Culver Winterfest is a fantastic 3-day festival for the whole family to enjoy! Join us February 7th, 8th and 9th, 2024, to celebrate all things winter. Starting Friday, come tour the ice sculptures throughout town, all hand-carved live by professional ice carvers from Rock On Ice. The rest of the weekend is packed with more winter fun, from the Cupid’s Dart, to the Polar Plunge, and Chili Cook-Off, there’s no shortage of activities here in Culver during Winterfest. We will also have a sledding hill at the Park, open to the public all weekend long. If you’d like to opt for an indoor activity, we proudly present the Cupid’s Crawl shopping event, Cupid’s Karaoke at the Lakehouse Grille, the Farmer’s Market hosted by our local Library. Saturday night is the can’t miss event, the Ice Fights, which two ice sculptors at a time go head to head to create the most unique sculptures while they race against the clock. Enjoy the show while sipping a refreshment at the beer garden on Saturday night. Scroll down for a video featuring 2023 Winterfest, tentative 2025 Winterfest schedule, and more information.

2025 Schedule

(subject to change - please check back for updates)

Friday, February 7

• Ice Sculpture Tour: All Day. Location: Around Town. Check out crafted ice sculptures sponsored by individuals and businesses all around town! Sponsor an ice sculpture for your business, family or any occasion (sponsorship form below).

• Couple’s Canvas (Date night activity!): 6 pm - 8pm. Location: Handmade Happenings (109 S. Main St. Culver, IN)

  Sip & Paint with your sweetheart. 2 halves make a whole with this fun date night activity. For more information visit Handmade Happenings on Facebook.

• Cupids’ Karaoke & Cocktails: 9:30 pm. Sing your heart out at the Lakehouse Grille! (615 E. Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511)

Saturday, February 8

• Ice Sculpture Tour: All Day. Location: Around Town. Check out crafted ice sculptures sponsored by individuals and businesses all around town!

• Lions Club Pancake Breakfast: 8-11 am. Location: Train Depot (615 E Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511). Enjoy a savory and sweet breakfast with the local philanthropy group, Culver Lions Club!

• Cupid’s Dart 5K and 1 Mile: 9 am. Location: Culver Beach Lodge (819 E. Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511). Grab those running (or walking) shoes to participate in a casual fun run/walk around town. Maps will be provided, registration NOT required and be sure to show up at least 10 minutes before to prepare.

• Free Community Yoga Class: 10 am. Location: Culver Beach Lodge (819 E Lake Shore Dr. Culver, IN 46511). Open to all ages and levels. Be sure to bring a yoga mat and a friend!

• Indoor Farmers’ Market: 10 am-1 pm. Location: Culver & Union Township Public Library (107 N. Main Street Culver, IN 46511). Shop locally crafted goods!

• Vase Painting: 2 pm - 4 pm. Location: Handmade Happenings (109 S. Main St. Culver, IN) Join us for a vase painting activity that is as unique as you are! This hands-on experience is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to create something special together. For more information visit Handmade Happenings on Facebook.

~ THE MAIN EVENT ~

• Ice Fights, Beer Garden & S’mores: 6-10 pm. Location: Train Depot in the Culver Park (615 E Lakeshore Dr.). Join us for the BIG event of the weekend!!! Watch as ice sculptors compete while enjoying some adult beverages and roasting some marshmallows. Open to all ages. For those drinking alcohol, please obtain a wristband and stay inside the designated beer garden fence.

  • The Culver PTO “KID ZONE” will be located inside of the Train Depot building featuring snacks, activities, movie and more! Be sure to pick up your s’mores kit and hot cocoa inside of the Depot building for a sweet treat while you watch the Ice Fights.

Sunday, February 9

• Ice Sculpture Tour: All Day. Location: Around Town. Check out crafted ice sculptures sponsored by individuals and businesses all around town!

• Grab & Go Lions Club Breakfast: 8-11 am. Location: Train Depot (615 E Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511).

• Polar Plunge: 12-2 pm Location: Culver Beach (819 E Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511). Jump into Lake Maxinkuckee through the ice!!! Want to get a little more creative and fun? Put on a costume and grab a friend! First 50 participants will receive a Culver Winterfest towel. The Culver & Union Township Fire Department will be present. Registration required (registration link below!). Polar Plunge participant registration and waiver signing will take place between 12-12:45 pm. ALL PARTICIPANTS (pre-registered and day of registrants) need to arrive between 12-12:45 pm.

  • Polar Plunge Participant Check In:12-12:45 PM. ALL Polar Plunge participants need to arrive between 12-12:45 pm for registration at Beach Lodge Concession Stand. Registration/check in ends @ 12:45 pm.

  • Polar Plunge Participant Jumping: 1 pm. Location: Culver Beach (819 E Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511).

• Chili Cook Off: 1-3 pm. Location: Culver Beach Lodge Conference Room (819 E Lakeshore Dr. Culver, IN 46511). Participate for the title of Best Chili or just enjoy the samples :) Participant registration required (registration link below!). It is free to be a chili cook-off participant and $5 to eat/vote on the chili! There will be a bake sale as well by the CCHS swim team so be sure to bring cash for chili and some baked goods!

Be on the look out for ice skaters, ice fishers and ice sailors on Lake Maxinkuckee all weekend long!!! *** Please check local and national guidelines for ice thickness safety before participating on activities on Lake Maxinkuckee. For more information, please visit https://survivalskills.guide/how-to-tell-if-ice-is-safe-to-walk-on/