Chill seekers and winter enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Plymouth is gearing up to host its 37th annual Fire & Ice festival, promising a flurry of free activities and good times on February 7. According to an announcement on the City of Plymouth's official website, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the community can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and the thrill of sled dog rides at Plymouth Creek Playfield, located at 3625 Fernbrook Lane N.
Family-friendly features are the heart of Fire & Ice, including a whimsical snow village, winter train rides, and tube slides. Bundled up against the brisk Minnesota chill, festival goers can gather ‘round bonfires or cozy up inside a heated tent to play bingo. Kids can frolic in a dedicated snow play area and snap pics with adorable llamas at a meet-and-greet. The evening is set to culminate in a dazzling fireworks display starting at 6:30 p.m. While the event offers a plethora of gratis entertainment, food will be available for purchase for those looking to satisfy their appetites.
Those planning to drive should note that parking at the playfield is restricted to accessible spots only. However, the city has arranged for free shuttle service to ferry attendees to and from the Plymouth Community Center and Plymouth City Hall, ensuring ease of access. Not only is the shuttle service complimentary, but there's also no cost for parking at the shuttle pickup locations, the City of Plymouth website reports.
For those with a competitive streak, the Fire & Ice Medallion Hunt kicks off on January 8, with weekly clues leading intrepid treasure hunters across the city's social media platforms and dedicated webpage. Participants vie for a $250 prize, requiring no registration fee – only their wits and perhaps a bit of luck. Similarly, the coloring contest opens on January 5, inviting community members across six age categories to showcase their artistic flair, proudly sponsored by the local government.
In a fresh twist, the festival is also launching a Backyard Rink Contest for 2026. Plymouth residents who've transformed their backyards into winter wonderlands can submit photos or videos of their rinks online for a shot at a $250 prize. The contest opens January 5 and runs through January 16, with city staff judging the frosty creations. The top three finalists will be announced by January 21, with home visits scheduled between January 26-30 to select the winning icy playground.
Lastly, an important note for attendees, in case Mother Nature decides to send more than a chill, any extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions prompting a cancellation of the event will be relayed through the festival's webpage and the weather hotline at 763-509-5205. So, stay tuned, stay warm, and get ready to embrace the wintry delights of Fire & Ice in Plymouth.
