32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival to Feature More Than 120 Ice Carvings and Competitions

MEDINA, OHIO — Winter weather in Northeast Ohio will bring more than just snow to the historic heart of Medina County as the 32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival takes over the city from Feb. 20 through Feb. 23, 2026. This four-day event has grown into one of the most significant winter traditions in the region, featuring more than 120 sculptures displayed across Medina Square and the South Town district. It is a free event that allows residents and visitors to explore the city's historic district while observing artists transform heavy blocks of ice into delicate works of art. The festival kicks off on Friday, Feb. 20, with a series of demonstrations designed for evening crowds. According to the event schedule released by Main Street Medina, speed-carving rounds will occur at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. These sessions are brief but intense, showcasing the precision needed to work with frozen mediums under a strict clock. At 7 p.m., the Fire and Ice Tower will be lit, a centerpiece display that combines a massive ice sculpture with a roaring fire inside. Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to the competitive aspects of the craft. The Individual Ice Carving Competition is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., where solo artists vie for technical honors. The following day, Sunday, Feb. 22, features the Team Ice Carving Competition during those same hours. This Sunday event typically draws large crowds to witness the collaborative effort required for massive, multi-block installations. The 120 carvings are distributed to encourage foot traffic through both the traditional square and the evolving South Town area. Many of these sculptures are sponsored by local businesses, a tradition that helps keep the festival free for the thousands of people who attend annually. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the conditions, as the carvings remain on view through Monday if temperatures stay low enough. For a full map of the sculpture locations or to check for weather-related updates, the public can visit the official Main Street Medina website. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.