Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-13 13:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Location: Various Downtown Businesses

Event Details: Explore Downtown Fond du Lac in 2026 through the Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt! Join the Hunt for your chance to win! PRIZE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
To join, you can pick up a entry at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts or any one of the participating locations. Participating locations will be marked by an official Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt Sign with instructions. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RETURNED TO THELMA AT THE INFO TABLE BY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH AT 3PM.

Rules:
Pick up an entry at THELMA or any one of the participating locations and navigate to each of the businesses listed to find the sturgeon and the corresponding letter hidden in their front windows. Match this letter with the number next to the business on the entry and write in the letter to decode a secret message. Once the secret message is decoded, you can turn in your entry at THELMA for your chance to win the prize below!
Winners will be notified and announced on Facebook on Monday, February 16th!

Prize: Family Ice-Fishing package from Bird’s Eye View Optical (Over $500 value) – includes 1 Aitium insulated backpack, 1 pair of Oakley Sunglasses, 1 Oakley glasses case, 1 Oakley t-shirt, 1 $100 Scheels giftcard, 1 Oakley hat, and 1 Bird’s Eye View Optical stainless steel tumbler

Participating Locations:

Gallery & Frame Shop – 94 S Main St
Radio Plus Studios – 210 S Main St
CC’s Chocolate Café – 57 N Macy St
Fond du Lac Cyclery – 209 S Main St
La Belle FDL – 1 N Main St
Birds Eye View Optical – 19 S Main St
18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E Division St
Argentum et Aurum – 111 S Main St
Beauty Republic – 131 S Main St, Suite 100
Cujak’s Wine & Spirits – 47 N Main St
Lillian’s – 27 S Main St
Blue Marble Botanicals – 28 N Main St
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – 51 Sheboygan St
Destination Lake Winnebago Region – 23 S Main St
Blue Line Tavern – 88 S Main St
Downtown Deli – 90 S Main St
Wonder Play Cafe – 15 N Main St
The Diner – 175 S Main St

Sturgeon Spectacular Kids Kickoff
2026-02-13 16:30 - 19:00
Location: Fountain City inside THELMA

Event Details: Join us at Thelma Sadoff center for the Arts to kickoff to Sturgeon Spectacular 2026, featuring a fun balloon show “Half Twisted”, entertainment, and prizes! Kids will love the annual opportunity to spear Jerry the Sturgeon and parents will love the complimentary adult beverages. The Kids Kickoff will be taking place inside THELMA in the first floor Fountain City from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. FREE FOOD for the kids and so much more courtesy of Destination Lake Winnebago Region!

Friday, February 13th: 4:30pm – 7pm
Half Twisted Shows: 4:30pm – 5:30pm, 6pm – 7pm

Presented by: Destination Lake Winnebago Region

Sturgeon Spectacular Kickoff Celebration and Live Music
2026-02-13 18:00 - 21:00
Location: The Great Hall inside THELMA

Event Details: THELMA is bringing live music and a free concert to help kick off the Sturgeon Spectacular weekend in style in the Grand Hall inside THELMA! Enjoy music inside THELMA and warm up by dancing or enjoying a hot beverage! Plus watch ice and snow sculptors start on their pieces. Make sure to come back throughout the weekend to check their progress!

Friday, February 13th: 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Great Hall Bar: Opens at 6:30pm
Live Music: Copper Box starting at 7:30 in The Great Hall

Presented by: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Lighting of the Sculptures presented by: Wisconsin Lighting Lab

Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese
2026-02-14, 2026-02-15
Location: Sheboygan St, Downtown Fond du Lac

Event Details: The best snow sculptors in the state travel to Fond du Lac to compete in the 2026 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2027 US Championship and a $1,000 1st Prize. Sculpting all weekend long.

Daily Schedule:
*Some teams compete well into the early morning hours. Hours vary by day/team.
Friday, February 13, 2026*
1 pm – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 14, 2026*
8 am – 10 pm – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 15, 2026*
Teams Compete
People’s Choice Ballots must be turned in at Info Table inside THELMA by 11:00 am
Tools Down/ Official Judging begins at 1 pm
Awards Ceremony & Spectacular Finale starts at 1:30 pm

Presenting Sponsor: Grande Cheese Company
Official Snow Provider: Sunburst Ski Hill
Transportation provided by: Baumhardt Trucking of Eden
2025 Meals & Hotels covered by Destination Lake Winnebago Region

5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Runpresented by SSM Health
2026-02-14 09:00 - 12:00
Location: Routes through Downtown Fond du Lac

