Official McCall Winter Carnival Guide

Your Complete Guide to The McCall Winter Carnival

Carnivals and Festivals happen all over the world, and whatever the reason, every month for many different reasons, you’ll find people descending on a location to celebrate ritualize and share in a common experience. 

On the last weekend of January to the end of the first weekend in Feburary, McCall hosts the iconic Idaho event known as the McCall Winter Carnival~ “A Celebration of All Things Winter!”

McCall Winter Carnival is host to fireworks, parades, live music and 233 other events over a ten day period

Fun for the whole family The McCall Winter Carnival has 233 scheduled events.  From a Mardi Gras like parade, fireworks over Lake Payette to a Harry Leg Contest at the Yacht Club on “Service Industry Night”.

The variety of activities found at the McCall Winter Carnival are as amazing as they are unique and memorable!  Starting with oversized snow sculptures. Hot chocolate warming houses, and outdoor vendors in Legacy Park.  Snowshoe golf and Grand Bingo.  Three sled-dog races and a downhill ski race.  Snowmobile & snow bike races.  Children’s Torchlight parade, and 13 live musical performances outdoors.  Including music in the tipis up at Jug Mountain Ranch.  Along with a host of other wonderful events scattered around town.

The McCall Winter Carnival is a celebration of all things winter and has a menu packed full of events with a carnival pageant, snow sports, food, art, fireworks, and a Pacific Northwest Mardi Gras Parade.

Kids at the McCall Winter Carnival torchlight parade

Throughout the festivities you will be torn between dance parties, hockey games, downhill tubing, drunken bingo, concerts, karaoke, Olympic ice shows and even glow in the dark body painting activities. 

Discounted packages for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  From dinner & a movie” to winery dinner’s & steak night combos.  To cheap happy hours, longest happy hours and bloody mary parade parties.  Ending with closing ceremonies, prizes, raffles & of course an unforgettable firework show over Lake Payette.    

If you’ve never been to McCall Winter Carnival you’re missing out on one of the last great family fun festivals in our country!

Below you will find the McCall Winter Carnival signature events and my personal recommendations for food, drinks & lodging. 

Along with a complete schedule of every event’s: time, day, location and cost.  I even made it downloadable for you in case you wanted to print it off or just have it with you at all times.  How nice of me was that??

Enjoy the fun and be safe everyone!  Follow this link down the page to the carnival’s signature events!  Click this link to take you down the page to my personal McCall Winter Carnival recommendations.  Follow these links to take you to the day of the event’s schedule you are looking for. 

Day One ~ Day Two ~ Day Three ~ Day Four ~ Day Five ~ Day Six ~ Day Seven ~ Day Eight ~ Day Nine ~Day Ten

So be sure to show check out the events calendar below, show up early and have fun!  The McCall Idaho Winter Carnival is fun for all ages!!

