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Fire Dancing, Ice Sculptures, Artist's Market & More

Published: Feb 25, 2019
Ice & Fire 2019

Looking for a fun way to celebrate the winter weather? HBG is hosting a massive Ice & Fire Festival on Saturday, March 2nd with tons of free attractions for the whole family!

ICE

Starting at 1pm on 2nd Street in Downtown Harrisburg, the Festival will feature 30 illuminated ice sculptures and five life-sized ice sculptures, include a giant ice throne that you can actually sit on. The carving of these sculptures will begin on Friday, March 1st, so if you want a sneak preview, stop by the City Hall courtyard Friday afternoon from 11:30 to 2pm.

Ice CarvingNew this year, the ice carvers will be creating a 33-foot ice slide made entirely of ice blocks! Sleds will be provided to keep you warm and dry, and both adults and children are invited to try out this one-of-a-kind creation. 

And lastly, but certainly not least, a one-day-only ice skating rink will be open on 2nd Street from 1-9pm and skate rentals are completely FREE!

FIRE

Fire DancerIf you are looking for a little heat in your day, be sure to mark your spot for the fire dancing shows. A team of incredible fire dancers will offer two performances on the main stage, one at 5:30pm and one at 7pm.

While you are waiting for the performances, stop by the Firepit Lounge along 2nd Street where you can pick up free smore's kits and roast your own marshallows over the fire. (While supplies last.)

Another "fire" addition to this year's festival is the glass blowing workshops held on the hour from 1pm to 8pm in front of City Hall. Create your own glass icicle under the instruction of glass blowing artist Michael Peluso, of Peluso GlassRegister in advance or walk-up day of (space permitting.) $30 per person. 

 

FOOD & SHOPPING

Located inside the atrium of City Hall, the Ice & Fire Artists' Market features dozens of arts and crafts vendors with a wide variety of handcrafted items, including sea glass jewelry, soaps and home decor, pottery and photography!  The Susquehanna Art Museum VanGo! Museum Bus will be located in the City Government Center courtyard and just a block away The HBG Flea, featuring handmade artisan and vintage goods, will be held in Strawberry Square from 10am – 4pm.

Some of our favorite food trucks are back this year, including Dough Heads Waffles, Shorty's Funnel Cakes, Soul Burrito, The Lucky Penny Burger Company and many more! Cupcakes and hot chocolate will be available in the Anna Rose Bakery tent on 2nd Street, and kettle corn and cotton candy vendors will be on site.

For the adults, three restaurants are offering Ice & Fire Cocktail specials, sure to keep you warm!

  • Stock's on Second will be serving "Fyre Fight's" (Jack Tennessee Fire, honey, lemon, and pineapple shrub)
  • Cafe Fresco will be serving the "Fresco Flame" (Thai chili tequila, blueberry agave simple syrup and lime juice)
  • And Zembie's Sports Tavern has created the "Fire & Ice" (white rum, fireball cinnamon whisky and a dash of tabasco)

 

ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment stage will feature local school and community groups throughout the day. Groups include Foose Elementary School, Melrose Elementary School, Shaull Elementary School, Halifax School District, West Shore Music Program, Susquehanna Township High School, Greenwood High School, Harrisburg University Step Team, YaZmine Dance Studio, and the Keystone Capital Chorus.

A local favorite rock band, The Luv Gods, will take the stage at 7:30pm, and the acoustic duo, Ever Since Summer, will perform in the heated tent (located near the food trucks) from 1-3:30pm and 4-5pm.

Ice & Fire Map

PARKING

Street parking will be available for FREE on Saturday, using the code "LUVHBG" in your ParkMobile app. This code gives you 4 free hours of parking and with the Festival starting at 1pm, and meters only running until 5pm, that means you can stay for the whole festival for free! If you prefer to park in a garage, the Market Square Garage will be offering a special $10 flat-rate for the whole day.  Additional free parking is available on City Island and visitors can walk across the Walnut Street bridge directly into the Festival on 2nd Street.

For more information, a complete list of vendors and a schedule of entertainment, visit http://harrisburgpa.gov/iceandfire

 

Devan Drabik Blog Headshot
Author: Devan Drabik

Guest Contributor & Former Director of Marketing and Communications for ExploreHBG from 2018-2021