Cedarburg Winter Carnival 2026: Dates, Times and Schedule

Bundle up and head to historic Cedarburg for one of southeastern Wisconsin's most beloved winter celebrations. The Cedarburg Winter Carnival transforms this charming downtown into a winter wonderland filled with racing beds, ice sculptures, local vendors, and enough hot soup to warm even the coldest February day.

Whether you're watching teams race decorated beds down frozen Cedar Creek, cheering on determined dogs at the sled pull, or sampling award-winning soups from local restaurants, this free community festival offers something for everyone in the family. The 2026 festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22.

What Makes Cedarburg's Winter Carnival Special

For decades, this two-day celebration has brought together the best of what makes Cedarburg unique: artistic talent, competitive spirit, local businesses, and genuine community pride. Unlike larger festivals, the Winter Carnival maintains its small-town charm while offering big-time entertainment. You can watch professional ice carvers create masterpieces, shop from local artisans, enjoy a Scout pancake breakfast, and participate in events that have become cherished traditions for families across the region.

Saturday's Festivities

Vendor Marketplace (11:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

Escape the cold and browse the Community Gym's curated selection of local artisans, makers, and specialty vendors. This indoor marketplace is perfect for finding unique gifts while supporting small businesses. Parents will appreciate the complimentary Kid's Craft area—a lifesaver when little ones need a creative break.

Ice Carving Competition (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Watch skilled artists transform massive blocks of ice into intricate sculptures throughout the day. The finished pieces line Washington Avenue, creating an outdoor gallery of frozen art. Don't miss your chance to vote for the People's Choice award. This year's winners showcased incredible talent, with professional carver Jimy Dennis taking Best in Show for his Union House creation.

Bed Races (1:30 - 2:00 PM)

This is the event everyone talks about. Teams race decorated beds down frozen Cedar Creek (or along Washington Avenue if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate), competing for speed, creativity, and neighborhood bragging rights. The 2025 champions, Cream & Crepe, took home both Best Costume and People's Choice, while the Suburban Hogs claimed the speed title. It's hilarious, heartwarming, and quintessentially Cedarburg.

Receipt Raffle (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Shopping downtown? Spend $10 or more at any participating merchant and receive a raffle ticket for great prizes. Winners announced at 4:00 PM in the Community Gym.

Après Ski Lodge (4:00 - 7:00 PM)

Details for this cozy gathering are announced closer to the festival date—check the Cedarburg Festivals website for updates.

Sunday's Events

Scout's Pancake Breakfast (8:00 - 10:00 AM)

Start your festival morning right with a hearty pancake breakfast served by local Boy Scouts in the Community Gym. It's delicious, affordable, and supports a wonderful community tradition.

Dog Sled Pull (12:00 PM)

The Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin hosts this crowd-pleasing demonstration outside the Community Gym. Watch powerful dogs showcase their strength and teamwork—and if you're feeling brave, bring your own pup to give it a try! This open-to-the-public event always draws enthusiastic spectators and impressive canine athletes.

Restaurant Soup Contest (12:00 - 2:30 PM)

Warm up from the inside out by sampling soups from Cedarburg's finest restaurants. Taste, compare, and vote for your favorite. This year's People's Choice winner was Stilt House's Chicken Gnocchi—but with competition this delicious, every entry is a winner. It's an excellent way to discover new dining spots while supporting local restaurants.

Granny Impersonator Bingo (2:30 - 4:30 PM)

End the weekend with laughs at this playful twist on classic bingo. A hilarious Granny impersonator hosts the game with plenty of sass, humor, and fun prizes. It's entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Downtown Cedarburg (Community Gym at W63 N643 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor)

Parking: Street parking and public lots available throughout downtown. Arrive early during peak times (Saturday afternoon for Bed Races, Sunday midday for Soup Contest).

Admission: Free! Individual activities may have small fees.

What to Bring: Dress warmly for outdoor events, bring cash for vendors and food, and don't forget your camera for the ice sculptures and Bed Races.

Family-Friendly Tips: The Kid's Craft area in the Community Gym provides a perfect indoor break. The Scout breakfast and Soup Contest offer easy meal options. Plan rest stops in the heated Vendor Marketplace.

Why You Should Go

The Cedarburg Winter Carnival proves that February in Wisconsin doesn't have to mean cabin fever. This festival celebrates everything great about winter—community spirit, outdoor fun, local artistry, and the determination to make the most of our frozen season. Whether you're a longtime fan or first-time visitor, you'll discover why this event has become a cherished tradition for families across southeastern Wisconsin.

The best part? The festival's organizers listen to their community. Window displays, ice sculptures, and soup entries compete for People's Choice awards, meaning visitors help shape the festival experience.

For More Information:

• Phone: 262-377-3891

• Email: info@cedarburgfestivals.org

• Website: Check cedarburgfestivals.org for updates and detailed schedules

Note: Event schedule is tentative and subject to change. Check the official Cedarburg Festivals website for the most current information before attending.

The Cedarburg Winter Carnival proves that the best antidote to winter blues is getting outside, supporting your community, and racing a bed down a frozen creek. See you there!