brave the cold. This year’s lineup has not yet been announced, so keep your eye on the Brite Winter site for artist release information. 

Burning Snowman Fest | Feb. 22
Warm up your February at this annual, 21-and-over event behind Dock’s Beach House Restaurant that sets ablaze a 30-foot snowman made from wood and paper in a celebration of winter, complete with bands, food and drink. Leading up to the main event, shuttles ferry festivalgoers throughout Port Clinton, making stops at various local breweries and bars. The night before Burning Snowman, bundle up and bring the kids out for Family Freeze, a free event with activities suitable for all ages.

Cleveland Kurentovanje | March 1 
Take part in Slovenian traditions to scare away winter in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood during the annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. The free festival offers a parade and festival on March 1, as well as other events leading up to the big day like the Kurent Jump on Feb. 22, where traditional dances take place around a fire while a DJ lights up the dance floor. The March 1 festival at the Slovenian National Home also includes a 5k, food, music and more.

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