8 Outdoor Winter Festivals to Warm the Season

Although the season of ice and snow may slow us down a bit, Ohioans are a hearty bunch. And these eight outdoor festivals scheduled between Jan. 10 and Feb. 26 promise to warm up the final stretch of the coldest months, from intricate ice sculptures in Medina to an annual Cleveland music festival to a giant snowman set ablaze in Port Clinton.

Mohican WinterFest | Jan. 10
Just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean the celebrations are. This wintertime gathering features professional ice carving, as well as a Model Train Expo at Loudonville’s Hans Event Center and a Snowball Dance hosted at American Legion Post 257. While you’re downtown, make sure to grab some local grub at the Black Fork Bistro or Stela’s Ice Cream Shoppe and Coffee House.

Buckeye Lake Winterfest | Jan. 31
Watch out Punxsutawney Phil, there’s another weather-predicting animal in town. At 6:30 a.m. on Buckeye Lake’s North Shore Boat Ramp, early-risers can gather to see if Benny the Bass takes the bait to declare when spring is coming. Afterward, visitors can warm up with food and dancing and see a special firework display.

Vermilion Ice-A-Fair | Feb. 7
Save the date for the 17th annual Ice-A-Fair, when downtown Vermilion becomes a feast for the eyes with over 50 ice sculptures from Cleveland’s Elegant Ice Creations. Watch fire and ice come together as music plays and fire dancers perform. Plus, enjoy a collection of live demonstrations, train rides and a frozen play space for kids. To cap off the festivities, head to the Vermilion Boat Club’s Melt Down Party, featuring raffles, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Cleveland Kurentovanje | Feb. 14
Take part in Slovenian traditions to usher in spring in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood during the annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. The free gathering offers a lively parade and festival featuring costumed “Kurents,” mythical creatures said to ward off winter. Other events leading up to the big day include the Kurent Jump on Feb. 7, where traditional dances take place around a fire while a DJ lights up the dance floor. The main event at the Slovenian National Home also includes a 5K, traditional Slovenian food, live music and more.

Downtown Perrysburg Winterfest | Feb. 20-22
Head to the corner of Perrysburg’s Louisiana Avenue and East Second Street for the 15th year of this winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a record-breaking 250 ice sculptures, as well as a warming station, hot chocolate crawl, s’mores party and scavenger hunt. Bring the little ones for a kids’ dash, giant inflatable Polar Bear Slide and bites from Detroit Mini Donuts. The festival ends with a 21-and-over Winter Bash. Tickets include entry, a complimentary drink and live music.

Medina Ice Festival | Feb. 20-23
Bundle up and head to Medina’s historic Public Square for this annual festival highlighting local pride and craftsmanship. The gathering kicks off on Friday night with events like a speed-carving challenge and 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 local shops and restaurants.

Brite Winter | Feb. 21
Although winter can be particularly rough along Lake Erie, that hasn’t stopped Clevelanders from coming out each February to show their support for the arts and live music. Since 2010, Brite Winter (which has been moved to the city’s Waterloo Arts District this year) has showcased local and regional music acts and artists while encouraging attendees to brave the cold. Acts include seven-piece rock group Loconti, husband-and-wife duo Hooked Like Helen, and alternative pop artist Adam Paddock.

Burning Snowman Festival | Feb. 28
Warm up your February at this annual 21-and-over event held behind Port Clinton’s Dock’s Beach House Restaurant. See a 25-foot snowman made from wood and paper set ablaze in a celebratory goodbye to winter, complete with bands, food and drinks. Leading up to the main event, shuttles ferry festivalgoers throughout Port Clinton, making stops at 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.

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