Wally Ice Fest: Bonfires, Pond Hockey, and Ice Golf in the Poconos
Wally Ice Fest is one of the most unique winter events in the Pocono Mountains. Held annually near Lake
Wallenpaupack in Hawley, Pennsylvania, the festival combines outdoor pond hockey, ice golf, curling, axe
throwing, and massive bonfires into a weekend that feels more like a winter block party than a typical festival.
Whether you're a hockey player or just looking for a fun reason to get outside in February, Wally Ice Fest is
worth building a Poconos trip around.
What Is Wally Ice Fest?
Wally Ice Fest is a winter festival centered around the Pocono Pond Hockey Tournament. Teams compete on
frozen outdoor rinks across multiple divisions, from competitive to recreational. But you don't need to play
hockey to enjoy the weekend. The festival is open to spectators and includes activities for all ages.
The event typically takes place in late January or early February, with the 2026 edition held on January 31 and
February 1 at Watonka Outdoor Facilities in Hawley, PA. Dates for 2027 are usually announced in late summer,
with registration opening around September.
What to Do at the Festival
Watch pond hockey. Six to eight outdoor rinks are set up for tournament play. Games run all day Saturday
and through a half-day Sunday. Even if you've never watched pond hockey before, the energy of outdoor
games on natural ice is something you don't get at indoor arenas.
Try ice golf. Think golf, but on ice with special equipment. It's a chipping-style setup that works for all skill
levels and is genuinely fun even if you've never held a golf club.
Keg curling and corn-hole. Classic tailgate-style games adapted for ice and winter. No experience needed.
Axe throwing. An outdoor axe throwing setup adds a rugged element to the festival.
Public skating. Bring your own skates and enjoy open skating on the outdoor rinks when games aren't
running.
Bonfires and live music. A massive country bonfire keeps spectators warm all day. Inside the entertainment
tent, live bands play from morning through evening on Saturday.
Where Is It and How to Get There
Wally Ice Fest takes place at Watonka Outdoor Facilities in Hawley, PA, near Lake Wallenpaupack. From most
Pocono Pads vacation homes near Camelback Mountain, it's roughly a one-hour drive north through the
Pocono Mountains.
The drive itself is scenic, especially in winter when the mountain roads are framed by snow-covered trees. It's
the kind of day trip that makes the journey part of the experience.
Plan a Weekend Around the Festival
The best way to experience Wally Ice Fest is to combine it with a full winter weekend in the Poconos. Stay at a
vacation home near Camelback Mountain, ski or tube on one day, and drive up to Hawley for the festival on
another. You get the outdoor adventure of the festival plus the comfort and amenities of a cabin with a hot tub
and fireplace waiting for you when you get back.
Pocono Pads manages over 40 vacation homes in the Pocono Mountains, many with the kind of features that
make a winter weekend special: hot tubs, fire pits, game rooms, and full kitchens. Browse properties at
poconopads.com and book direct for the best experience.
Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
Wally Ice Fest dates and registration typically open in September for the following winter. Follow
wallyicefest.com for announcements. If you're a hockey player looking to register a team, spots fill up fast.
Whether you're playing or spectating, Wally Ice Fest is one of those Pocono winter experiences that reminds
you why outdoor activities in February are worth the cold.
