Social-ICE, an annual winter tradition in downtown Rochester, MN, has been captivating locals and visitors alike since its debut in 2008. Known for transforming the Peace Plaza into a dazzling winter wonderland, this vibrant outdoor event features intricately carved ice bars, themed drinks, live music, and a festive atmosphere. Held each February, Social-ICE celebrates the season by bringing the community together for a unique blend of art, entertainment, and icy fun, making it a can’t-miss highlight of Rochester’s winter calendar.
Themed bars and their creative cocktails remain a staple attraction of Social-ICE, along with nightly DJs, music, experiential activities, and other illuminating fun. It’s an event filled with energy and excitement, offering something for everyone to enjoy!
A note from the organizers: Rochester Downtown Alliance:
Over the years, we’ve seen it all. Some winters surprised us with warm weather and took down our intricate ice sculptures. Other years, a global pandemic reshaped how we gathered and celebrated.
As we enter our 19th year, we recognize that the name Social Ice may read differently for some right now. We want to be clear: Social Ice is ours. It belongs to Rochester. It belongs to this community – bold, resilient, determined, and rooted in the North. So for this year, whether you call it Social Ice, Social (n)Ice, Socialize, Social Frozen Water – whatever feels right to you – we look forward to seeing you Downtown, gathering as hardy Minnesotans do: together, united, and bundled up!
Dates: February 7th – 8th, 2025
Times: Friday 4 pm – 10 pm & Saturday 1 pm – 10 pm
FAM JAM: Saturday, February 8th, 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: Social-ICE is located in downtown Rochester MN in the Peace Plaza.
DJ’s Schedule
Friday, Feb 6th
4 – 7 PM — DJ 4MATIK
7 – 10 PM — DJ Peps
Saturday, Feb 7th
4 – 7 PM — DJ Dime
7 – 10 PM — DJ Strangelove
5 Themed Bars
Enjoy drinks from 6 downtown bars based on a theme!
North Stone Kitchen
Kathy’s Pub
Taco Lab
Tap House
Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar
Activities
There is a lot to see and do at Social-ICE! Fun for all ages can be found throughout the event. Don’t forget about FAM JAM on Saturday, February 7th from 1 – 4 pm for the littlest Social-ICE attendees!
Here’s a sampling of what to see and do at Social-ICE Fam Jam:
🥌 Curling
🍫🔥 S’mores + fire pits by Kraus-Anderson
🐶 Sled dog puppies with WSU
🪩 DJ dance party by Olmsted Medical Center
🎨 Art activity by Neon Green
☕ Warm beverages available for purchase
⛳️ Tons of other fun games + activities!
Music
Social-ICE brings the beats to downtown Rochester with DJs spinning music that keeps the energy high throughout the event. From vibrant sets accompanying the nightly festivities to the family-friendly grooves at Social-ICE Fam Jam, there’s something for every music lover. Sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center, Social- ICE Fam Jam on February 7th from 1-4 PM offers a lively, kid-friendly atmosphere where families can dance and enjoy the beats together, making it the perfect way to warm up on a winter afternoon.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available in downtown #rochmn! Many of the parking options are connected by Skyway and lead you straight to the Peace Plaza where Social-ICE is held (simply follow the signs for Peace Plaza or Shops at University Square). Refer to this map and the red boxes to know exactly where to park…and BONUS! Parking is FREE for under one hour during the day, any weekday night after 5 PM, and FREE on weekends. On-street parking is also free after 5 PM and on weekends.
