Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Michiana area this weekend.

St. Joseph Ice Fest returns for 20th year

St. Joe Today

In Michigan, St. Joseph is kicking off the February festivities with its annual Ice Fest this weekend. The weekend celebration will have ice sculptures, competitions, and many other activities.

Attendees can participate in a scavenger hunt all weekend long when you stop by the Welcome Center and grab a map to start the frosty fun.

Friday:

• 5 - 8 p.m. - Professional individual carving - Watch carvers turn ice blocks into works of art.
• 7 p.m. - Fire and Ice Tower

Saturday:

• 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Professional team and individual carving - Watch as teams of carvers transform blocks of ice into works of art.
• 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Ice Interactives - Enjoy interacting with some of the carved creations.

Magic Tour feat. Magician John Dudley:

• 1 p.m. - Downtown St. Joseph at the corner of State and Pleasant
• 2:30 p.m. - Silver Beach Center
• 4:00 p.m. - Silver Beach Center

Sunday:

• Attendees can view completed ice sculptures on the final day.

You can find even more info here.

Sixteenth Annual Frosty Five Run Feb. 8 at Elkhart's Studebaker Park

Elkhart Department of Parks and Recreation

The Elkhart Department of Parks and Recreation announced on Tuesday that the 16th Annual Frosty Five Run will be held at Studebaker Park on Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.

The run, which is called the Frosty Five because it gives runners the option of running five miles or five kilometers, will begin at Studebaker Park and follow the River Greenway Trail along the Elkhart River for a scenic course of both paved roads and trails.

“This race is a celebration of winter and the perfect way to stay active during the colder months,” said Race Director Paula Turk.

Organizers say this year’s race is anticipated to have a record turnout, with hundreds of participants expected to run.

Registration is now open and required to participate. The entry fee, which includes chip timing, awards, and post-race refreshments, is $30, and there are shirts available for an additional $20.

For more information, contact Elkhart Parks and Recreation at 574-295-7275 or by email at [email protected] or head to the department's website.

South Bend Museum of Art to showcase student talent in 2025 Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition

South Bend Museum of Art

The South Bend Museum of Art announced they will be celebrating students from Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana as part of the 2025 Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition.

Officials with the Art Museum say this is part of a long-standing partnership with the Scholastic Art Awards.

From across 19 counties, the museum had 3,917 submissions from 2,792 students in grades 7–12, according to officials.

The Awards Exhibition will open on Saturday, showcasing more than 500 Gold and Silver Key winners at the Barbara Warner and Crowley Community Galleries.

SBMA will also host a Family Day along with two awards ceremonies on Saturday to accommodate the honorees and their families.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the next generation of artists and the incredible dedication of their teachers,” said Lisa Shaffer, Executive Director of SBMA. “This exhibition is a testament to the depth of creativity and artistic excellence in our community.”

Officials invite the public to the free exhibition which will be open from Saturday through April 13.

You can also get a sneak peek of the exhibition on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.