Winter is about to get exciting in the Iowa Great Lakes! Mark your calendars for the University of Okoboji Winter Games 2026, a weekend filled with fun, competition, and tradition. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible event.
What is Winter Games?
The University of Okoboji Winter Games began in 1981 as a small broomball tournament on the frozen waters at the Fish Hatchery. Over the years, it has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing over 40,000 visitors annually from across the country and even internationally.
Hosted by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, this event brings locals and visitors together for a weekend packed with unique winter activities and unforgettable experiences.
When is Winter Games?
The University of Okoboji Winter Games is always the last full weekend in January. This year, the festivities kick off on Thursday, January 22, and continue through Sunday, January 25. Make it a yearly tradition to gather your family and friends for an unforgettable weekend of winter fun!
New This Year!
From adrenaline-pumping tournaments to cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few of the new events added this year:
- #BojiKites Festival is BACK – along with a new #BojiKites Family Night at the Roof Garden on Friday, January 23
- Archery in Preservation Plaza
- Beer Buddies Race at the Waterfront
- Hard Water Golf Open with Emerald Hills & Mullets on the Ice of West Lake just West of Pirate Jacks
- Busch Light Curling with Doll Distributing at Parks Marina & Barefoot Bar
- Cocoa Connections at the Northwest Iowa Humane Society
- Much, much more!
How to Get Around Town
To ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, transportation options are available:
- Lakes Taxi of Okoboji: 712-339-0329
- Okoboji Cab Services: 712-209-5060
- Golden Mullet Cabs: 712-240-0941
- Lyft & Uber
Additionally, Parks Marina Shuttle Buses will run between Parks Marina properties and select hotels. Wristbands are available for purchase.
Please remember: DO NOT drink and drive. Stay safe!
What If There’s No Snow or Ice?
Have the University of Okoboji Winter Games ever been canceled due to lack of snow or ice? Never! The games are designed to take place on or off the ice. However, it’s essential to remember that no ice is safe ice. For updates on ice and snow conditions, follow the event’s official Facebook or Instagram pages.
For ice safety concerns, contact the DNR at 712-336-1840.
Polar Plunge Details
The thrilling Polar Plunge takes place on the ice near the Queen II at Arnolds Park Amusement Park on Saturday, January 25. Registration runs from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, with the plunge starting promptly at 3:00 PM. Proceeds benefit the Arnolds Park Okoboji Fire & Rescue Department.
Tips:
- Bring a towel and courage!
- Have a friend hold your dry clothes and belongings.
Registration Information
If you want to participate in tournaments or activities, pre-registration is highly recommended. Some events fill up weeks in advance, so don’t wait!
You don’t have to compete to enjoy the University of Okoboji Winter Games. There are plenty of events to watch and partake in as a spectator.
Visit the official Winter Games website for registration details and a full schedule of activities.
Snowmobile and ATV Guidelines
Here’s what you need to know:
- Iowa Residents: Snowmobiles must have a user permit. OHVs do not require one, but proof of insurance is necessary.
- Non-Residents: Both snowmobiles and OHVs require user permits and proof of insurance.
User permits are available at the Dickinson County Recorder’s Office or any location selling hunting and fishing licenses. For detailed information, visit iowadnr.gov or dickinsoncountysnowhawks.com.
