(Madison, WI): The Wisconsin Union has announced the lineup for its 2026 Winter Carnival, an annual winter celebration bringing more than 30 indoor and outdoor events to Madison from February 5–7, 2026. Hosted in collaboration with campus and community partners, Winter Carnival highlights creative, active, and social ways to embrace winter in Wisconsin.
Events will take place primarily at and around Memorial Union and on Lake Mendota, weather permitting.
What to Expect at Winter Carnival 2026
Families and community members can look forward to a wide variety of activities, including outdoor recreation, live performances, interactive games, food events, and hands-on experiences. Most events are free and designed to bring people together during the winter season.
Highlights include ice skating, ice fishing, fireworks, concerts, creative workshops, and the return of one of Madison’s most iconic winter sights – Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota.
Winter Carnival Schedule Overview
Thursday, February 5
- Learn to Skate on Lake Mendota
- Rock ’n’ Roll Decades Skate Night
- Flannel Day $1 Cheese Curds
- Wisconsin Singers “Star of the Show” Broadway-style performance
- Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games Tournament
- Floor Curling with Intramurals
Friday, February 6
- Pancake Breakfast
- Hoofer Ambassadors Hot Chocolate Stand
- Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota
- Light the Lamp
- Learn to Ice Fish with the Wisconsin Fishing Team
- Mindful Meditation and Hot Chocolate
- Snow Ball
- Free concert (to be announced)
- Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games Tournament
- Floor Curling with Intramurals
- Grounding-on-the-Go Kit Workshop
Saturday, February 7
- Whitewater Kayak Ice Pulley Challenge
- Ice Climbing
- Disney Skate Night
- Fireworks
- Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota
- Light the Lamp
- Snow Fortnite
- Wisconsin Union Chili Cook-Off
- Carriage Rides
- Secret Agent Scavenger Hunt
- Free concert (to be announced)
- Winter Wonderlands
- High Scores, Hot Chocolate: SSX
- Frosty Fun
- Rail Jam
- WUD Games Olympic Showcase
- Maple Taffy-Making
Mostly Free Events for All Ages
The Winter Carnival lineup features mostly free indoor and outdoor events designed to celebrate winter and encourage community connection. Some activities may have age limits or participation requirements, and events are subject to change due to weather conditions.
The Return of Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota
Winter Carnival also marks the return of one of Madison’s most photographed traditions: Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota.
An inflatable version of the Statue of Liberty was first brought to the frozen lake in 2019, honoring a 1979 prank by the Pail and Shovel Party, which famously placed the Statue’s head, arm, and torch on the ice using chicken wire, papier-mâché, and cloth. Since then, Lady Liberty has become a beloved symbol of Winter Carnival.
A Longstanding Madison Tradition
The Wisconsin Union has hosted Winter Carnival for 86 years, working alongside UW–Madison student leaders and community partners such as University Recreation & Wellbeing and the Wisconsin Alumni Association to make the event possible.
“With Winter Carnival, we want to showcase wintertime activities, from ice skating to art-making,” said Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer Shauna Breneman. “Winter Carnival is also a chance to connect with people and get inspired about ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin.”
Dining, Support, and Community Impact
Winter Carnival events take place near Memorial Union, which offers indoor dining options throughout the weekend. Purchases at Memorial Union and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit Wisconsin Union help support low-cost and free events, student leadership opportunities, and community gathering spaces.
Learn More
Winter Carnival is presented by the Wisconsin Union with support from Pepsi, Red Bull, and Skullcandy.
For the most up-to-date event details and the full Winter Carnival lineup, visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival.