Event Details: Come and join us for a scenic run throughout Downtown Fond du Lac. The course will circle through and tour Fond du Lac. Registration will be open until the day of the run/walk. Race day registration will begin at 9am on Saturday, February 14th Downtown at Thelma Sadolff Center for the Arts. The 1/2 mile Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under is absolutely free and includes a shirt.
Early registration for the 5K Run/Walk will be available through midnight, February 1st. You can still get a 2026 commemorative, long-sleeved T-shirt and registration for $15. After Sunday, February 1st, the price will be $20 and it will NOT include a Sturgeon Spectacular long-sleeve T-shirt.
Participants with strollers and/or dogs are asked to please line up in the back at the start. Please stick around for other awesome Sturgeon Spectacular festivities within Downtown Fond du Lac.

On-site check-in: 9 am
1/2-Mile Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under: 10 am
5K Run/Walk: 10:30 am

Register Here: CLICK HERE

Sponsored by: SSM Health

In Partnership with: Fond du Lac Running Club

Winter Fun at the Fond du Lac Children's Museum
2026-02-14 09:00 - 16:00
Location: Fond du Lac Children’s Museum – 75 W Scott Street

Event Details: Join the fun at the Fond du Lac Children’s Museum. The first 100 kids get a free shinny stick (miniature hockey stick). Children can also participate in…

Decorating a replica of last year’s largest sturgeon catch
Exploring the new Kleinfeldt Winter Wonderland
Playing in Shantytown
Find Sturgeon Hidden in CMFDL
Trying Curling & Shinny
Creating heart crafts & more!

Saturday, February 14th: 9am – 4pm

In Partnership With: Blue Line Family Ice Center and Marlys & Dr. John Welsch

Outdoor Curling Funspiel
2026-02-14 09:00 - 18:00
Location: Fond du Lac Beer Company

Event Details: Join us for the return of the Fond du Lac Outdoor Floor Curling Funspiel. This tournament is fun AND competitive. Each match will last about 45 minutes. All curling equipment will be provided. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 14th. Open to all ages and levels. Get your team of 3 – 6 people (at least 3 are required to compete in each match) together and sign up. Teams are guaranteed at least 2 matches in this double elimination tournament. Registration will be capped at 16 teams. If the playing field is full, 1st place will win $300, 2nd place will win $200, and 3rd place will win $100. Come out and cheer these curlers!
Two ice curling rinks will be set up at Fond du Lac Beer Company in Downtown Fond du Lac – 21 4th St, Fond du Lac, WI

CLICK HERE AND GET YOUR TEAM SIGNED UP TODAY. DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH!

The schedule will be sent out Wednesday prior to the tournament.
If you have any questions reach out to Peter Wilke via email (director@fdlfest.com) or phone (920.923.6555).

Saturday, February 14th: 9am – 6pm

Sponsored by: Leb Insurance and Fond du Lac Beer Company

Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-14 09:00 - 21:00
Location: Various Downtown Businesses

Event Details: Explore Downtown Fond du Lac in 2026 through the Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt! Join the Hunt for your chance to win! PRIZE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
To join, you can pick up a entry at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts or any one of the participating locations. Participating locations will be marked by an official Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt Sign with instructions. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RETURNED TO THELMA AT THE INFO TABLE BY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH AT 3PM.

Rules:
Pick up an entry at THELMA or any one of the participating locations and navigate to each of the businesses listed to find the sturgeon and the corresponding letter hidden in their front windows. Match this letter with the number next to the business on the entry and write in the letter to decode a secret message. Once the secret message is decoded, you can turn in your entry at THELMA for your chance to win the prize below!
Winner will be notified and announced on Facebook on Monday, February 16th!

Prize: Family Ice-Fishing package from Bird’s Eye View Optical (Over $500 value) – includes 1 Aitium insulated backpack, 1 pair of Oakley Sunglasses, 1 Oakley glasses case, 1 Oakley t-shirt, 1 $100 Scheels giftcard, 1 Oakley hat, and 1 Bird’s Eye View Optical stainless steel tumbler

Participating Locations:

Gallery & Frame Shop – 94 S Main St
Radio Plus Studios – 210 S Main St
CC’s Chocolate Café – 57 N Macy St
Fond du Lac Cyclery – 209 S Main St
La Belle FDL – 1 N Main St
Birds Eye View Optical – 19 S Main St
18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E Division St
Argentum et Aurum – 111 S Main St
Beauty Republic – 131 S Main St, Suite 100
Cujak’s Wine & Spirits – 47 N Main St
Lillian’s – 27 S Main St
Blue Marble Botanicals – 28 N Main St
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – 51 Sheboygan St
Destination Lake Winnebago Region – 23 S Main St
Blue Line Tavern – 88 S Main St
Downtown Deli – 90 S Main St
Wonder Play Cafe – 15 N Main St
The Diner – 175 S Main St

Downtown Fond du Lac Sweet Stroll
2026-02-14 10:00 - 14:00
Location: Various Business, Downtown Fond du Lac

Event Details: As part of the Sturgeon Spectacular Winter Festivities the weekend of February 13 – 15, 2026 Fond du Lac Festivals is teaming up with the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership to bring you a fun event for all ages… just in time for Valentine’s Day. Open to all ages!

