Winter Wonder — Downtown Winter Carnival 2025

Erin Phillips

February, although the shortest month, can sometimes feel like the longest in Erie. The Erie Downtown Partnership understands this and gives us a reason to get out and enjoy all Erie has to offer during the doldrums of winter with their annual Downtown Winter Carnival featuring ice sculptures, skating, live music, and more.

*Due to external circumstances, the ice sculptures in Perry Square are not able to be displayed this weekend along with the rest of the festivities. The sculptures will still come to Erie next weekend, from Feb. 28 to Mar. 2.  All other parts of the event will go on as planned this weekend including the Soup Stroll, fire dancing, skating events, Frozen movie screening, and live music in downtown businesses.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, FEB. 20

For many, the winter months can seem to drag on — less sunlight and colder temps combined with the snow can often mean fewer events and activities. But the Erie Downtown Partnership's Winter Carnival is back for 2025 and offers a fun-filled weekend that's sure to banish those winter woes.

Taking place Feb. 20 to 23 in Downtown Erie, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the weekend including fire dancing performances, live music, ice skating, live ice sculpting of more than 60 ice art pieces, and more.

Aside from live entertainment, there's more fun that the whole family can get involved in — Saturday and Sunday will see themed days at the ice rink, in which attendees can come dressed in their favorite cosplay (Saturday) or Disney character (Sunday) for free hot cocoa. Sunday will also include a free family screening of Frozen at the Masonic Temple at 32 W. Eighth St. with crafts and snacks.

"Winter Carnival has quickly become one of our most asked-about and most popular events," said Dave Tamulonis, events and marketing manager at Erie Downtown Partnership. "Our goal is to embrace Erie's winter weather with this event and give folks an opportunity to enjoy both inside and outside activities while we still have snow and ice."

Check out the full schedule of events:

Additions/adjustments may be made to schedule as necessary

THURSDAY, FEB 20

6 - 8 p.m. – Kickoff Party at Flagship City Food Hall with Lifethrumusic

Attendees will be able to see the beginning of ice sculpting process in Perry Square

FRIDAY, FEB 21

4 - 6 p.m. – Live ice sculpting in Perry Square

4 - 6 p.m. – Live music at Voodoo Brewery

6 - 7 p.m. – Fire Dancing on the Perry Square stage with Jennifer Dennehy & Fire Friends

SATURDAY, FEB 22

Noon - 4 p.m. – Live ice sculpting in Perry Square

Noon - 8 p.m. – Cosplay Day at the Downtown Skating Rink - dress up as your favorite character for free hot cocoa

Noon - 1 p.m. – Live music at Ember+Forge

1 - 2 p.m. – Live music at Copper Carriage

2 - 3 p.m.– Live music at The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure

3 - 4 p.m. – Live music at Glass Growers Gallery

4 - 6 p.m. – Live music at Flagship City Food Hall

6 - 7 p.m. – Fire Dancing on the Perry Square stage with Jennifer Dennehy & Fire Friends

SUNDAY, FEB 23

Noon - 4 p.m. – Disney Day at the Downtown Skating Rink - dress up as your favorite character for free hot cocoa

Noon - 1 p.m. – Live music at Purrista Cat Café

1 - 3 p.m. – Free family screening of Frozen at the Masonic Temple with crafts and snacks

1 - 2 p.m. – Live music at City Supply

2 - 3 p.m. – Live music at Primo Tailors

3 - 4 p.m. – Live music at Bespoke Tailoring