Blowing Rock Winterfest 2025 in North Carolina

Over twenty years, Blowing Rock WinterFest celebrates all things winter. The annual weekend event that takes place every January features a polar bear plunge in Chetola Lake, ice-carvings, chili cook-off, wine tastings, auctions, and other activities. The main highlights of the festival also include a WinterFest beer garden and a fashion show.

Festival Program & Events

With ice sculptures put on display in front of many downtown businesses and with holiday lights twinkling on the streets, the town of Blowing Rock transforms into a winter wonderland. More masterpieces made of ice can be seen during Ice Carving Demos that are held on Saturday in the Memorial Park. On Friday, from 4 to 7 pm, visitors can take an Ice Stroll in Downtown Blowing Rock and witness the breathtaking ice sculptures with their own eyes.

Auto fans have a chance to participate in the Hendrick Hunt contest by spotting various Hendrick Automotive Group vehicles around town. The winner receives a vehicle refresh, a cash prize, yeti cooler, and a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express. Meadowbrook Inn is set to host the Beer Garden from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, showcasing delicious varieties of beers, spirits, and ales.

If you think you've got what it takes, take part in the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge and present your best chili recipe. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy a wine-tasting event at Green Park Inn, while dog owners will have a chance to proudly display their furry friends at the WinterPaws Dog Show in Blowing Rock School Gym on Sunday. This is a fun event where pets compete in categories like Best Dog Trick, Cutest Dog, and more.

WinterFeast (January 25, 2025)

More than 15 eateries gather under one roof during the restaurant showcase, aptly called WinterFeast, at the Historic Green Park Inn. The event kickstarts the jam-packed schedule of activities at the Blowing Rock Winterfest. Attendees indulge their taste buds with a variety of delicious food, followed by a scrumptious dessert and a mouthwatering cocktail. There are usually two seating times: at 5:30 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are required to attend the event.

Polar Bear Plunge (January 27, 2025)

WinterFeast is one of the most popular events of the festival, along with the Saturday Polar Bear Plunge, where anyone can put on a costume and become the “Golden Plunger. Taking place at the Chetola Resort on the shore of the Chetola Lake, the event gathers hundreds of spectators and numerous participants, wanting to challenge themselves. The plunge begins early in the morning at 8 am with a check-in, with first daredevils jumping at 10 am.

Location

The beautiful town of Blowing Rock is nestled on Blue Ridge Parkway at an elevation of 3,566 ft (1,086 m). Blowing Rock Winterfest spans throughout numerous venues because of its diverse program, including Chetola Resort, Green Park Inn, Blowing Rock School, and other locations. Blowing Rock is situated approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Boone, North Carolina, another city on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.