BELFAST — The 3rd Annual Belfast Ice Festival presented by Nordic Aquafarms returns to downtown Belfast, on February 24, 25, and 26, 2023.

“Building off last year’s wildly successful event, thousands of visitors will find downtown filled with ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, ice bars, and family-friendly activities,” said Our Town Belfast, in a news release.

Two signature events are also returning for the second year – the Taste of Belfast and the State of Maine Ice Carving championship.

Friday night, February 24, will kick off the weekend with the Taste of Belfast, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Waldo County Shrine Club. Attendees to this ticketed event will enjoy appetizers created by downtown restaurants, music by Jonesville, and two drinks for their keepsake Belfast Ice Festival cup. The reusable cup can be used at the many ice bars and restaurants throughout the weekend. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $50 at ourtownbelfast.org/taste-of-Belfast. The pre-sale ends Monday, February 20. After that, tickets can be purchased for $60 at the event.

On Saturday, February 25, Our Town Belfast hosts the 2nd Annual State of Maine Ice Carving Competition presented by Rollie’s Bar & Grill and Rollie’s Remote Catering. The competition, limited to ten teams, is from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and will promptly be followed by judging by a panel of five community judges. First, second, and third place will take home cash prizes.

Amateurs and professionals are encouraged to register at ourtownbelfast.org/ice-festival/.

Our Town will provide the ice blocks, and the carvers provide their own tools.

There is still time to sponsor an ice sculpture. There are pre-carved and live-carved opportunities.

For an up-to-date schedule and the latest information, please visit ourtownbelfast.org/ice-festival/.

“Check back often as we add more activities,” said the release.

OUR TOWN BELFAST is a community-driven and nationally accredited Main Street organization whose mission is to grow and sustain our historic downtown while celebrating our unique cultural heritage.

We believe in supporting local businesses, honoring our heritage through historic preservation, and bringing together the community to make downtown Belfast a better place to live, work and play. Our Town Belfast envisions a vibrant future in which our waterfront, commercial district, treasured historic buildings, and outdoor public spaces are alive with activity.