Activities & Events Map for McCall Winter Carnival

Official Map of events and activities for the McCall Winter Carnival

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 1 Fri Jan 24th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day One Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
5am-8am Open Swim and Lap Swimming Cascade Recreation Center
830am-930am Core/Barre Class Cascade Recreation Center
1030am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
10am-6pm Winter Carnival Annual Book Sale McCall Public Library
11am-4pm Fish, Chips & Chowder $10 Banyans on The Green
Noon-5pm Cookies, Coffee & Hot Chocolate ~Midas Hut Art Roberts Park
Noon-6pm Winter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
Noon-8pm Longest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-430pm Public Skate Manchester Ice Rink
2pm-6pm Tubing Hill McCall Activity Barn
3pm-6pm Happy Hour Food & Drinks Banyans on The Green
3pm-6pm Happy Hour Salmon River Brewery
4pm-830pm Supper Club Jug Mountain Ranch
5pm-630pm Main Stage DJ Depot Park
5pm-8pm Burger Night Broken Horn Brewery
5pm-9pm Beer Garden Depot Park
5pm-10pm Vendor Court E. Lake Street Across From Legacy Park
530pm Youth Ski Races (6-18) Registration @4pm-$15 Little Ski Hill
530pm-615pm Childrens Torchlight Parade Lineup Congregational Church (901 1st)
630pm Childrens Torchlight Parade Ends @ Lake Street acros from Legacy Park
630pm Opening Ceremonies Depot Park
7pm Fireworks over Payette Lake Views from Legacy Park& Depot Park
7pm-930pm Live Music ~Innocent Man Depot Park
730pm The Bold, The Young & The Murdered-Theatrical Production Alpine Playhouse
730pm BSU vs USC Hockey Game Manchester Ice Rink
9pm Live Music with Forrest Day Foresters Club
10pm-Close DJ Dance Party Yacht Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 2 Sat Jan 25th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Two Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
5am-8am Open Swim and Lap Swimming Cascade Recreation Center
8am Flashpoint Snowbike Race Riverfront Park
8am-11am PreParade Pancake Breakfast McCall Senior Center
9am Flashpoint Snowbike Practice Riverfront Park
9am-Noon $5.99 Breakfast Special Banyans on The Green
9am-6pm Winter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
10am Flashpoint Snowbike Preliminary Race Riverfront Park
10am-11am Courageous Kids Skate with BSU Hockey Team Manchester Ice Arena
10am-4pm Parade Shuttle to Downtown McCall Payette Lake Middle School
10am Bloody Mary Parade Party Yacht Club
10am – 4pm Friends of McCall Library Annual Winter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am – 4pm Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course
10am-5pm Cookies, Coffee, & Hot Chocolate Depot Park
10am-6pm Tubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
10am-9pm Vendor CourtE. Lake Across from Legacy Park
1030am-Noon Mardi Gras Parade Line UpMcCall Donnely High School
Noon Mardi Gras ParadeDowntown McCall
Noon-4pmOutdoor firepit, music & happy hour drinks Banyans on The Green
Noon-5pm Public Skate Manchester Ice Arena
Noon-8pm Longest Happy Hour in McCallYacht Club
1pm-4pm McCall Historic City Jail Warming HutNext To Veterans Park
1pm-4pmFun Run Ski-$15 prizes for humans and dogs. All ages welcome!Hasbrouck Ranch Nordic Trail Area
1pm-8pm Beer Garden Depot Park
2:15pmFlashbike Snow Bike FinalsRiverfront Park
2pm-4pm Main Stage DJ Depot Park
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery  
4pm-830Supper Club Jug Mountain Ranch
4pm-7pmConcert:High Pine Whisky Yell Depot Park
5pm-9pmSteak Night ~ $21.50 special Banyans on The Green
7pm-10pmLive Music with Bread & Circus Crusty’s Pizza
730pmBSU vs USC hockey game Manchester Ice Arena
730pmThe Bold, Young & MurderderAlpine Playhouse
9pmLive Music with Forrest DayForesters Club
10pm-closeDJ Dance Party Yacht Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 3 Sun Jan 26th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Three Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
9am-Noon $5.99 Breakfast Special Banyans on The Green
9am-3pmWinter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
10am-2pmHistoric City Jail Warming HutNext To Veterans Park
10am-4pm Snowshoe Golf-20th Anniversary McCall Golf Course
10am-4pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-5pmVendor CourtE. Lake ST Across from Legacy Park
10am-6pmTubbing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
1030am-530pm$20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
11am-NoonYoga Flow Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
11am-1pmOpen Kayak Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
11am-1pmMCPAWS Monster Dog PullAlpine Village
11am-5pmOpen Swim & Lap Swimming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
1130am-1pmBSU Alumni Hockey GameManchester Ice Rink
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
115pm-3pm$5 Cheap Skate Manchester Ice Rink
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
4pm-830pmSupper Club Prime Rib Special Jug Mountain Ranch
6pm-8pmLive Music in the Tipis Jug Mountain Ranch
730 pmThe Bold, Youn & MurderedAlpine Playhouse
8pm-Close Carnival Karaoke Night (Prizes)Yacht Club
9pmLive Music @ Foresters Club~Aaron Galay & The Original Sin Foresters Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 4 Mon Jan 27th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Four Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
5am-8pm Open Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
830am-930amCore/Barre Class Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
10am-6pm Winter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
Noon-6pmTubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-345pmPublic SkateManchester Ice Rink
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
6pm-8pmLive Music & Burger Night Broken Horn Brewery
8pm-CloseOpen Mic Night-Calling All Comedians & Musicians Foresters Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule~Day 5 Tues Jan 28th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Five Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All DayState Snow Sculpture Contest Carving Starts Depot Park
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
5am-9pm Open Kayak Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
5am-8pm Open Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
9am-945pmSilver & Fit Class Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
10am-6pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
11am-3pmIdaho Dog Sled Challenge:Vet Checks AnimalsPost Office Parking Lot
Noon-6pmTubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-415pmPublic Skate Manchester Ice Rink
330pm-6pmHappy HourSalmon River Brewery
5pmCommunity Dinner McCall Senior Center
6pmMeet the Dog Sled MushersIdaho First Bank Community Room
630pmWinemake Dinner:Abeja Winery Ruperts @ Hotel McCall
630pm-730pmYoga Flow (Free to Public) Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
7pm-9pmParty Bingo (21 & Over) Foresters Club
730pmDinner & Movie “Downtown Abbey” Shore Lodge

