Quad Citians will find a sea of beautiful ice sculptures in downtown Davenport during the family-friendly Icestravaganza set to sparkle and shine on Beiderbecke Drive Jan. 12-14.
Last year’s monumental sculptures featuring iconic monuments have made way for 18 tons of ice that will be turned by expert carvers into Mythical Monsters Under the Sea. That’s the 2024 Icestravaganza theme, according to the event host Downtown Davenport Partnership.
The DDP event, presented by Rubberstamps.net and TBK Bank, features beautiful ice carvings on display all three days at the Freight House Farmers Market and Beiderbecke Drive. Admission is free.
“Icestravaganza is a one-of-a-kind winter event in the Quad Cities that is fun for the whole family,” said DDP Program Director Alisha Espey. “We’re excited to bring back the After Glow Party on Saturday night featuring live ice carvings lit by black light with an expanded light show and live mix by DJ Buddha.”
Whether attendees stroll by the ice sculptures at the Freight House or check them out from their vehicles in the drive-through display on Beiderbecke Drive, DDP organizers recommend the best time to see (and snap photos of) the sculptures is when they’re glowing from dusk to 10 p.m. each night.
Don’t forget to post
Festival goers also are encouraged by DDP to snap a photo and post on social media using the hashtag #IcestravaganzaQC.
Throughout the weekend, during limited hours, visitors can enjoy a warming station with hot cocoa presented by The Family Credit Union; free live carving demonstrations presented by Metronet; and costumed characters provided by Davenport Junior Theatre.
Farmers’ Market vendors as well as local beer and food will be available for purchase from Front Street Brewery & Taproom, The Diner and Antonella’s Pizzeria II.
The 2024 “Mythical Monsters Under the Sea” Icestravangaza schedule provided by DDP includes:
Friday, Jan. 12
- 5 p.m. Event opens.
- 5 – 7:30 p.m. Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours.
- 10 p.m. Event closes and lights for carvings shut off.
Saturday, Jan. 14
- 10 a.m. Event opens.
- 10 a.m-6 p.m. Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours.
- 2-4 p.m. Metronet live carving demonstration and live stream on DDP’s Facebook page. The Icestravaganza demonstration is on the stage at the west end of the Freight House.
- 6-8 p.m. After Glow Party sponsored by Front Street Brewery, with live carving demonstrations with black lights, light show and DJ Buddha, plus a warming tent and stage in the parking lot, south Freight House.
- 10 p.m. Event closes and lights for carvings shut off.
Sunday, Jan. 15
- 10 a.m. Icestravaganza opens.
- 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Freight House Farmers Market indoor hours.
- 10 p.m. Event closes and lights for carvings shut off.
Icestravaganza is produced by the DDP, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. The co-presenting sponsors are Rubberstamps.net and TBK Bank. Additional support is provided by these sponsors: The Family Credit Union, Metronet, MidAmerican Energy, Front Street Brewery, Rhythm City Casino, City of Davenport, One Step and Hupp Toyota Lift.
Visit DowntownDavenport.com for more information.
