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 no ordinary sculptor. This Colorado-based artist brings an intuitive understanding of the natural world to everything he creates, from precious woods and locally harvested materials to ice, sand, snow, and marble. A Chicago native who found his home in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley in 1987, Thomas has competed in and won numerous prestigious competitions. His work captures movement and narrative in a way that makes each sculpture feel alive. He's even brought his artistic vision to five-star culinary creations alongside notable Chef Charles Dale!

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 on Art: First Friday 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. 

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!