Icestravaganza Returns This Weekend in Downtown Davenport

Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) announces that the annual Icestravaganza will be held January 16–18, 2026, at the Freight House in Downtown Davenport (421 W. River Drive).

Presented by Luxtown.com, this free, family-friendly event will feature an array of ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations and interactive outdoor activities.

“This year’s ‘This is Iowa’ theme is a chance to celebrate the everyday things people across the state connect with. Our carvers take those familiar sparks of inspiration and turn them into something creative and surprising and we’re excited to watch that come to life in ice throughout the festival,” said Alisha Espey, Senior Program & Events Director for DDP.

EVENT FEATURES

Ice Sculptures : As festival goers walk along the Freight House boardwalk, they’ll experience intricately carved ice sculptures, beautifully illuminated each evening of the event. Live Carving Demonstrations: Skilled artists transform blocks of ice into stunning works of art, reflecting the This is Iowa theme. Outdoor Activity Zone : Interactive, family-friendly games and activities. Warming Station: Complimentary hot cocoa provided by The Family Credit Union. Saturday Evening After Glow Party: Illuminated ice sculptures by renowned artist Rob Storm, specialty ice bar and live entertainment by DJ Buddha sponsored by T-Fiber. EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 16

5 p.m.: Event opens 5 – 8 p.m.: Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours 5 – 7 p.m.: The Family Credit Union warming station – free hot chocolate 10 p.m.: Event closes and lights for carvings shut off Saturday, Jan. 17

10 a.m. Event opens 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours 2 p.m.: Live carving demonstrations 3 – 5 p.m.: The Family Credit Union warming station – free hot chocolate 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. T-Fiber After Glow Party – illuminated ice carvings, ice bar and music in a heated tent. 10 p.m. Event closes and lights for carvings shut off Sunday, Jan. 18

10 a.m.: Event opens 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours Noon – 2 p.m.: The Family Credit Union warming station – free hot chocolate. 2 p.m.: Event closes Festival goers are encouraged to snap a photo and post on social media using the hashtag #IcestravaganzaQC. Visit DowntownDavenport.com for more information.

Jonathan Turner -- who has called the Quad Cities home since 1995 -- has decades of experience as a professional journalist and pianist. His experience writing for daily newspapers, public radio and local TV encompasses a wide range of subjects, including the arts, politics, education, economic development, historic preservation, business, and tourism.

Jonathan most loves writing about music and the arts (which he now does as a freelancer for the River Cities Reader and Visit Quad Cities). He has a passion for accompanying musicals, singers, choirs and instrumentalists, including playing for QC Music Guild's 2023 productions of RENT and SWEENEY TODD. He is assistant music director and accompanist for the spring 2025 Music Guild show, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. He wrote an original musical based on The Book of Job, which premiered at Playcrafters in 2010. Jonathan penned a 175-page history book about downtown Davenport, that was published by The History Press in 2016, and a travel guide about the QC published by Reedy Press in 2022.

Icestravaganza Returns This Weekend in Downtown Davenport

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