Get ready to chill Dubuque, on a Sunday funday before the big game! The Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Competition is back, and Washington Park is about to be transformed into a frozen art gallery yet again. From Thursday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 9th, teams of talented sculptors will carve massive blocks of snow into stunning creations. Not only do you get to watch the magic happen, you can also vote your favorite sculpture!

According to a press release from the city of Dubuque, sculpting starts on Thursday along Bluff Street, with artists working continuously up until the deadline at noon on Sunday. Each team will begin with a 6-foot by 6-foot, by 8-foot block of snow to carve through the week. But the real party kicks off Sunday from noon to 4 PM when the community is invited to explore the finished sculptures, vote for their favorite, and enjoy some hands-on winter fun and good eats.

Want to get in on the fun? Here’s what’s going down Sunday:

  • 10 AM & 1 PM: Youth design workshops at DuMA ($5 fee)
  • 12 PM: Snowblower demo
  • 12 – 4 PM: Hot chocolate by YAPPERS. This is a must at the event!
  • 12 – 3:30 PM: People’s Choice voting
  • 4 PM: Award ceremony inside DuMA. Mayor Brad Cavanagh will be presenting the prizes
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Need a snack while you're chillin'? Galena Coffee Roasters will be on-site all day, and Swagat Indian food truck will be serving up lunch as well. So you are aware Dubuque, 7th Street between Locust and Bluff will be closed, and parking restrictions will apply. Don’t worry, free Sunday parking is available nearby for those hoping to check it all out before the big game!

Credit: City of Dubuque Office of Art and Cultural Affairs
Credit: City of Dubuque Office of Art and Cultural Affairs
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And guess what!? You can even help out beforehand. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, February 4th, to help prep the snow blocks. You can sign up right now at VolunteerDBQ or by contacting Danielle Stowell at 563-581-9688. Lunch will be provided to volunteers.

Credit: Tom Drake Taken in 2022 during the snow sculpting week.
Credit: Tom Drake
Taken in 2022 during the snow sculpting week.
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So bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and get ready for a weekend of snow sculpting and community fun in Dubuque's Washington Park!

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