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule~Day 6 Wed Jan 29th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Six Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCallWinter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
10am-6pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
11am300 Mile Dog Sled Starts Little Ski Hill
Noon-6pmTubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-345pmPublic Skate Manchester Ice Rink
3pm-CloseGame Day : Free Pool, Ping Pong, Corn Hole Foresters Club
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
5pmGrand BingoNorth Fork Shore Lodge
630pmWinemake Dinner: Dunham CellarsRuperts @ Hotel McCall
630pmLive @ Taphouse Salmon River Brewery
730pmThe Bold, Young & MurderedAlpine Playhouse
10pm-MidnightLate Night Happy Hour Yacht Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 7 Fri Jan 30th

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Seven Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
All Day View ID State Snow Sculpture Building Depot Park
5am-9pm Open Kayak Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
5am-8pm Open Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
9am-10amSilver & Fit Class Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
10am-6pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
11amJunior Sled Dog Race Starts Little Ski Hill
1115am100 Mile Sled Dog Race Starts Little Ski Hill
Noon-6pmTubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-3pmPublic Skate Manchester Ice Rink
3pm-6pmHappy Hour Food & Drinks starting @ $2.99 Banyans on The Green
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
5pmCommunity Dinner McCall Senior Center
5pm-8pmCulinary Fundraiser Shore Lodge
5pm-8pmBurger NightBroken Horn Brewery
5pm-9pmSteak Night @ $17.50 Banyans on The Green
5pm-10pmBurger NightCutwater @ Shore Lodge
630pm-8pmYoga Flow & Restorative Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
730pmThe Bold, Young & MurderedAlpine Playhouse
8pm-CloseS.I.N. HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT FOR YOU SERVICE INDUSTRY PEEPS Yacht Club
8pm-10pmBeard, Sexy Leg & Hairy Leg Contest Yacht Club
9pm-CloseRockstar Karaoke Foresters Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 8 Fri Jan 31st

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Eight Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All Day Local Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
All Morning 100 Mile Dog Sled FinishVan Wyck State Park Cascade
5am-8pm Open Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
830am-930amCore/Barre Class Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
10amIdaho State Snow Sculpture Judging Depot Park (next to Hotel McCall)
10am-6pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
11am-4pmFish, Chips & Chowder @ $10 Banyans on The Green
11am-10pmVendor CourtE. Lake St Across From Legacy Park
Noon-6pmWinter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
Noon-6pmTubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
1pm-3pmPublic Skate Manchester Ice Rink
3pm-6pmHappy Hour Food & Drinks starting @ $2.99 Banyans on The Green
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
4pm-830pmSupper Club Jug Mountain Ranch
Starting @ 5pm300 Mile Dog Sled Race Finish(Check Online for official trackers) Little Ski Hill
5pm-7pmMain Stage DJ Depot Park
5pm-8pmBurger Night Broken Horn Brewery
5pm-9pmBeer Garden Depot Park
7pm-9pmConcert: Free Peoples Depot Park
730pmWinter Carnival Ice Show (World & Olympic Performers) Manchester Ice Rink
730pmThe Bold, Young & MurderedAlpine Playhouse
8pm-CloseS.I.N. HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT FOR YOU SERVICE INDUSTRY PEEPS Yacht Club
9pmLive Music- Scott Pemberton Foresters Club
10pm- closeDJ Dance Party Yacht Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 9 Sat Feb 1st