Schedule of Events
Here’s a sneak peek at the full University of Okoboji Winter Games 2026 schedule:
Times and Events Subject to Change
Thursday, January 22
- 6AM-CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportsmens/Venue in Spirit Lake
- 10AM-3PM: Pop Up at Pick’s Resort Winter Chalet in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-6PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
- 5PM: Local’s ‘Pre-Game’ Party at Parks Marina/Boat House in Okoboji
- 5PM: Hanging Bar Competition at Parks Marina/Boat House in Okoboji
- 6PM: Battle of the Bartenders at Parks Marina/Boat House in Okoboji
- 7PM: Trivia at West O in West Okoboji
- 7PM: Live Music by Blake Jack (Ticketed Event) at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 7PM: Live Music by Jordan Beem Duo at Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 7PM: Live Music by Boon & Lambert at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 9PM: Comedy by Corey Knox, Mike Young, and Annie Lederman at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 11:30PM: Live Music by Boon & Lambert at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
Friday. January 23
- ALL DAY: #BojiKites Festival (Weather Permitting) on the ice in from of Bedell Pier in Arnolds Park
- ALL DAY: Boats on Ice Boat Show at Parks Marina in Okoboji
- 6-10AM: KUOO Radio Show 2 Go Kick Off Show & Breakfast at Snappers in Okoboji
- 6AM-CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportsmens/Venue in Spirit Lake
- 9AM-3PM: Information Booth & Apparel Sales at the IGLA Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-3PM: Pop Up at Pick’s Resort Winter Chalet in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-6PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
- 11AM-2PM: Customer Appreciation Luncheon at Boji Powersports in Okoboji
- 1-5PM: Segway Gas Powered UTV Demos by Smart Powersports of Okoboji on the ice in front of the Park in Arnolds Park
- 1-5PM: Grilling Krafty’s Brats by Smart Powersports of Okoboji on the Ice in front of the Park in Arnolds Park
- 3:30-6PM: Live Music by Jordan Beem Duo at Captain’s Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 4PM: Hanging Bar Competition at Parks Marina /Boat House in Okoboji
- 4PM: Live Music by Tristan Marquardt at Parks Marina/Boat House in Okoboji
- 4:30PM: Musical Playdate at Kindermusik at the Lakes in Okoboji
- 5PM: Live Music by Brianna Helbing at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 5-7PM: Chili Cook-Off by Hinn Real Estate at Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Spirit Lake
- 5-7PM: #BojiKites – Family Night at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
- 5:30-8PM: #BojiKites – Night Kites on the ice in front of Bedell Pier in Arnolds Park
- 5:45PM: Musical Playdate at Kindermusik at the Lakes in Okoboji
- 6:30-9PM: Live Music by Jud Hailey Trio at Captain’s Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 8PM: Live Music by Decoy at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 8PM: Live Music by Damon Dotson at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 8PM: Live Music by Johnny Holm Band at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 8-11PM: Live Music by Jesse Wilson at the Peacock Lounge in Arnolds Park
- 9PM: Live Music by the Fish Heads at Captain’s Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 9:30PM: Live Music by the Varsity Rejects at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 10PM-CLOSE: Live Music by DJ Wheelz at Portside in Arnolds Park
- 11PM: Live Music by Casey Muessigman at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
Saturday, January 24
- ALL DAY: #BojiKites Festival on the ice in front of Bedell Pier in Arnolds Park
- ALL DAY: Hanging Bar Competition at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- ALL DAY: Volleyball Tournament at Bedell Family YMCA in Spirit Lake
- ALL DAY: Boats on Ice Boat Show at Parks Marina in Okoboji
- SELECT TIMES: Bowling Tournament with Business Today at Juniper Lanes in Spirit Lake
- 6AM-CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportsmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
- 8-8:45AM: 5K Fun Run Check-In and Registration at the Pavilion in Arnolds Park
- 8-11AM: Kegs & Eggs at Nautical in Arnolds Park
- 8-11AM: Sled Head Breakfast at Lake Okoboji Methodist Camp in Okoboji
- 8:30-10:30AM: Hot Mamas All About Hormones at Re*be Skin & Vein Clinic
- 8:30AM-12PM: Omelet Brunch by the Okoboji Summer Theatre at the Okoboji Bible Conference in Arnolds Park
- 8AM-4PM: Bloody Mary’s & Hot Chocolate at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
- 8AM-5PM: Broomball Tournament at Smith’s Bay on West Lake Okoboji
- 8AM-5PM: Flag Football Tournament at Parks Marina Pond in Okoboji
- 8AM-5PM: Snow Softball Tournament on the Ice Outside the Ritz in Arnolds Park
- 8AM-6PM: Winter Games Courtyard, Firepits, and Fun! At the Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
- 8:30AM: Cribbage Tournament by Fareway at the Pebble Beach Room in Okoboji Conference Center in Okoboji
- 9AM: 5K Fun Run by Kozy Heat at the Pavilion in Arnolds Park
- 9AM: Snowga at Boat House Apparel in Arnolds Park
- 9AM: Human Foosball Tournament by O’Farrell Sisters & No Streaking at the Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
