Blowing Rock WinterFest 2026: Dates, Full Schedule, Tickets, and Local Tips
If you’ve never done winter in Blowing Rock, this is the weekend to fix that. Blowing Rock WinterFest 2026 is a four-day celebration packed with ice sculptures, food events, a famously chilly lake plunge, and a whole lot of small-town mountain charm—plus many activities double as fundraisers for local nonprofits.
Below is a super detailed, plan-your-trip-ready guide with the festival start/end dates and a day-by-day schedule (with times, locations, and ticket notes).
Blowing Rock WinterFest 2026 at a glance
- Festival dates (start–end): Thursday, January 22, 2026 → Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Where: Blowing Rock, North Carolina (events happen downtown + key venues like Chetola, Memorial Park, the School Gym, BRAHM, and more).
- Presented by: Hendrick Automotive Group (as listed by the Chamber and Blowing Rock tourism info).
- Good to know: Some events are free, others are ticketed, and popular ticketed events can sell out.
Blowing Rock WinterFest 2026 schedule of events (official highlights)
All times below are local time (Eastern).
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Thursday, January 22, 2026
WinterFest Hendrick Car Hunt (kickoff + runs all weekend)
- Time: 3:00 PM (Thu) → 11:00 AM (Sun)
- Where: Around Blowing Rock (hunt-style event across town)
WinterFeast at Chetola (signature food kickoff)
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- Seatings: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM (“Cruise Style Seating”)
- Where: Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock, 185 Chetola Lake Dr
- Ticket: $85 (includes multi-course tasting + one drink ticket; cash bar also available)
- Extra helpful detail: If you want to sit with friends, you’ll want to buy tickets together (the event notes group seating guidance).
- Who’s cooking: The event lists participating restaurants like Bistro Rocca, Gideon Ridge, Hellbender, The Speckled Trout, Storie Street Grille, Twigs, and more (plus dessert providers).
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Friday, January 23, 2026
Artisan Ice Stroll (ice sculptures + downtown strolling)
- Time: 4:00 PM → 8:00 PM
- Where: Downtown Blowing Rock (sculptures in front of businesses and in/near Memorial Park)
- Cost: Listed as a stroll event with a printable 2026 map available
- Important note: The duration of the sculptures depends on weather, so it’s smart to put this on your earlier-evening plan.
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Saturday, January 24, 2026 (the BIG day)
- Free WinterFest Shuttle (super useful for parking + moving around)
- Time: 10:00 AM → 5:00 PM
- Route: Shoppes on the Parkway ↔ Memorial Park (free)
Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake (iconic WinterFest moment)
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- Event window: 8:00 AM → 11:00 AM
- Plunge time: 10:00 AM (must be checked in by 9:30 AM to plunge)
- Where: Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Dr
- Cost: Free for spectators; $45 to plunge (includes a commemorative item)
- What to bring: The event specifically recommends a towel and blanket for after you get out.
- Safety note: The event page states no one under the influence of drugs/alcohol may participate.
Ice Carving Demo & Aluminum Pour (live demos + wow factor)
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- Time: 10:00 AM → 5:00 PM
- Where: Memorial Park, 1040 Main St
- What’s special: Live carving + a featured aluminum pour (note: pour may be canceled in rain).
Mountain Alliance Silent Auction (local treasures + teen support fundraiser)
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- Time: 10:00 AM → 4:00 PM
- Where: American Legion Hall, 333 Wallingford St (Blowing Rock)
- How it works: Bidding is online, but you can visit in person to view items and talk to volunteers.
Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge (eat chili + “vote” with donations)
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- Time: 11:00 AM → 2:00 PM (or until chili runs out)
- Where: Blowing Rock School Gym, 165 Morris St
- Ticket: $10
- Pro tip: The event notes limited tickets at the door (cash only), and encourages getting tickets online.
- Extra fun: It also lists restaurant + nonprofit pairings and a cornbread cook-off tie-in.
