Feb. 1, 2024, Treaty No. 1 Territory, Winnipeg MB – Returning for the fourth year, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s Winter Wanderland invites people to visit downtown to discover something new as they embrace Winnipeg’s “winter city” attractions. This year, the initiative features Winterscapes 2024 International Ice Carving Competition with participation from renowned local talent and artists from as far away as the Philippines, along with on-site family-friendly events.
“Winter Wanderland is one of many cool winter activations and unique experiences you can have in downtown Winnipeg,” says Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We’re embracing the season and creating more reasons to visit the city’s core in the winter months to enjoy what downtown has to offer.”
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ worked in partnership with Sputnik Architecture and Anvil Tree to bring the Winterscapes 2024 International Ice Carving Competition to downtown Winnipeg. Together, the organizations are bringing some of the best local and international artists to downtown Winnipeg to create sculptures from ice harvested from the Red River in late January.
“This year’s ice is spectacular and will serve as a great canvas for the artists to showcase their talent for all of us to enjoy,” says Peter Hargraves, Sputnik Architecture. “We’re excited to bring Winterscapes 2024 International Ice Carving Competition, art and artists downtown for everyone to experience as we embrace Winnipeg’s winter.”
Everyone is welcome to watch the ice carving competition from February 2 – 4, 2024 in True North Square. The artists finish at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, where the sculptures will then be judged by Culinary Ice Artist Judge, Cameron Huley. The Winterscapes 2024 International Ice Carving Competition awards presentation will take place at True North Square at 4 p.m. on February 4. Winnipeggers are invited to vote for their favourite ice sculpture in the People’s Choice Awards February 5 – 11, where they’ll also be entered to win a Winter Wanderland prize package.
Additionally, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and Academy Hospitality are hosting several free, family-friendly activations in True North Square and Hargrave Street Market, including a Wacky Doodle Dance Party, a market pop-up, specials at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, and the opening of the outdoor Rose Bar.
Events and programming schedule:
All events are free to attend.
February 2
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in True North Square: Winterscapes 2024 Ice Carving Competition
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in True North Square: Grab a free hot chocolate or coffee voucher from the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Ambassadors to redeem at Mottola Grocery (while supplies last)
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Tap Room in True North Square: Happy Hour with various specials on pints and beer cocktails as well as 4 new seasonal beers to explore
February 3
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in True North Square: Winterscapes 2024 Ice Carving Competition
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Mottola Grocery: Special hot table including a kids’ table
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the outdoor Rose Bar in True North Square: open with beer, canned cocktails, hot chocolate and coffee
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in True North Square: Grab a free hot chocolate or coffee voucher from the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Ambassadors to redeem at the outdoor Rose Bar (while supplies last)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Mottola Grocery: Earth and Hide pop-up
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Tap Room in True North Square: Non- Alcoholic Craft Root Beer Floats on special
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Hargrave Street Market: Wacky Doodle Dance Party
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Brewery in Hargrave Street Market: Free samples of new seasonal selections available in February
February 4
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in True North Square: Winterscapes 2024 Ice Carving Competition
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the outdoor Rose Bar in True North Square: open with beer, canned cocktails, hot chocolate and coffee
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in True North Square: Grab a free hot chocolate or coffee voucher from the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Ambassadors to redeem at the outdoor Rose Bar (while supplies last)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at True North Square: DJ J. Jackson plus drag performance by Feather Talia
4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at True North Square: Ice carving competition awards
February 4-11, People’s Choice vote and contest: Vote for your favourite Winterscapes 2024 ice sculpture to help crown a People’s Choice sculpture winner and be entered to win a downtown Winnipeg prize package.