Ely Winter Festival 2025 in Minnesota

The city of Ely, nestled on the Vermilion Iron Range in northeast Minnesota, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Every February, Ely hosts the Ely Winter Festival, a 10-day celebration of all things winter. The festival features impressive snow carvings in the park, an art walk, winter sports, live music, and delicious food. Visitors can enjoy sled dog rides, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities. Located north of Duluth, Ely offers a unique blend of art, adventure, and winter fun, making it a must-visit destination during the winter season.

Events & Activities

The Snow Sculpting Competition in Whiteside Park, the Downtown Arts Fair, and the Ely ArtWalk are the main attractions of the Ely Winter Festival. The ArtWalk, which showcases the work of over 170 artists and more than 600 pieces of art, transforms downtown shops into vibrant galleries, promoting local talent. With participation from over 50 stores, it’s a highlight of the festival. The Downtown Arts and Crafts Market also offers additional space for creators to display and demonstrate their works. Another popular event, Carver Jam, takes place at the Ely Steak House, where visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and live music or bring their instruments to join the musical fun.

Snow Sculpting Symposium (February 6–9, 2025)

The International Snow Sculpting Symposium is the highlight of the Ely Winter Festival, featuring large, intricate snow sculptures created by professional artists from across the U.S. and around the world. Held in Whiteside Park, this unique art exhibition allows visitors to walk through the park and watch the artists at work, creating stunning snow sculptures in real-time. Unlike a traditional competition, there are no awards, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie among the artists. Each sculpture is crafted by a team of artists led by a team leader. In addition to the symposium, the festival also hosts an Amateur Snow Sculpting Contest, giving local and emerging artists a chance to showcase their skills alongside the professionals.

Ely ArtWalk (February 1–28, 2025)

The Ely ArtWalk is an annual event held during the Ely Winter Festival, turning downtown Ely into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. The event features over 400 pieces of original artwork from more than 150 visual artists with direct ties to the Ely area. Art lovers can stroll through the downtown district, where the art is displayed in the windows and shops of local businesses. The exhibition showcases a wide range of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography and textiles, with much of the artwork available for sale. Free to the public, the Ely ArtWalk has become a highly anticipated winter event.

History of the Festival

The Ely Winter Festival began in 1984 with the Wilderness Trek ski race, later expanding into a multi-day celebration of outdoor activities, local crafts, and Ely's history. Over the years, it grew to include snow sculpting, the Mukluk Ball, and the Ely ArtWalk, showcasing local artists. Renamed in 2007, the festival now offers a variety of events like concerts, sled dog rides, and food, providing something for everyone.