01/15/2026
From Ice Cold to Red Hot: Putnam Ignites the 15th Annual Fire & Ice Festival on February 7
Putnam, CT — Putnam is turning up the heat and cooling it down like never before as the Putnam celebrates a major milestone: the 15th Annual Fire & Ice Festival, returning Saturday, February 7, for a full day of jaw-dropping spectacle, icy artistry, roaring fire, and brand-new experiences that promise to make this the hottest Fire & Ice yet.
Produced by the Putnam Business Association in partnership with the Town of Putnam, Fire & Ice has grown into the largest single-ice-block carving competition in New England, and this year’s anniversary edition takes it to a whole new level. The free, family-friendly festival runs noon to 8:00 p.m., transforming downtown Putnam into a glowing winter playground of firelight, frozen art, music, food, and unforgettable moments.
New Year. New Energy. New Experiences.
To celebrate 15 years of Fire & Ice magic, the festival is welcoming outside vendors for the first time, bringing fresh flair, interactive experiences, and major crowd-pleasers to the streets of Putnam. If you are a vendor that is equipped to set up outdoors through all seasons, if you have a unique activation or experience that you believe would align perfectly with this event – we want to hear from you!
Ice, Fire & Everything In Between
More than five dozen ice carvings will line downtown Putnam as professional, amateur, and group carvers sculpt 300-pound ice blocks live from noon to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by local businesses and carved by talented artists, with illuminated sculptures remaining on display for days (weather permitting).
In addition, Fire & Ice comes alive with the return of:
• A massive heart-shaped bonfire pit
• Fire dancers, fire jugglers, and a show-stopping fire-breathing finale
• Magicians, stilt walkers, roaming performers, and live entertainment
• Free Face Painting
• A 12-foot Ice Bar Arena
• Signature cocktails poured over ice luges
• A Beer Garden
• Axe Throwing Trailer
Warm Up, Wander & Fall in Love with Putnam
Guests can duck into the iconic 30-foot inflatable igloo, enjoy food trucks and restaurant specials, explore local shops and galleries, stroll Love Lane, and discover the “Just in Time for Valentine’s” Vendor Fair. As night falls, flaming torches will light Main Street while ice sculptures glow in brilliant color—creating the signature Fire & Ice contrast fans return for year after year.
A Winter Tradition—15 Years Strong
What began as a bold winter idea has become one of Connecticut’s most anticipated seasonal events. The 15th Annual Fire & Ice Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and the electric energy that only Putnam can deliver.
Parking is free, with municipal lots throughout town, on Kennedy Drive, and a complimentary shuttle service available for added convenience.
To learn more, participate, or get involved as a vendor, carver, sponsor or volunteer, visit:
www.discoverputnam.com/fire---ice
