Downtown Winter Magic Takes Shape: Two Nights of Live Ice Carving Returns

The Fourth Annual Live Ice Carving Returns to Old Town Square

Bundle up for something extraordinary! Our teams at the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Visit Fort Collins are thrilled to present a Live Ice Carving Sculpture - and this year, we're going bigger than ever with an enchanting two-night experience you won't want to miss.

Watch a Winter Wonder Unfold

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, as Old Town Square transforms into an open-air gallery of frozen artistry. Starting around 4 pm each evening, master ice sculptor Thomas Barlow of Struckman Sculpture Ice will carve a magnificent ice castle that grows and evolves before your eyes. Watch as the massive blocks of ice begin on Friday night to become a captivating, larger-than-life frozen masterpiece by Saturday evening.

Meet the Artist Behind the Magic

Thomas Barlow is a local Colorado artist who brings an intuitive vision of the natural world through inspired, expressive carvings. An accomplished and diverse media artist, his artistic expression includes sculpting in marble, wood, sand, snow, and ice, as well as the culinary arts. Each sculpture, each creation, reveals figuration and movement which allows him to capture a unique narrative flow and expression.

A Chicago native, Thomas moved to the Roaring Fork Valley (Aspen) in 1987 and has participated and placed in numerous events, competitions, and exhibits. He has also worked with notable Chef Charles Dale, where he applied his artistic abilities to stellar culinary creations for five-star dining. He works on projects across the Front Range and is a strong advocate for producing local art in public spaces.

A Free Experience for Everyone

This is Downtown Fort Collins at its best: free, family-friendly, and full of marvel. Watch the transformation happen in real-time, snap photos with the evolving ice castle, and snag some fun winter swag (while supplies last!). Whether you're warming up with hot cocoa from a nearby shop or exploring our downtown eateries between carving sessions, you'll find plenty of ways to fill an evening. For those retreat enthusiasts who want to make an entire weekend of it and enjoy a little staycation, check out our Downtown Winter Lodging Guide! 

See Art Come to Life

There's something mesmerizing about watching a skilled artist transform frozen blocks into intricate sculptures. Join your neighbors, bring the family, and experience the fusion of beauty, art, and nature in the heart of our dynamic downtown gathering place.

A Night of Art: Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ Meets Frozen Masterpieces

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 6. It's a double dose of creativity in Downtown Fort Collins! Our monthly Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ coincides with the first night of live ice carving, making it the perfect evening to explore a variety of art-minded local businesses, meet local artists, and watch winter art take shape in Old Town Square. 

Just a few steps from Old Town Square, stop by the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center (a participating Art Walk business) on Friday, February 6, for an interactive evening of creativity, fun, and sipping chocolate offered by Nuance Chocolate (the first 100 are free!). Grab a castle-themed coloring sheet, enjoy live music, complimentary hot chocolate from Old Town Spice Shop, and map out your Art Walk route to discover all the art-filled experiences waiting throughout downtown.

Bonus: The magic continues Saturday night with more live ice carving in Old Town Square, music, more hot chocolate offered by Old Town Spice Shop, and coloring fun at the Welcome Center! For those who can't wait to let their coloring imagination run wild, you can download a printable version here. 

Relive the Magic: Ice Sculptures Throughout the Years

Browse these photos from some of the past ice carvings to see what's in store, then plan to spend the entire evening immersed in art throughout our vibrant downtown. Two free art experiences, one unforgettable night!