On the morning of the event bring your ticket to 131 S. Main Street to check-in. There you will receive your official Sweet Stroll map. Check in at this location from 9 am to 1 pm.

Join us for a walk around downtown and vote for the best sweets in town!
Participating Locations

CC’s Chocolates – 57 N Main St
Dreamcatcher’s Corner – 167 S Main St
Fond du Lac Cyclery – 209 S Main St
Gallery & Frame – 94 S Main St
Active Full Armor Fitness Studio – 15 E First St
Ohana Axe Studio – 25 N Main St
Wonder – 15 N Main St
Cutter Vac & Home Center – 32 N Main St
Bird’s Eye View Optical – 19 S Main St
18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E Division St
Fat Joe’s – 15 W Division St
Jenna H Beauty – 1 S Main St – Lower Level

Only 200 tickets sold (while supplies last) – available online only! Click here.

Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 2pm

Sponsored by: Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership

Petting Zoo
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:00
Location: Outside THELMA, Sheboygan Street

Event Details: Come on down to Sturgeon Spectacular and enjoy this petting zoo on Sheboygan Street. Enjoy the chance to get up close and personal with various farm animals. Learn, Pet, and Play!

Saturday, February 14th: 10 am – 3 pm
Sunday, February 15th: 11 am – 1 pm

Presented By: Whispering Hills Clydesdales

High School Snow Sculping Competition
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:00
Location: Sheboygan/ Portland Street Intersection

Event Details: High school students from the greater Fond du Lac area will form teams of 3 to 5 and will carve a snow sculpture into their choice of design. Teams who compete will be representing their school in the competition and the winning team will take home customized matching sweatshirts and a traveling trophy to keep at their school until the next competition. Find more detailed competition information and applications at the links below…
Competition Information – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Team Application* – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
*Team Application deadline is Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 3pm

Sponsored by: Michels Corporation

Learn to Curl
2026-02-14 10:00 - 16:00
Location: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts on the Plaza

Event Details: Learn to curl at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts on the Plaza! Many more family-fun activities are happening inside, outside, and around Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts until 3 pm Sunday, February 16th!

Are you looking for information on our Outdoor Curling Funspiel curling tournament? CLICK HERE for more information!

Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 4pm
Sunday, February 15th: 10am – 2pm
Presented By: Leb Insurance

DJ Galaxy on the Plaza
2026-02-14 10:00 - 16:00
Location: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Event Details: DJ Galaxy will be playing and mixing music live during open Curling on the Plaza.

Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 4pm

Downtown Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
2026-02-14 10:00 - 17:00
Horse-drawn wagon will be offering free rides through downtown Fond du Lac. The horses will take you past all the festivities and downtown happenings. Each trip will be approximately 15 minutes. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap.
Pick-up/Drop-off Location – 33 Sheboygan Street (Downtown Event Hub)

Saturday, February 14th: 10 am – 5 pm (First come, first served)
Horse Team 1: 10 am – 2 pm
Horse Team 2: 1 pm – 5 pm
Sunday, February 15th: 10am – 2pm

Presented by: Holiday Automotive & Canadian National

With support from Breezy Hill Campground & Cooper Carriages of Mt. Calvary

Youth in Government Bake Sale
2026-02-14 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Lower Gallery inside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Event Details: Stop by for a tasty treat inside THELMA and help support Youth in Government from the Fond du Lac High School. Treats include chocolate chip cookies, brownies, snickerdoodles, banana bread, and rice crispy treats.

Note: Please be conscientious and ask about allergens on-site/ day-of if needed.

Saturday, February 14th: 10 am – 5 pm

Benefiting: Youth in Government at Fond du Lac High School

Outdoor Winter Fun Activities - Street Hockey
2026-02-14 10:00 - 18:00
Location: Downtown Fond du Lac outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Event Details: Bring the whole family out to Sturgeon Spectacular. Activities/attractions include carriage rides, Photo Ops, Snow & Ice Castles, ice forts, street hockey, and other winter activities for the kids. Horse-drawn carriage rides are free and first come, first served. The carriage rides will do one loop around a downtown city block, taking in all the downtown festivities and decor. The kids will love it! Pick up and drop off will be located at the Portland & Sheboygan Street intersection.

Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 6pm
Sunday, February 15th: 10am – 2pm

Activities located outside THELMA at the Portland/Sheboygan Intersection

Presented by: Mercury Marine

Downtown Snow Land
2026-02-14 10:00 - 18:00
Location: Outside THELMA

Event Details: Visit Downtown Snow Land next to THELMA all weekend long. Kids will enjoy a large snow hill for climbing and snow slides for sliding! There’s fun for the whole family too with snow sculpting and a giant photo op made of snow!

*This event is weather contingent.

Saturday, February 14th: 10am – 6pm
Sunday, February 15th: 10am – 2pm

Sponsored by: AirTech Heating and Cooling

Meet Weaver
2026-02-14 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Inside THELMA

Event Details: Get your photo taken with Weaver as he comes out to enjoy Sturgeon Spectacular. Representatives from the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders will also have promotions and ticket giveaways while Weaver is here!

Saturday, February 14th: 10:30am – 11:30am

Sponsored by: Fond du Lac Dock Spiders

Face Painting
2026-02-14 11:00 - 14:00
Location: Art Galleries inside THELMA

Event Details: Any children who come to Sturgeon Spectacular can get their faces painted inside of THELMA set up inside the art galleries by choosing from an array of designs.

Saturday, February 14th: 11am – 2pm

Sponsored by: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Facepainting at THELMA
2026-02-14 11:00 - 14:00
Location: Galleries inside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Event Details: Interested parties can select from a variety of Wizard of Oz themed options

Saturday, February 14th: 11am – 2pm

Sponsored by: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Downtown Ice Sculpting
2026-02-14 11:00 - 15:00
Location: Various Downtown Businesses

C.C’s Chocolate Cafe – 57 N Macy St
Blue Marble Botanicals – 28 N. Main Street
18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E Division St
Hotel Retlaw – 1 N Main St
Bird’s Eye View Optical – 19 S Main St
Lillian’s – 27 N Main St
Gallery & Frame Shop – 94 S Main St
The Goldsmith – 177 S Main St
Fond du Lac Beer Company 21 4th Sheboygan St (Father/Son Duo)
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (Friday Night Live Sculpting Bonus Expo) – 51 Sheboygan St

Event Details: Pick up an event brochure at any of the participating locations and walk through beautiful downtown Fond du Lac to see these talented ice carvers create works of art right on the sidewalks of downtown. Get your picture taken with each one. And a special thanks to all the host businesses for their sponsorship and support!

Saturday, February 14th: 11am – 3pm (Live Carving)
Finished ice carvings will be on display and open to viewing as long as weather permits.

Sponsored by: US Bank

Downtown Chili Crawl presented byDowntown Fond du Lac Partnership
2026-02-14 11:00 - 15:00
Location: Various Businesses, Downtown Fond du Lac

Event Details: Feeling “chili” from all that time on the ice? Celebrate Sturgeon Spectacular with a walk in Downtown Fond du Lac for the 17th Annual Chili Crawl being held Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 11am to 3pm.

For just $15, crawlers can taste different chili concoctions made by our downtown businesses. The downtown business voted into the top spot gets the bragging rights of being called the year’s best chili!

On the morning of the event bring your ticket to 131 S. Main Street to check-in. There you will receive your official chili crawl map and voting ballot. Check-in opens at 9am and ends at 1pm. Chili is available beginning at 11am.

Ballots will be split to allow voting on best restaurant chili and best home-cooked chili. Feel free to choose your own route for each stop.

The last stop on the crawl is Hopper’s Silk Screening and All-Star Trophy where your completed ballot can be redeemed by 3pm

Downtown Fond du Lac shops and restaurants are open to the general public of all ages during this event. The Sweet Stroll will be held rain or shine.

Participating Locations

18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E Division St
1836 Renegade Taproom – 103 S Main St
Beauty Republic & Co – 131 S Main St – Suite 100
Blue Line Tavern – 88 S Main St
CC’s Chocolate Cafe – 57 N Main St
Cujak’s Wine & Spirits – 47 N Main St
Fond du Lac Beer Company – 21 4th St Ct
Hotel Retlaw – 1 N Main St
Main Pub – 241 S Main St
Main Street Fashion – 117 S Main St
La Belle FDL – 14 N Main St
Ohana Axe Company – 25 N Main St
Victoria’s Pet Nutrition – 14 N Main St
This is Permanent – 25 N Main St
Korneli’s Downtown – 8 5th St
Fat Joe’s – 1 W Division St

Tips
• Avoid waiting in line by picking up your materials starting at 9am on February 14th.
• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, since you’ll be walking outdoors between locations.
• Post photos to Instagram and Facebook using hashtag #downtownfdl.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to amy@downtownfdl.com

Tickets are transferable, but not refundable. Transferring a ticket to another individual is the responsibility of the ticket holder. The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership will not facilitate exchanges.

