Now in its ninth year, the award-winning Fire and Ice Festival is set to begin on Friday, January 30th with an “In the First State” theme kicking off Delaware’s year-long celebration of its 250th anniversary! Come to downtown Bethany Beach, John West Park in Ocean View, Evans Park in Millville, or Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery in Frankford to experience the Quiet Resorts jam-packed with winter fun! Enjoy ice sculpture walking tours at all host locations, featuring over 90 ice sculptures and five live carving demonstrations by the artists of The Ice God. Spectacular festivities include a drone show (wind and weather contingent), kids’ inflatable kingdom, skating rink, beer garden, historical expos and featured Nanticoke performances, live band performances, live entertainment, campfires, and — of course — a seasonal stop at your favorite shops, restaurants, and businesses.
This event is presented by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Southern Delaware Tourism, Delaware Tourism Office, Bethany Beach Books, the Town of Bethany Beach, the Town of Ocean View, the Town of Millville, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, State Farm Agent Billy Reese, and over 100 other local businesses.
“There is nothing like winter crowds at the beach. The magnificent works of ice art and the energy that comes from the community spirit throughout the beautiful parks, towns, and beaches is astounding,” says Lauren Weaver, executive director of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. “The support of local businesses is what makes this event a success. This event is fully sponsored by Chamber businesses and local community members, many of whom are working together to make it memorable for all festival guests.” The main festival is free to attend. All ticketed events benefit the community. Last year’s festival raised nearly $40,000 in charitable donations for multiple non-profit organizations and event beneficiaries!
Festival Happenings
Friday, January 30
Town of Bethany Beach – On Friday in Bethany Beach, enjoy fun for all ages! The impressive inflatables area and skating rink return. Trade in your winter boots for skates at the 1,800 square foot, synthetic skating rink. Sponsored by Climate Experts of Delmarva, the rink will be featured Friday and Saturday of the festival weekend while BKH Entertainment offers the perfect soundtrack as you take a few laps. Donations will benefit the John M. Clayton Elementary PTO.
Tickets are available for the “Taste of Bethany” tour, which invites festivalgoers to visit participating retail and restaurant locations for a complimentary taste or giveaway item.
Town of Ocean View – Cheers to Delaware’s 250th at the historic Hall’s Store in John West Park in Ocean View on Friday between 1:00PM and 4:00PM with Ocean View Brewing Company and the Historic Village of Ocean View (HVOV). Enjoy complimentary OVB beer tastings, dough pretzels, and popcorn snacks. Proceeds will benefit HVOV.
Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery – Salted Vines hosts the first ice sculptures of the weekend and main kick-off for Fire & Ice Weekend festivities on Friday. Food trucks and DJ Scott Mayhugh will be on-site at 12PM to get the party started. A giant, 900-pound ice drink luge will kick off the afternoon fun before the rest of the sculptures are revealed at 4:00PM. This unique venue also features guided tours, live music by Shortcut Sunny from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, a live ice carving demonstration sponsored by Taylor Bank, food trucks, fire pits, and more! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Santa’s Letters. Salted Vines will also host live music on Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday, January 31
Town of Ocean View’s John West Park – The fun begins with sculptures to be unveiled at 11:00AM and continues with Delaware’s 250th History Celebration Expo at the Coastal Towns Museum on Saturday from 11:00AM-3:00PM. The Beer Garden returns, sponsored by Beach Liquors, with special tastings scheduled on Saturday! A portion of the proceeds from the beer garden will benefit Beebe Healthcare’s South Coastal Emergency Department and Cancer Center. An incredible live ice carving demonstration, sponsored by the Town Ocean View, will begin at noon! Food trucks will be stationed on Oakwood Avenue and tickets are on sale now for a Chicken Dinner to benefit VFW Post 7234, sponsored by Mountaire Farms. Live music by Pistol Whipped, pony rides, an inflatable maze, and more family fun activities will take place on Saturday.
Town of Bethany Beach – Start your day with a visit to the kids’ inflatable kingdom or the skating rink, then enjoy entertainment by Cascading Carlos on the bandstand from 1:00PM to 4:00PM. The first live ice carving in Bethany Beach begins at 3:30PM, sponsored by the Town of Bethany Beach, on the bandstand. A featured historic presentation and static display, by the National Guard, Harbor Defenses of the Delaware Living History Association, and Fort Miles Historic Association will welcome festival guests.
The largest display of ice sculptures during the festival will be unveiled in downtown Bethany Beach and along the boardwalk at 5:00PM, with music by DJ Bump and the second carving to commence at 5:30PM, sponsored by Bethany Beach Ocean Suites. Following the conclusion of the demonstration is a Drone Show presented by Star Flight Drone Shows, providing stunning visuals that recognize the “In the First State” theme (wind and weather contingent).
Chili Cook-off – Warm up during the Fire & Ice weekend with some friendly competition at Millville Volunteer Fire Company. Tickets include plenty of chili to taste and also serve as raffle tickets towards a great prize. All ticket sales will benefit Millville Volunteer Fire Company.
Sunday, February 1
Town of Millville’s Evans Park – The festival finale concludes on Sunday, February 1 with festivities at Evans Park in Millville from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. Enjoy the last live ice carving demonstration of the festival, sponsored by the Town of Millville, and an incredible ice sculpture walking tour. Enjoy a live performance by Decade 80, Nanticoke performances in the Community Center, food trucks, and fire pits and s’mores benefitting the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company. Making a special appearance is the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!
For more information and the full event schedule, visit fireandicede.com or call 302-539-2100.
Tasting Tour: Be sure to join us for the Fire & Ice Drink Tasting Tour throughout the festival weekend. Purchase a Tasting Tour Card in advance for $35. Bring this card to any or all 15 participating restaurants to taste its signature Fire & Ice “In the First State” themed cocktail along with other delicious drinks and tasty eats. The drink card will be honored throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the Tasting Tour will benefit Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels.
Commemorative Merchandise: The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off Delaware’s 250th anniversary with the launch of merchandise designed by artist Paul Carpenter. The artwork, featured on t-shirts and signed prints, is bursting with iconic, historic, and nostalgic images that celebrate Delaware. The first round of items will be released during the 2026 Fire & Ice “In the First State” Festival at the end of January. Items are available for pre-sale online and will be for sale on-site during the festival in Bethany Beach. A portion of proceeds will be donated to support Delaware State Parks. More details are available at fireandicede.com.
For more information and festival updates, follow @fireandicede or visit www.fireandicede.com. Severe weather date: February 6-8, 2028.
