A big festival is happening in the Amana Colonies this weekend! Winterfest 2025 is coming up on Saturday, and it looks like the weather is planning to cooperate. The forecast says it will be mostly cloudy with a high around 35 degrees. Compared to the negative temps we experienced this week, that sounds pretty darn good!

Here's a rundown of everything you need to know ahead of this year's festival:

Amana Colonies
Amana Colonies
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When is Winterfest 2025?

It's this Saturday, January 25th, with the first events beginning at 10 a.m.

Do I have to pay an admission fee?

Nope! There are different activities happening all over the Amana Colonies, so there is no admission fee. Some activities do have a cost associated with them, though.

So, what are the activities happening throughout the day?

The day is jam packed with fun stuff to do! Here is a rundown of some of the notable activities:

  • Amana Freezer 5k Run/Walk
    • Starts in front of the Carding Studio at Hotel Millwright at 10 a.m.
    • Packet pick-up takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the race site
    • Registration is $35 until January 24th at 3 p.m. - register HERE
  • Winterfest Wine & Beer Walk
    • Runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • A Wine & Beer Walk Passport costs $5 and can be picked up at any of the participating businesses:
      • Ackerman Winery
      • Fireside in the Village
      • Millstream Brewing Co.
      • Village Winery
      • White Cross Cellars
    • Enjoy samples at all five stops and collect stamps on your passport. When you're done, you can turn it in at the Visitor Center for a free Winterfest Wine Glass (limited to the first 200 people), plus enter to win one of five $25 gift certificates
    • Must be 21+ to participate
  • Live Music
    • Millstream Brewing Co.
      • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
      • Brittney Sword
    • Bierstube Cellar Bar (lower level of Ox Yoke Inn)
      • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Jeff & Jessica Weimer

What's going on at the Market Barn?

The Market Barn is where you'll find the Amana Firefighter's famous open-fire chili, as well as a whole slew of games. The firefighters begin serving chili, cider, and hot chocolate at 11 a.m., but only while supplies last. We recommend getting there right at 11, because the chili is AMAZING and you definitely don't want to miss it.

Here are the games and competitions taking place at the Market Barn:

  • Wreath Toss: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Winners announced after the Best Beard Competition
  • The Great Amana Ham-Put: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Winners announced after the Best Beard Competition
  • Winter Carnival Games: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Log Sawing Competition: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Winners announced after the Best Beard Competition.
  • Best Beard Competition: 2 p.m.
    • Categories include "Fullest Beard," "Most Unique Beard," and "Best Overall Beard"

There will also be a chainsaw artists doing live carvings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What other activities are there for the kids?

  • Ackerman Winery
    • Winter movies and family fun
    • Snowflake scavenger hunt
    • Shrinky Dinks keychain craft at 1 p.m. - $15
    • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Ox Yoke Inn
    • Decorate your own Yokey Bear cookie
      • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      • Minimum donation of $5 per cookie - proceeds benefit Safe Haven of Iowa County Animal Shelter
    • Kinder gift bags for children with a purchase from the children’s menu
      • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Millstream Brewing Company
    • Snow angels and marshmallow toasting
    • 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Ronneburg Restaurant
    • Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies
    • 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Bumble Books
    • Literature-themed board game event with tea and games
    • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Haus Maus Tees
    • "Spot all 10 hidden mouse friends to claim a special treat!"
    • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Little Red Wagon
    • "Join us for some puzzling fun!"
    • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Fireside Winery in the Village
    • Specialty flights and hot cocoa
    • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a full brochure of activities at Amana Winterfest 2025, check out the official website HERE!

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