Name: Lakeside Winter Celebration/Polar Plunge
Start: 2026-01-31T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-31T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 180 Beach Avenue, Rochester, NY, United States, New York 14612

$Lakeside Winter Celebration\/Polar Plunge$

The 40th edition of the Lakeside Winter Celebration and Polar Plunge will return to the icy shores of Lake Ontario on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 2026. Saturday will be packed with free and low cost family activities from noon until 3 pm,
including the popular annual Chilly Chili Challenge where local restaurants and non-profit groups vie for the title of
"Rochester’s Best Chili." Also returning will be local ice carvers creating icy masterpieces, horse drawn sleigh/wagon rides through the park, wine and craft beer tasting featuring local wineries, hot chocolate, coffee and merchandise for sale from the Charlotte Community Association as well as other food vendors and music by the Niel Van Dorn band.
Free ice skating and skates will be available on the County operated synthetic ice rink at the park. The City’s Rec on the Move staff will keep the young ones busy with winter activities and games. A variety of craft vendors and local organizations will be present.
For snow sculpture enthusiasts, a free snow sculpture contest will be held with a large feature sculpture created by a professional snow sculptor. Registration is free from 9-11 am in the tent. Bring your own tools and create your own masterpiece. Cash and gift card prizes will be awarded.
The day will be capped off by a fireworks display over the river at 6:15 pm. Best viewing is from the beach parking lot .
Sunday the Polar Plunge, the largest plunge in New York State, will take place at Noon as over 2000+ plungers are expected to take the Plunge to support Special Olympics New York. Parking is limited and you are encouraged to take the free shuttle bus from Greece Arcadia High School, 120 Island Cottage Rd.
The event is supported in whole or in part by the City of Rochester, Monroe County, Wegmans and a Neighbors in Action (NIA) grant from the City of Rochester, ESL Federal Credit Union, and the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
NIA grants empower residents and organizations to work together and take purposeful action to strengthen and improve their neighborhoods. Additional details are available at www.ontariobeachentertainment.org.