Fire and Ice Festival

Each February, when much of the world hibernates, Canandaigua comes alive with the annual Fire & Ice Festival.

Celebrating its 10th edition in 2026, this winter festival brings together fire and ice to showcase the best of both worlds through live ice-sculpting demonstrations, a speed-carving competition, fire shows, winter animal meet-and-greets, culinary experiences, and more.

Ranked as one of the Top Winter Festivals by Forbes, the 2026 Fire & Ice Festival promises to create unforgettable memories worthy of every winter bucket list.
 

• The Essentials
• Attractions and Events
• Make it a Winter Getaway

The Essentials

Hosted in Canandaigua, N.Y., and organized by the Canandaigua Business Improvement District, the Fire & Ice Festival is a two-day celebration that invites winter enthusiasts to experience the magic of two opposing elements: fire and ice. The 2026 event takes place Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and continues Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival unfolds along Canandaigua’s Main Street (115 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) and throughout participating downtown shops. General parking is available at Canandaigua’s Free Public Parking lot (25 Pleasant St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) and the City Parking Lot (37R Bristol St., Canandaigua, N.Y.). You can view a map highlighting parking options here.
 

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Attractions and Events

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Fire & Ice Demonstrations

One of the festival’s signature experiences includes live demonstrations by Ice Farm Professional Ice Sculptors, where sculptors will create giant ice sculptures lining Main Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a 15-minute speed-carving competition starting at 4 p.m.

World record holder The Fire Guy will amaze attendees with his interactive fire shows on Maxion Stage at The Commons Park (152 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) at 2:30 and 6 p.m. For the 2026 edition, the festival will also host fire-building competitions and world record holder and Food Network guest sculptor, Eric Jones, will create an enormous, must-see snow sculpture. 
 

Alpacas, Exotic Animals, and Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides!

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Kindred Moon Siberian Huskies Sled Dog Team and learn about these incredible dogs and their way of life as a sled dog team—pets allowed!—and stop by the Wildlife Rockstars spot to meet exotic animals such as birds, reptiles, and more. If a cozy, soft fleece is more your vibe, be sure to visit local favorite Lazy Acre Alpacas, where friendly alpacas will be waiting to meet you. Horse-drawn wagon rides are also available throughout the streets of historic downtown Canandaigua during the festival, free of charge, from 12 to 3 p.m.

Culinary and Beverage Trails

Starting at 11 a.m., Comfort in a Cup Beverage Trail invites attendees to sip and stroll through downtown, with participating local businesses offering a special drink along the way. Celebrating the warmth of Canandaigua’s local culinary scene and the “fire” side of the weekend, the festival will also host the Best of Canandaigua Chef’s Challenge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where local chefs will showcase their signature dishes inspired by this year’s theme, “One Pot Wonders.” Visitors are invited to purchase tickets to taste the entries and help determine the 2026 festival winner. 

You can find tickets for both culinary experiences at www.downtowncanandaigua.com. It is recommended to purchase these in advance. 

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

The Comfort in a Cup Beverage Trail will be available starting at 11 a.m., with horse-drawn wagon rides offered from 12 to 3 p.m. Throughout the streets, winter-themed characters will be available for photos, alongside stilt walkers, first responders, and a variety of vendors offering food, beverages, and more.

For a complete list of events, visit www.downtowncanandaigua.com/schedule-of-events.

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Make it a Winter Getaway

The Fire & Ice Festival is the perfect occasion to plan a winter getaway. After enjoying ice sculpting, fire shows, and Finger Lakes cuisine, head to Bristol Mountain to ski or snowshoe, book a spa experience at Willowbrook Spa at The Lake House on Canandaigua, ice skate at Eastview Mall, and explore more of the Finger Lakes wine and craft beverage scene at one of the area’s local wineries. Wherever you go, Ontario County is the perfect companion for your winter experience.
 

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