Richmond's 2023 Meltdown Ice Festival will set the downtown area aglow with more than 22 tons of ice while being transformed into one-of-a- kind masterpieces. This outdoor family-fun event, will put you smack dab in a winter wonderland setting, full of sculptures, kid-friendly activities, and an ice flinging competition and more. There are several locations to visit during Meltdown, including Jack Elstro Plaza, Richmond's Downtown Main Street area, and the Historic Depot Area.Friday, January 27 Events: Snowflake Ornament Painting:  from 10-8pm at Paint the Towne (FREE), Come Build a Snowman with Olaf: Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream location & their concession trailer at Jack Elstro Plaza from 5-8pm, Find the Frozen Snowflake Fairy: Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream main location & Jack Elstro Plaza from 5-8pm; Frozen Costume Contest: 6-7pm at Ullery;s Homemade Ice Cream location, Family Play Zone: Jack Elstro Plaza 6-10pm, Food Trucks at Meltdown: 6-10pm at Jack Elstro Plaza, Live Entertainment with John Ford: 6-9pm at Firehouse BBQ & Blues, Acoustic Awakening Concert: beginning at 7:30pm at New Boswell Brewery & Tap Room, $2 Cover Charge ages (21+).Saturday, January 28 Events:Snowflake Ornament Painting: 10-6pm at Paint the Towne (FREE), Come Build a Snowman with Olaf: 12-6pm at Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream location & Jack Elstro Plaza, Find the Frozen Snowflake Fairy: 12-8pm at Ullery’s Ice Cream location & Jack Elstro Plaza, Food Truck at the Meltdown: 12-10pm Jack Elstro Plaza, Music and Magic: 1:30-7:15pm at The Reid Center, Ice Cream Eating Contest: 4pm at Jack Elstro Plaza, Meltdown Throwdown: 7:30pm at Jack Elstro Plaza, Live Entertainment Funkyard Dogs Concert: 8:30pm at New Boswell Brewery & Tap Room (Ages 21+) with a $5 Cover charge.Sunday, January 29:Enjoy seeing the finishined creations by walking, driving and viewing the ice sculptures located in the Jack Elstro Plaza, Downtown Richmond (Main Street) and Richmond's Historic Depot District.#MeltdownIceArt Hashtag Contest: Snap photos (starting Jan. 26 and ending Jan 30) of the beautiful frozen art sculptures located along Main Street & Jack Elstro Plaza, and Richmond's Historic Depot District. Then share your favorite photos on Instagram using the hashtag #MeltdownIceArt. With each photo uploaded on Instagram, you will be entered into three prize baskets full of wintertime frozen fun outings and events.There are no parking meters in Richmond. The city has developed an online map detailing the available places to park in the area. Since most of the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival events(link is external) take place in and around Jack Elstro Plaza, the closest parking lots are the North 6th Street Lot (The Legion Lot), the Downtown Parking Garage, and the South 6th Street Lot (The Elder-Beerman Lot).If you missed the earlier festivities, makes sure to walk or drive through on Sunday to view all the finished sculptures displayed along Main Street, Jack Elstro Plaza, and the Historic Depot District. For more information, please visit: https://richmondmeltdown.com/events/