Story Time & Extended Hours at the Blowing Rock Community Library (kid-friendly break)
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- Story time: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
- Extended hours: 10:00 AM → 5:00 PM
Hot Chocolate & Hayrides (cozy, family-friendly classic)
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- Time: 12:00 PM → 3:00 PM
- Where: Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave
- What to expect: Complimentary hot chocolate + hayrides through downtown.
WinterFest Beer Garden (craft pours + social vibes)
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- Time: 1:00 PM → 4:00 PM
- Where: The parking lot between The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop and The Speckled Trout Outfitters
- Ticket: $50
- Age/ID: Must be 21+ with photo ID; wristbands are issued on site and the listing notes you’ll receive a WinterFest 2026 tasting glass.
- Address reference: The venue list shows The Speckled Trout at 922 Main Street.
Wine & Dine for the Mind (Rotary Wine Tasting + Silent Auction)
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- Time: 5:00 PM → 7:00 PM
- Where: BRAHM’s Alexander Community Gallery (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum)
- Ticket: $40
- Why it matters: The Chamber listing explains proceeds support Alzheimer’s research (CART) and BRAHM’s “Art in Mind” initiative.
- Museum address reference: BRAHM is listed at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane.
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Sunday, January 25, 2026
- WinterPaws Dog Show (the cutest finale)
- Time: 12:00 PM → 3:00 PM
- Where: Blowing Rock Elementary School Gym, 165 Morris St
- Cost: Free for spectators; enter your dog for $5 per category
- What happens: Costume contest + fun categories (clever tricks, lookalikes, “Best in Show,” etc.).
Ticket prices and what’s free vs. paid at Blowing Rock Winterfest 2026
Here’s a practical way to budget:
- Typically free (or free to watch)
- Artisan Ice Stroll (downtown sculpture walk; weather dependent)
- Polar Bear Plunge — spectators watch free
- WinterPaws — spectators free
- Saturday shuttle between Shoppes on the Parkway and Memorial Park
- Ticketed highlights (popular!)
- WinterFeast: $85
- Polar Bear Plunge (participant registration): $45
- Chilly Chili Challenge: $10
- Beer Garden: $50
- Wine & Dine for the Mind: $40
Blowing Rock Winterfest 2026 Planning tips that actually make the weekend easier
- Use the Saturday shuttle to save your sanity
If you’re only going to remember one logistics tip: use the free Saturday shuttle (10–5) between Shoppes on the Parkway and Memorial Park. It’s built for WinterFest foot traffic and helps avoid downtown parking stress. - Don’t “wait until later” for the Ice Stroll
The Ice Stroll page is very clear: ice sculpture longevity depends on the weather—so plan to go earlier in the window if you can. - If you’re plunging, pack like a pro
The Polar Bear Plunge listing explicitly tells plungers to bring a towel and blanket. I’d add: warm shoes you can slip on fast, and a dry change of clothes in a bag you can grab instantly. - Beer Garden = bring your ID (no exceptions)
Beer Garden sampling requires 21+ with a photo ID, and wristbands are handled on-site.
A ready-made “best of WinterFest” itinerary
If you want a simple plan that hits the biggest moments:
- Thursday night: WinterFeast (choose 5:00 or 7:30 seating).
- Friday evening: Ice Stroll downtown (and grab the printable map).
- Saturday (full send):
- 10:00 AM: Polar Bear Plunge moment (watch or plunge)
- 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Ice carving + aluminum pour at Memorial Park
- 11:00 AM–2:00 PM: Chilly Chili Challenge
- 12:00–3:00 PM: Hot chocolate + hayrides
- 1:00–4:00 PM: Beer Garden
- 5:00–7:00 PM: Wine & Dine for the Mind at BRAHM
- Sunday: WinterPaws Dog Show (12–3).
Where to get official updates, tickets, and help
- The Chamber listing notes tickets are available online and mentions All Access passes.
- The Blowing Rock tourism page also points visitors to the official WinterFest site and provides the info phone number 828-295-7851.
