Make the Most of February by Attending the Erie Winter Carnival in Pennsylvania

As we head into the final days of February, many of us begin to suffer from cabin fever as we anxiously wait for the warmer, sunnier days ahead. While spring is right around the corner, we still have a lot of fun – from snow tubing and ice skating to sledding and family-friendly festivals – to pack into the waning days of winter. Mark your calendar for a visit to the annual Erie Winter Carnival, held on the final weekend of February.

The Erie Winter Carnival returns to Downtown Erie from Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2026, for three days of family-friendly fun, including live entertainment, kids' activities, and fire dancing. Join the kickoff party with Lifethrumusic on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Flagship City Food Hall, where you can grab a bite from one of the kitchens.

The festival features a variety of family-friendly events, including live ice sculpting, which will take place at Perry Square throughout the weekend. More than 60 ice sculptures, one of the festival's main attractions, will decorate the square, offering a unique backdrop for photos and selfies.

Stay warm on Saturday afternoon on the Winter Soup Stroll. Purchase a $15 ticket online and sample some of Erie's best soups at participating shops, including Copper Carriage, Brig Cigar Lounge, and Glass Growers Gallery. Your ticket entitles you to one full-sized serving of soup at the participating shop of your choice and samples at the others.

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of themed ice skating at the downtown skating rink on Saturday and Sunday. Score a free hot cocoa on Saturday, Cosplay Day, and Sunday, Disney Day, by dressing up as your favorite character. After skating on Sunday, head over to the Masonic Temple for kids' crafts and a free showing of "Frozen."

A full menu of live entertainment, including music and dance, is also set for various venues downtown throughout the weekend. Catch Jennifer Dennehy & Fire Friends for fire dance performances in Perry Square on Friday and Saturday evenings. Other weekend performances include Jess Royner at Ember + Forge, The Sound Serum at Glass Growers Gallery, and DJ Sanz at City Supply.

Find more information, including a schedule of events with dates and times, about the Erie Winter Carnival on the official website of Erie Downtown Partnership or visit the Facebook page of Erie Downtown Partnership.

Do you have a favorite winter carnival in Pennsylvania? We'd love to hear about it. Nominate it, and we might feature it in an upcoming article.

After a few days at the annual winter carnival, explore more of Erie, the snowiest town in Pennsylvania. Before you head out on your next adventure in Erie, bundle up in a warm coat and comfy shoes.