It is cold. There is no getting around the fact that Ohio in mid-January is basically a giant freezer with better highway access. But if you’re sitting on your couch thinking there is nothing to do until the thaw in April, you’re missing out on some of the weirdest, most localized fun the state offers.
Honestly, winter festivals in Ohio this weekend are less about "surviving the cold" and more about leaning into it with a beer in one hand and a puffer jacket that makes you look like a marshmallow.
From ice carvers racing against a clock in Columbus to a literal "Frozen Festival" in the Hocking Hills, the schedule for January 17–18, 2026, is surprisingly packed. You’ve got options. You just have to be willing to scrape the frost off your windshield first.
The Big Ones: Where the Crowds Are Heading
If you want the "capital city" experience, the Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus is the heavy hitter. It’s been running since Wednesday, but Saturday and Sunday are the peak.
They do this thing called "Fire & Ice" at 7:00 PM. It's basically a high-speed carver showdown where the pros from Rock on Ice have 45 minutes to turn a block of frozen water into something that doesn't look like a block of frozen water. The crowd picks the winner. It's intense in a very specific, chilly way.
They also have a synthetic ice rink. If you aren't a pro skater, don't worry—half the people there are just trying not to fall into the food truck line. Speaking of food, Dirty Frank’s is the truck of choice this Saturday. Get a hot dog; it helps with the shivering.
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Hocking Hills and the Logan Frozen Festival
Most people think of Hocking Hills for summer hiking, but the Annual Winter Hike is happening this Saturday, January 17. It starts at Old Man’s Cave between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Here is the pro tip: after you finish the six-mile trek (and see the frozen waterfalls, which are actually stunning), don't just go home. Head ten miles down the road to downtown Logan for the 9th Annual Logan Frozen Festival.
It’s free. It’s kitschy. It’s great. They line Main Street with ice sculptures, and there’s usually some sort of "snowman coloring contest" or live music happening. It’s the perfect way to thaw out your toes after a morning in the woods.
Northeast Ohio’s Ice Obsession
Up north, the lake effect is real, but so is the commitment to outdoor festivals.
Mentor Chill Out is taking over the Civic Center Complex on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This isn't just a walk-and-look event. They have something called the Zamboni Pull.
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Yes, people literally pull a Zamboni.
It’s exactly as Midwest as it sounds. If you have kids, there’s a video game truck and a "synthetic" skating rink here too. It’s a solid five hours of distraction for a Saturday afternoon.
Nearby, the Fire and Ice Walk at Lorain County Metroparks (Vermilion River Reservation) is happening Sunday, January 18. This one is a bit more "vibe-heavy." You walk along the icy cliffs of the Vermilion River, and they’ve got fire pits scattered around for s'mores. You do need to register for this one though, so don't just show up and expect a stick for your marshmallow without a ticket.
Beer, Bluegrass, and Boats
Maybe you don’t want to stand in a snowbank. I get it. There are a few "indoor festivals" that count if you’re flexible with the definition.
- Celina Craft Beer and Wine Festival: This is happening Saturday, January 17, over in Mercer County. If your idea of a festival is "tasting 40 different IPAs while wearing a flannel," this is your destination.
- Bourbon and Bluegrass: Head to Columbiana on Saturday. It’s exactly what the name implies. High-end bourbon, fast banjos, and zero wind chill because it’s indoors.
- Progressive Cleveland Boat Show: It’s at the I-X Center all weekend. Look, it’s not a "festival" with a ferris wheel, but thousands of people show up to pretend they’re on Lake Erie in July. It’s a vibe.
Marietta’s Hidden Gem
Don't sleep on Southeast Ohio. The Marietta Ice Festival hits the historic downtown on Saturday from noon to 5:00 PM. Marietta is one of the coolest towns in the state regardless of the weather, but seeing the brick streets lined with ice carvings is something else. It feels very "Dickensian," if Dickens lived in Ohio and wore Carhartt.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Winter Festivals
The biggest mistake? Dressing for the "walk from the car."
You aren't walking from the car; you're standing on pavement or frozen grass for three hours. If you aren't wearing wool socks, you’re going to have a bad time.
Also, check the wind. A 30-degree day in Columbus is fine. A 30-degree day in Mentor with a 20mph wind off Lake Erie will turn your face into a popsicle in roughly six minutes.
Your Game Plan for the Weekend
If you're trying to maximize your time, here’s how to handle festivals in Ohio this weekend without burning out.
- Saturday Morning: Hit the Hocking Hills Winter Hike. Get there early (9:00 AM) to beat the heaviest crowds.
- Saturday Afternoon: Slide over to the Logan Frozen Festival for lunch and ice sculptures.
- Saturday Night: If you're near Columbus, finish at Franklin Park Conservatory for the Fire & Ice show at 7:00 PM.
- Sunday: Take it easy. Head to the Cleveland Boat Show or the Fire and Ice Walk in Vermilion for a slower pace.
Bring cash. Even in 2026, some of these smaller vendor stalls at the craft shows or smaller festivals have spotty Wi-Fi for their card readers. Plus, it’s faster when you’re trying to buy a hot cocoa with frozen fingers.
The state is big, the weather is unpredictable, but the festivals are real. Get out there.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official Franklin Park Conservatory website to grab "Special Engagement" tickets for the Winter Ice Festival, as they often sell out for Saturday nights. If you're heading to the Fire and Ice Walk in Lorain County, verify your registration status on the Metroparks portal before making the drive. Finally, toss an extra pair of dry socks and a thermos in your trunk—you’ll thank yourself by 3:00 PM.