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Nine Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All DayLocal Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
All Day Idaho State Snow Sculpture Viewing Depot Park
9am McCall Area Snowmobilers Fun RunFrancis Wallace Parking Lot (Warrent Wagon Rd)
9am-Noon$5.99 Breakfast Banyans on The Green
9am-6pmWinter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
10am-6pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
10am-5pmCookies, Coffee & Hot Chocolate ~Warming HutArt Roberts Park
Noon-6pm Tubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
10am-4pmSnowshoe Golf-20th Anniversary McCall Golf Course
10am-10pmVendor CourtE. Lake St. across from Legacy Park
11am-NoonMaster Swim Class Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
11am-5pmOpen Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
Noon-2pmSnowman Building Competition McCall Public Library
Noon-4pmOutdoor Firepit, music & happy hour drinks Banyans on The Green
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
2pm-3pmMain Stage DJ Depot Park
2pm-430pmFamily Bingo McCall Senior Center
3pm-9pmBeer Garden Depot Park
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
4pm-6pmMain Stage: Local talent Show Depot Park
4pm-7pmMicheal Anderson Gallery ShowGallery Fifty-Five
4pm-830pmSupper ClubJug Mountain Ranch
5pm-9pmSteak Night @ $21.50 Banyans on The Green
6pm-7pmMain Stage DJ Depot Park
6pmSled Dog Awards CeremonyNorth Fork Lodge
630pmClosing Ceremonies & Raffle Drawing Depot Park
630pmWinemaker Dinner: Gramercy CellarsNarrows Steakhouse in Shore Lodge
7pmClosing Fireworks Over Payette Lake Legacy Park & Depot Park
7pm-9pmLive Music on Main Stage Depot Park
7pm-10pmLive Music: Free PeoplesCrusty’s Pizza
730pmWinter Carnival Ice Show(Bon Voyage; With World & Olympic Athletes) Manchester Ice Rink
730pmThe Bold, Young & MurderedAlpine Playhouse
9pmLive Music: Wide Stance Foresters Club
10pm-CloseGlow & Black Ligh Party including body paint Yacht Club

McCall Idaho Winter Carnival Schedule ~Day 10 Sun Feb 2nd

McCall Winter Carnival Schedule Day Ten Events

McCall Winter Carnival Time McCall Winter Carnival Event Description McCall Winter Carnival Event Location
All DayLocal Snow Sculpture Viewing See Map Above
All Day Idaho State Snow Sculpture Viewing Depot Park
9am-Noon$5.99 Breakfast Banyans on The Green
9am-3pmWinter Carnival Craft Fair Holiday Inn Express
10am-3pmVendor CourtE. Lake St Across from Legacy Park
10am-4pmSnowshoe Golf-20th Anniversary McCall Golf Course
10am-4pmWinter Carnival Book Sale McCall Public Library
Noon-4pm Tubing Hill Open McCall Activity Barn
10am-530pm $20 Gift Card Giveaway Backcountry Boutique
10am-4pmSnowshoe Golf-20th AnniversaryMcCall Golf Course
11am-NoonYoga FlowCascade Aquatic Rec Center
11am-1pmOpen Kayak Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
11am-5pmOpen Swim & Lap Swiming Cascade Aquatic Rec Center
Noon-8pmLongest Happy Hour in McCall Yacht Club
330pm-6pmHappy Hour Salmon River Brewery
4pm-6pmMain Stage: Local talent Show Depot Park
4pm-830pmSupper Club: Prime Rib Special Jug Mountain Ranch
430pmSuper Bowl Party Broken Horn Brewery
6pm-8pmLive Music in the Tipis withBob Burns Jug Mountain Ranch
7pm-10pmLive Music Crusty’s Pizza

McCall Winter Carnival Signature Events

Torchlight Parade Schedule~

kids torchlight parade in McCall Idaho during winter carnival

This year’s McCall Winter Carnival theme is “It’s a Kid’s World!”  It seems only fitting that we start off with the kid’s torchlight parade.  Free to all children.  The Torchlight Parade lineup begins at 530pm Friday, January 24th at the Congressional Church at 901 1st St.  The actual torchlight parade begins at 630pm, and ends across from Legacy Park on East Lake Street. 

Dress Warm its winter out there.  Explore face paints, glow in the dark necklaces and other stand out gear so you can grab the perfect photo of your child in this year’s “Children’s Torchlight Parade.”

McCall’s Mardi Gras Parade Schedule~

Mardi Gras Parade at the McCall Winter Carnival

For the adults and the rest of the family the McCall Mardi Gras Parade officially kicks off the winter carnival on Saturday, January 25th at Noon. Stop by the Yacht Club to pregame with McCalls Best Bloody Mary Bar.  If the Yacht Club is too hectic for you swing by Big Country’s Sports Bar (across the street in Manchester Ice Arena) for an even better Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar!

The parade runs through downtown and is expected to run from Noon-1pm on Saturday, January 25th.  Dress warm, bring your camera’s and enjoy the festivities.  Best place to sit K & B’s outdoor deck!

