Print PageThings are heating up in Richmond, Indiana this January! The sounds of chainsaws buzzing, children laughing and live music all welcome you as you arrive in Richmond for the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival from January 27-29th.
For the past 9 years, thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away have traveled to Richmond for the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival. It’s a cool festival you don’t want to miss!
Watch amazed as world-renowned ice artists transform the town into an unforgettable winter wonderland where exquisitely detailed carvings, thrilling ice carving competitions, lively winter activities, and fun collide.
Take in the magical creations along Richmond's Bike Loop. Meet the artists and pose with more than 35 dazzling sculptures. During the festival, over 22 tons of ice will be intricately designed and sculpted into works of art – that’s about three-and-a-half times as heavy as an Elephant.
Bring the whole family as there are amble opportunities for children to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. A visit to the Interactive Play Zone offers a cool experience that is sure to bring the biggest of smiles with it. Here, you and your family can enjoy a variety of games made of ice including corn hole, ping pong, chess, skee-ball and a chance to glide down an ice slide.
Stop by the Welcome Center to pick up your Magical Snowflakes Scavenger Hunt passport to embark on a journey through Downtown Richmond! Large snowflakes will be placed along Main St. & Jack Elstro Plaza with positive, uplifting quotes. Participants will collect code words from each snowflake to form a secret message. Completed passports earn you a gift bag plus an entry to win some big prizes including tickets for Disney on Ice, Skiing, Snow Tubing, and Ice Skating!
Things really heat up with a blazing hot show from Bales Fire Fox. Watch in awe as these local fire performers dance, twirl and breathe fire – it’s a must see show! The flames continue as the ice carvers take the stage in Elstro Plaza for the most anticipated ice carving event. The exhilarating ice sculpting competition takes place between pro carvers and 1,200 lbs. of ice using chainsaws, chisels and yes, flames! Join in on the fun as the audience cheers and chants for their favorites and ultimately decides the champion. This high-octane ice carving showdowns will take place Saturday, January 29th at 7:30 at Jack Elstro Plaza.
Additional activities taking place throughout the week include pub craws, hot chocolate, a drive-in movie, live music, fireworks and more! Grab your coats, hats and gloves and embark on a winter weekend getaway! For a full schedule of events visit the official Meltdown website.
You can’t go wrong with a weekend trip to one of the coolest festivals around! Discover special Meltdown Festival Packages to extend the fun!