We turned Rice Park into Ice Sculpture Park again in 2026 for the 140th Winter Carnival, and the cold didn't stop the brave carvers! This signature Winter Carnival event returns but bigger and better, as blocks of ice are transformed into beautiful masterpieces by ice carvers. Endless photo opportunities are available in Ice Sculpture Park with amazing creations in ice and are lit up at night for an even better experience!
Both team and individual ice carving competitions kicked off on the evening of January 22nd and were guided by a strict set of rules, requiring artists to utilize their best creative thinking. Additionally, competitor's sculptures had to be consistent with a sketch that was proposed and selected by the Selection Committee. Rice Park was buzzing with creativity as artists carved 300-pound blocks of ice during the first weekend of Carnival.
The multi-block teams had 48 hours – from 7 p.m. on Thursday to 7 p.m. on Saturday - to finish their masterpieces with 10 blocks of ice.
Ice sculptures can be viewed throughout Rice Park during the 10 days of Carnival through February 1, 2026, 10 am-10 pm.