Snow Sculpture Schedule ~

Snow sculpture of a dragon at the McCall Winter Carnival Parade

The staple of the McCall Winter Carnival are the ice sculpters.  This life-size and sometimes bigger than life size snow sculptures are a real treat.  From exotic to playful they come in all shapes and sizes.  Viewing the detailed art exhibits will begin on January 24th and last throughout the carnival.  The Idaho State Snow Sculpture Judging begins at 10 am on day 8 ( January 31st).

Travelers Tip ~ For $10 you can take a chair ride to the top of Brundage ski resort and view the ski patrol snow sculpture.

Snowbike Race Schedule ~

If your looking for speed or adrenaline you won’t want to miss out on the Snowbike races.  There will be three races.  Two prelims & a final.  The first prelim takes place on Saturday, January 25th from 215pm-330pm at Riverfront Park (604 Mission St, McCall Idaho).

Snow bike races at the McCall Winter Carnival in McCall Idaho

Dog Sled Race Schedule ~

  There are three dog-sled races.  300 miles, 100 mile and Juniors.  On Tuesday, January 28th come out and meet the dog mushers’ at the Idaho State Bank parking lot at 6 pm.  On Wednesday, January 29th  at 11 am the 300 mile dog-sled race begins up at Little Ski Hill (just North of town).  On Thursday at 11 am the Junior race begins & at 1115am the 100-mile race begins from Little Ski Hill. 

You can catch the finish of the 100-mile face all morning on Friday, January 30th at Van Wycke State Park in Cascade.  The 300-mile race will begin to finish around 5 pm on at Little Ski Hill also on Friday, but be sure to check the online trackers for more accurate times. 

Winter Carnival Firework Display Schedule ~

The McCall Winter Carnival fireworks display over Lake Payette is really something spectacular.  If you don’t go to any other event be sure to find a comfortable spot in Legacy or Depot park for the best view of this captivating firework show. 

McCall Winter Carnival is host to fireworks, parades, live music and 233 other events over a ten day period

The opening fireworks show will begin @ 7 pm on Friday, January 24th, and  closing fireworks Saturday Feburary 1st @ 7pm

Opening Ceremony Schedule ~ 

Kick off the McCall Winter Carnival at the opening ceremonies in Depot park that begin right after the children’s torchlight parade at 630pm. 

Closing Ceremony Schedule~

Like all good things even the McCall Winter Carnival must come to an end.  The closing ceremonies & raffle drawing will be held in Depot Park at 630pm on Saturday February 1st

My Personal Recommendation’s for the McCall Winter Carnival

With over 233 events to choose from it’s going to be easy to miss out on some real treats.  Below you will find my recommendations from a local’s perspective. 

The Winter Carnival Ice Show Schedule~

show hosted at the Manchester Ice Arena with real Olympic performers should not be overlooked.  Perfoming on days 8 & 9 (January 31st & February 1st @ 730pm).

McCall Activity Barn – Tubing Hill

Not everyone is a downhill adrenaline junkie, but its winter so get out and tap into your childhood.  The McCall Activity Barn will be open from 10am-6pm.  Offering tons of fun for all ages on the tubing hill, cross country skiing and even fat bike rentals.  Fill up your water bottle with some adult beverages and spend an hour on the tubing hills.  Sure to be a great time!

McCall Winter Carnival Live Concerts

Besides the parades and fireworks the next biggest ticket item event you won’t want to miss is the live music performances and beer garden in Depot Park.  With over 13 live performances being held throughout the carnival you have to make an effort to catch at least one show.  During sets take a stroll through the vendor court. 

Winter Carnival Sleeper Events ~

Parade patrons dressed up like wizard of oz characters at the McCall Winter carnival Parade

Not every event is going to be a home run, but the potential is there.  I think these are the best sleeper events with the most potential to be amazing. Or they could be a bust, but you’ll never know unless you check ‘em out. 

The Alpine playhouse will be hosting a murder mystery play all week long for only $10 a night.  Screen goes up at 730pm. 

At the Alpine Village from 11 am-1 pm on Sunday 26th MCPAWS is hosting a monster dog pull.  Great excuse to get your dog out of the house. 

Karaoke Night at the Yacht Club on Sunday, January 26th starting at 8 pm.  It’s labeled Carnival Karaoke so….

