Downtown Downers Grove transformed into a winter wonderland from Jan. 30- Feb. 1, 2026, as the village hosted its 17th annual Downers Grove Ice Festival. The festival featured dozens of ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and family-friendly activities throughout Downtown Downers. According to Erin Venezia, Executive Director of Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation, the village organizes the event to showcase winter art and bring people into town to boost business.
“The Ice Festival provides a fun, family-friendly reason to bundle up and come downtown,” Venezia said. “Downtown DG Management Corp organizes the festival to support local businesses and showcase all that Downtown Downers Grove has to offer, even in the heart of winter when foot traffic naturally dips.”
Attendees were able to watch professional ice carvers from Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures transform large blocks of ice into intricate sculptures during live demonstrations held on Friday evening at the corner of Main and Curtis, and Saturday and Sunday at the Main Street Train station. The Ice Festival has become a winter tradition in Downers Grove, drawing residents and visitors alike to experience art, entertainment, and local businesses during the coldest months of the year.
“I make it a habit to come down every year, but it still feels new every time,” Downers Grove resident Mary Morrissey said. “Everytime I hear the ice sculpture fest is going on, I make it a habit to reroute my morning walks with my dog downtown to look at all the art.”
The behind the scenes of making these sculptures is complex. According to Nadeau’s, it can take up to 48 hours to completely freeze a block of ice and there are secrets to ensuring that the block of ice is crystal clear, not bubbly or foggy. Professional ice blocks are made in freezing tanks and can weigh up to 280 pounds. When the ice is finally ready to be carved, it is up to the carver to make the intricate designs.
“You always start with blocking it out, getting the general shape in with the chainsaw, and then the details come later,” ice carver Jack Neiweem said. “It’s super fun being able to work with such a unique medium, and being able to show people something they might not have seen before.”
Sculptures featured a wide variety of designs from decorative sculptures like dogs and snowflakes to functional games like bucket toss and even the fan favorite kissing booth. Organizers said the variety of sculptures spread out on the streets of Downtown Downers helps promote local businesses by bringing more foot traffic to the area, with many local businesses having their own custom sculptures outside.
“We love the Ice Festival! It’s a great way to bring foot traffic into Downers and showcase all the businesses we have here. It also brings awareness to the diversity of offerings we have in our wonderful downtown,” Downers Grove Fair Game owner Rita Brezina said. “We had specific promotions and deals relating to the Ice Fest with a QR code in the window for people to scan and post photos of their Fair Game experience with our sculpture in attempts to get our name out to more people with a 20 percent coupon.”
In addition to bringing business to Downtown Downers Grove, the Ice Festival has been an event that has brought the community of Downers Grove together during the winter months, while also welcoming newcomers.
“The Ice Festival benefits the downtown and community by creating a reason to get out of the house, enjoy fresh air, and spend quality time with friends and family in the community. The event is free for attendees, making it accessible to everyone,” Venezia said. “All while showcasing the downtown as a lively, welcoming destination.”