Each winter, historic downtown Easton, Maryland transforms into a vibrant celebration of fire, ice, art, and community at the Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival — a free, family-friendly event that draws visitors from all over the Mid-Atlantic to embrace the season and explore the heart of town.
📅 What & When
The 2026 edition of the festival takes place on Friday, February 20 (5:00 PM–9:00 PM) and Saturday, February 21 (11:00 AM–8:00 PM).
But this celebration has roots in past years — every February, Easton fills with ice, fire, music, community spirit, and winter warmth.
❄️ Ice Sculptures Everywhere
At the heart of the festival are dozens of spectacular ice sculptures, carved by talented artists from IceLab and spread throughout Easton’s historic downtown. Wander through the streets and discover interactive giants like ice thrones, icy fireplaces, and even ice graffiti walls — perfect for photos and family memories.
Whether it’s classic sculpture viewing or watching live ice-carving demonstrations, there’s always something fascinating to see as these frozen masterpieces come to life.
🔥 The “Fire Trail” & Warm Moments
While ice steals the show visually, fire brings warmth and flavor:
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Fire Trail: A festive route of local businesses offering special treats, warm drinks, tasting events, and even fire pits to cozy up around.
Cascading Carlos: Returning to wow audiences with playful fire juggling and interactive performances in Thompson Park Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
This blend of fire and ice creates a unique winter ambiance — equal parts exhilarating and inviting.
🎶 Entertainment & Activities
The festival isn’t just about sights — there’s plenty to do:
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🎵 Live Music: Local bands and DJs fill the streets with energy and rhythm over both days.
⛸️ Outdoor Ice Skating: A free synthetic ice rink sponsored by Bluepoint Hospitality lets visitors of all ages glide around downtown.
🧒 Family Fun: The Children’s Icehouse offers crafts, games, readings, and Pokémon card events at the Talbot County Free Library.
🛍️ Shopping & Specials: Restaurants and shops throughout downtown offer seasonal specials, exclusive deals, and unique festival-themed items.
🍲 Stews & Brews: Cozy Inside Fun Too
For those looking to take a break from the cold, the Stews & Brews event (hosted by the Easton Volunteer Fire Department) runs during the festival weekend. Enjoy unlimited beer tastings, hearty stews, music, and games all in a warm indoor space — a perfect complement to the outdoor festivities.
📍 Why It’s Special
What makes Chesapeake Fire & Ice truly memorable is how it brings together art, culture, community, and winter spirit in one place. From ice art that dazzles the eye to fire-lit gatherings that warm the heart, this festival has something for everyone — families, couples, locals, and visitors alike.
Whether you’re strolling with hot chocolate in hand, snapping photos with glowing ice sculptures, or discovering downtown’s cozy corners, Chesapeake Fire & Ice is a celebration of winter at its best.
