The annual Fire & Ice Festival returns Jan. 30–Feb. 1 with ice sculptures, live entertainment and outdoor activities across several Delaware beach communities. (Photo courtesy of Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce.)

The annual Fire & Ice Festival is set to take place over the weekend of January 30 through February 1, bringing a slate of ice sculptures, live entertainment and outdoor activities to multiple towns along Delaware’s coast. 

Organized by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, this winter event spans several Quiet Resorts™ communities, including Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Millville and Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery. Admission to the festival grounds is free, though some scheduled activities require tickets. 

Sculptures and Theme
Hundreds of pounds of ice will be carved into artistic displays throughout the weekend, with each year’s creations centered on a specific motif. In 2026, the festival theme “In the First State” celebrates Delaware’s 250th anniversary, incorporating local history and state pride into ice art and related events. 

Sculptures will be revealed at dedicated locations throughout the festival, and live carving demonstrations are planned at key sites such as Salted Vines, John West Park in Ocean View and Bethany Beach. Organizers remind visitors to enjoy the displays without touching the ice, noting that even gentle contact can accelerate melting and damage the installations. 

RELATED STORY: Rehoboth Art League Opens 2026 Exhibition Season With Three New Shows

Activities and Community Engagement
Alongside the ice art, attendees can expect family-friendly attractions including:

• Fire pits to warm up around in multiple host towns. 
• A temporary ice skating rink near the Blue Crab in Bethany Beach, with proceeds from skate rentals benefiting local elementary school PTOs. 
• Food trucks, inflatables and live entertainment scheduled throughout the weekend. 

Festival organizers also offer ticketed events like a chili cook-off, drink tasting tours and a VFW chicken dinner, with portions of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits and community groups. 

Supporting Local Economy During Off-Season
The Fire & Ice Festival not only draws winter visitors to the beach towns but provides after-season business for local restaurants, shops and hospitality venues, according to the official event promotion. Lodging partners in the area offered discounted rates for festival weekend stays, though reservations were encouraged early due to demand. 

Weather and Safety Notes
As with past winters, outdoor attractions such as fire pits and open-air sculpture displays will be subject to weather conditions. Fireworks have been part of previous celebrations, but organizers caution that such elements depend on safety considerations and may not be guaranteed. 

The Fire & Ice Festival, now in its ninth year, continues to evolve in scope and community involvement, blending winter art with local heritage and seasonal tourism at Delaware’s beaches.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.