Only 300 tickets sold (while supplies last) – available online only! Click here.
Check-in at Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (131 S. Main Street) from 10am – 1pm, day of

Saturday, February 14th: 11am – 3pm

Sponsored By: Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership

A Wickedly Good Story Time
2026-02-14 11:00 - 16:00
Location: Fountain City inside THELMA

Event Details: Take a step beyond the yellow brick road for an enchanting story time and a sing-a-long featuring everyone’s favorite witch in a bubble. Audiences of all ages will get glitterfied by the good witch herself as she learns about the magic of friendship. This story time is bound to be popular.

Saturday, February 14th: Showings at 11am – 1 pm and 2pm – 4pm
Story time and sing-a-long to top the 2 hour show (about 45 minutes) with meet and greet to follow.

Performed by: Enchanted Abby
Sponsored by: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Wizard of Oz Showings
2026-02-14 11:00 - 17:00
Location: The Great Hall inside THELMA

Event Details: Join us for three showings of the classic movie The Wizard of Oz (1939). Follow Dorthey on here journey home from the magical land of Oz with the help of her friends she meets along the yellow brick road. in The Great Hall inside THELMA. Explore the rest of THELMA and discover other Wizard of Oz fun activities.

Saturday, February 14th: 11am, 1pm, 3 pm starting times

Presented by: Thelma Sadolff Center for the Arts

Wizard of Oz Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-14 11:00 - 17:00
Location: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Event Details: Follow the yellow brick road inside THELMA and unscramble the clues to solve these puzzles. Once all the puzzles are solved, turn your entry in at the information table inside the THELMA lobby to get your prize.

Saturday, February 14th: 11am – 5pm

Spearing and Beering
2026-02-14 12:00 - 17:00
Location: Fond du Lac Beer Company

Event Details: Join us at the Fond du Lac Beer Company during Sturgeon Spectacular for an afternoon of baseball fandom and contests. Purchase your Limited-Edition Lake Winnebago Region Shantymen merchandise, enter contests to win former Dock Spider & current Milwaukee Brewer, Caleb Durbin signed memorabilia and other prizes. One entry the drawing with every merchandise purchase. and meet Fond du Lac Native, former Dock Spider and 2025 Draft Pick of the Colorado Rockies – Ethan Cole for an exclusive Meet & Greet from 1:00 – 3:00pm.

Saturday, February 14th: 12pm – 5pm

Sponsored by: Fond du Lac Beer Company and Lake Winnebago Shantymen

Ceramic Sturgeon Craft
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00
Location: Art Classroom inside of THELMA

Event Details: Glaze your very own ceramic sturgeon ornament at THELMA in an art classroom. $5 per participant. Glazed sturgeon will be fired and should be picked up after Sturgeon Spectacular.

Saturday, February 14th: 1pm – 3pm

Sponsored by: Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Sturgeon Spectacular: Into the Night (Glow Party)
2026-02-14 16:30 - 18:30
Location: The Great Hall inside THELMA

Event Details: Looking for a for a different way to spend your Valentine’s evening? Come out to Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for our Sturgeon Spectacular: Into the Night Glow Party! Dance and party away to DJ Galaxy in The Great Hall with glow sticks, lights, and plenty of drinks! Want to dance to music you know? No worries, our DJ takes requests! All ages welcome!

Saturday, February 14th: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Performed By: DJ Galaxy Productions

Death Beneath the Ice: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
2026-02-14 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Blue Line Tavern – 88 S Main Street

Event Details: Love is in the air and murder is under the ice! This immersive winter murder mystery drops you into the frozen world of sturgeon spearing, ice shanties, and bone-chilling secrets. Every guest will assume an alias the moment they arrive, because in this investigation, everyone is a suspect. You’ll work side by side with our detectives to solve the case! Think you’ve got the answer? Prove it! The sleuth who most accurately solves the murder walks away with a killer prize package.

Purchase tickets HERE!

Saturday, February 14th: 6pm – 9pm

Produced by: Laughable Productions

Hosted by: Blue Line Tavern
