Ice is under-appreciated. Hard liquor is just hard liquor until you add ice, and then it’s on the rocks. A lake is just a lake until you add ice, and then you can skate across it, fish right on it, even drive over it. A bar is just a bar until it’s made of ice, or—in Rochester’s case—when SEVEN bars are made of ice, and then it’s an event better known as SocialICE.
SocialICE consists of seven 12-foot themed bars set up in Peace Plaza from February 19-21, each bar serving a specialty drink. Themes range from “Frozen” to “warming-house,” Star Wars to ancient Roman architecture.
After you check out the ice bars, grab a drink, then wander on over to the Walk of Ice, featuring ice sculptures sponsored by various businesses and organizations (located at the east end of Peace Plaza). The festival includes live music, too, creating a fun and energetic winter atmosphere for adults and kids alike. There will be ice carving demonstrations and kids’ activities Friday and Saturday night—and plenty of hot cocoa and warm apple cider for those who prefer n/a drinks.
The hours all three days are 4-10 p.m. Admission is free.
SocialICE is sponsored by the Rochester Downtown Alliance. For more information, visit downtownrochestermn.com/events/socialice.