Open mic night for comedians & musicians at Forester’s Club on Monday Day 4 (January 27th). This will either be amazing or a bust.

Grand Bingo at the North Fork Lodge on January 29th could be a great way to spend the evening with family or away from family depending on how things are going.

One last event for the kiddies or young adults of the group.  On the last day of the winter carnival, the McCall Public Library will be hosting a snowman building competition from Noon-2pm.  Bring your competition!

My Winter Carnival Food Recommendations ~

There will be all kinds of food package deals during the carnival. 

Jug Mountain, Banyan’s on the Green and The Narrows all hosting their own special steak nights. 

Rupers and The Narrows are even hosting special winemaker’s nights.  Honoring Dunham Cellars, Abeja Winery and Grammercy Cellars. 

Which restaurants in McCall are worth visiting during McCall's Winter Carnival

Broken Horn Brewery & Cuthroat Restaurant will be hosting special burger nights. 

Banyan’s on the Green (McCall Golf Course) will be hosting $5.99 breakfast specials, lunch specials and unique happy hours. 

The McCall Senior Center will host a pre-parade pancake breakfast, two community dinners and a family bingo night. 

Everyone will be at the Pancake house for breakfast.  Lunch and dinner will see the pub food places overrun with diners.  Steak houses and other high-end joints will be just as packed for dinner. 

If you want good food, great service at an affordable price.  Check out these three places. 

Ruby’s Kitchen is a wonderful breakfast place, and off the beaten path.  Not nearly as large as Pancake house so seating is limited, but should definitely be on your radar. 

Sushi Bar is a wonderful alternative to your other dinner options.  With an in-house Sake professional, full sushi menu and a variety of cooked Asian dishes there’s something for everyone.  Even the kids.  Parking is extremely limited!

My ultimate favorite goto spot in McCall is Jasmine + Ginger.  Relatively new in town, but this Thai place is McCalls best kept secret.  Below the Yacht Club, a heavenly dining experience awaits.  Check out my review from my first visit to Jasmine + Ginger. 

Traveler’s tip ~ Don’t follow the herd.  Every restaurant will be slammed from Noon-2pm & 6pm-8pm.  Want better service and better food.  Dine outside of these time frames.  Staff will be less stressed.  More tables will be available, and the atmosphere will be less chaotic. 

McCall Winter Carnival Lodging ~

Like all small mountain towns lodging is limited.  Especially during an event like Winter Carnival.  If you haven’t secured lodging months in advance you’re going to pay a premium.  Don’t worry I got you covered.  Click here to check out available AirBnB’s

Or check out what bookings has to offer. 

Booking.com

Sharing is caring!

My Favorite Travel Booking Resources: Most Affordable & Efficient Travel Booking Tools I Use Everyday

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are my two favorite “flight” search engines because they search through websites and airlines around the globe and offer a calendar view to find even cheaper flights for flexible travelers.  Check out these UNIQUE destination deals or my favorite All Inclusive Booking Travel Tool!

Rent An RV

Find cheap RV rentals for your next adventure by using Outdoorsy or RVshare.  These are my two favorite “RV” search engines because they allow you to rent from private RV owners, and offer a wide variety of chooses at affordable rates.  Want to start making money by renting out your RV?  List it with Outdoorsy or RVshare.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.  Get a $40 credit for booking with AirBnb.  Need to book a private campsite use my favorite RV booking site Hipcamp!

Looking For A Travel Community

Join the Escapees travel club to meet fellow travelers and talk about all things related to RVing and overland travel.

Travel Packages & Tours

Are you looking for worldwide tours and travel packages?  Check out my go-to source — IntrepidTravel!  Looking for more family related travel packages and tours book with GAdventures.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong and will cover things like transport security, crisis response and medical transports such as Life Flight. Why go on any trip without a safety net that costs less than a case of beer? I’ve been using SafetyWings for years without any issues.

My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWings (ONLY $35 & Covers USA Travelers)
  • World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional travel insurance coverage like medical transport, travel security & crisis response)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Just Want To Support This Amazingly Resourceful Website

Websites incur constant fees!  From hosting costs to massive amounts of personal time creating beneficial content for readers to consume at their leisure.  To help offset those costs or just to say, Thank You.  You can help support this community by shopping through any of the links found on my resource pageShop on Amazon through this link and I’ll get a small commission, or you can directly support this site through Paypal donations.  None of this is a requirement its just helpful and creates a better community for all of us.

Leave a Reply

*