The Lava Hot Springs Fire & Ice Winterfest is held each year over the first full weekend of February in the quaint resort town of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, famous for its natural spring-fed hot pools. Come, bring the family and celebrate winter!

Schedule:

Friday, February 3, 2023

3:30pm – 7:00pm: Wine Tasting at the Riverside Hot Springs Inn
Hosted by BR Wine Distributing and the Riverside’s Portneuf Grill & Lounge.  All net proceeds are contributed to the Greater Lava Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Each session will be hosted reception style and registration includes up to 5 tastings from a selection of 18 varietal wines.  Your favorite bottle(s) will be available for purchase at the conclusion of each event. Price is $40 per person for each session and you will receive a Fire & Ice Commemorative Wine Glass with your registration.   All tasting sessions are paired with appetizers prepared by the Portneuf Grill & Lounge Culinary department.  Online registration will be available soon.

3:00pm – 4:00pm: 1st Session - This session is a “Wine Tasting Educational and Appreciation Session”. For those enthusiast’s that are seeking to build a foundation for understanding of the basics of wine tasting. This session will cover tasting basics and will highlight the benefits of glassware for improved flavor enhancement.  Representatives from BRJ will lead you on a journey of white, red and/or dessert wines depending on your preferences.
4:00 – 4:30pm: Break
4:30 – 5:15pm: 2nd – Session
5:15 – 5:45pm: Break
5:45 – 6:30pm: 3rd – Session      

7:30pm: Parade of Lights down Main Street - Come and watch or participate in the winter Parade celebrating the opening of Lava Hot Springs Fire & Ice “zany Winter Festival.  Find a favorite spot to watch the parade, catch some candy and look for the Abominable Snow Man.  The parade will travel down Main Street starting at Center and Main Streets and loop back down Main Street to end at Main & Center Streets. After the parade head over to the beer garden for the opening ceremonies.  

Saturday, February 4, 2023

All day: Photo opportunities by the DJ Wagon at the Beer Garden.

All day: Activities Located by the Shack, 202 Main St.S’mores over an open flame all weekend & Dutch Oven cooking with a Hot Chocolate Bar.

8:00am – 11:00am: American Legion Waffle and Sausage Breakfast at the Lava Hot Springs Community Center. (150 N Center St.)

10:00am: Running of the Bulls Cost is $5:00. Run in your swimming suit down Main Street starting at the Royal Hotel and jump in the State Foundation Pools.  Line up starts at Center and Main Street.  Wristband required.  Pay on site.

11:00am – 1:30pm: Children’s Water Carnival at the Lava Hot Springs Indoor Aquatic Center.  There will be games, prizes and water fun.  12 and under are invited to attend this event.  This event will be held indoors at the Olympic Swimming Complex, 195 N. Center.  Sponsored by the Lava Hot Springs Foundation. Cost: FREE for kids AND MUST BE ACCOMPAINED BY AN ADULT. Info:  Call (208) 251-5230.

12:00pm – 6:00:pm: Polar Bear Beer Garden location is 3rd East and 1st North. Entry Cost:  $20.00 includes 1 souvenir stein & 1 beer.

1:00pm - 3:00pm: Chili Tasting Located in the Beer Garden Cost:  $1.00 for “Each Chili you want to taste.

1:30pm – 2:00pm:  Polar Bear Costume Judging and Party Polar Float line up & music!

2:00pm: Quaffing contest starts at the Wagon Wheel Lounge Live music in the evening.

2:00pm:  Polar Bear Float: Location:  Contestants enter the river at the Old Pancake House Bridge (253 E. Portneuf Ave.) and float for ¼ mile down the ice cold Portneuf River to the Community building. Cost: $10.00 Entry fee (includes tube rental).  Register between 12:00pm and 1:30pm at the canopy cover at 3rd East and Main St.  Sign a waiver and pick up your tube (Note you will need to bring ID to rent the tube) Entries accepted until we run out of tubes! Do you dare jump in with the rest!

4:30pm: Penguin Race Fundraiser Cost: 1 penguin for $5.00, 5 for $20.00. Penguins will be dropped into the Portneuf River off the 3rd Street East Bridge and rescued by the Community Center Building.  Check for online sales soon.

Dusk: The Torch Light Ski At dusk (weather permitting); there will be fire in the sky.  Watch local daredevils ski down the “L” Mountain with lit torches.  This is amazing to watch.  

6:30pm: Fire Dancers: Fire performers from Lava Flow Fire will entertain your family and you through dance, acrobatics, and music as they manipulate flaming objects.  Located in the Meadows behind the Lava Hotel & Spa  Cost is $10.00 at the gate or purchase online (soon) and get 1-free penguin for the penguin race.

8:00pm: Fireworks

8:30pm: Chad Lore - He will surprise you with unexpected elements, like his tap shoes or his bottle slide guitar playing. His music is highly acclaimed by his uniqueness and originality, and his sense of humor will keep you interested and laughing in between songs. “I don’t tell jokes. I just tell the truth and people can’t believe it,” he says. Chad will perform at the Lava Hot Springs Community Center. (150 N Center St.)  Tickets are $20.00.

Date: Friday, February 3, 2023 - Saturday, February 4, 2023

Location: Downtown Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

Click here For More Information