- 9AM: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at the Spirit Lake High School Gym in Spirit Lake
- 9-11AM: Puzzle Palooza at Sportsmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
- 9AM-2PM: Axe Throwing Tournament at the Thorwing Post in Arnolds Park
- 10AM: Poker Tournament at the Peacock Lounge in Arnolds Park
- 10AM: Ice Oval Races at Parks Marina in Spirit Lake
- 10AM: Archery with Lakeside Camp at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
- 10-11:30AM: Stump Tournament Registration/Check-In at West O in West Okoboji
- 10-11:30AM: Mega Pong Check-In/Registration at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 10AM-12PM: Build a Snowman at Boat House Apparel in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-12PM: Snowball Hunt at Autosmart/Smart Powersports in Okoboji
- 10AM-1PM: Family Fun Fest at Camp Okoboji in Milford
- 10AM-1:30PM: Beer Buddies Race at the Waterfront in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-3PM: Hard Water Golf Open by Emerald Hills Golf Course & Mullets on the Ice West of Pirate Jack’s in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-3PM: Mau Marine Showcase at Mau Marine in Okoboji
- 10AM-6PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
- 10AM-6PM: Food Truck Festival by Tony Thelen + River Coaching & Consulting on Lake Street in Arnolds Park
- 10:30AM: UNO Tournament at the Iowa Rock N’ Roll Museum in Arnolds Park
- 10:30AM: Stump Tournament at West O Beer in West Okoboji
- 11AM: Busch Light Curling by Doll Distributing at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11AM: Live Music by DJ Aventi Dance Tunes at Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11AM: Bean Bag Tournament Check-In at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11AM-1PM: Zoomobile at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11AM-1PM: Casting Contest by Pure Fishing at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11AM-2PM: Customer Appreciation Luncheon at Boji Powersports in Okoboji
- 11AM-4PM: Segway Gas Powered UTV Demos by Smart Powersports of Okoboji on the ice in front of the Park in Arnolds Park
- 11AM-4PM: Grilling Krafty’s Brats by Smart Powersports of Okoboji on the ice in front of the Park in Arnolds Park
- 11AM-4PM: Live Music by Boon & Lambert at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
- 11AM-5PM: Family Fun Zone at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 11:30AM: Bean Bag Toss Tournament at Snappers Pond in Okoboji
- 11:30AM: Live Music by Last Call Band at Snappers/Boat House in Okoboji
- 12PM: Live Music by Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 12PM: Mega Pong Tournament at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 12:30PM: Okoboji Summer Theatre Announce 2026 Shows at the Okoboji Bible Conference in Arnolds Park
- 1PM: Human Dog Sled Races (Check-In at 12:30PM) at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 1-2:30PM: Smooshing Race at Parks Marina in Okoboji
- 1-3PM: Chocolate Classic & Galleria by Ingvall Real Estate Team at the Dickinson County Expo in Spirit Lake
- 1:30-3PM: Polar Plunge Registration at the Park Ticket Booth in Arnolds Park
- 1-5PM: Live Music by the Fish Heads at Mullets in Arnolds Park
- 2PM: Live Music by The PastMasters at Snappers/Boat House in Okoboji
- 2PM: Axe Throwing at Snappers/Boat House in Okoboji
- 2-5PM: Glacial Golf & Family Fun at the Okoboji Bible Camp in Milford
- 2-5PM: Live Music by Brianna Helbling at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 3PM: Stein Holding Competition at Parks Marina/Boat House in Okoboji
- 3PM: Polar Plunge by the Okoboji Motor Company Next to Queen II in Arnolds Park
- 3PM: Live Music by The Sheet at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 3PM: Apres Ski Happy House at Boat House Apparel in Arnolds Park
- 3:30PM: Live Music by Under Cover Band at Upstairs Snappers in Okoboji
- 3:30-6PM: Live Music by Jordan Beem Duo at Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 4PM: Keg Toss Competition at Parks Marina/Snappers Pond in Okoboji
- 4:30PM-8PM: #BojiKites – Night Kites on the ice in front of Bedell Pier in Arnolds Park
- 5-8PM: Live Music by Gavin Erickson at Boss’s Pizzeria in Okoboji
- 6-9PM: Live Music by Casey Muessigmann at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
- 6:30PM: Burning of the Greens by Bank Midwest in Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
- 6:30-9PM: Live Music by Jud Hailey Trio at Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 6:45PM: Fireworks by Consumers Lumber Company at the Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
- 7PM: Live Music by Decoy at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 7:30PM: Taylor Swift, Madonna, Steve Nicks Tribute at Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar in Okoboji
- 7:30PM: Live Music by The Pork Tornadoes (Ticketed Event) at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
- 8-11PM: Live Music by Funk-Uh-Fries 70’s Cover Band at the Peacock Lounge in Arnolds Park
- 9:30PM: Live Music by the Varsity Rejects at Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park
- 10PM-CLOSE: Live Music by DJ Wheelz at Portside in Arnolds Park
Sunday, January 25
- SELECT TIMES: Bowling Tournament with Business Today at Juniper Lanes in Spirit Lake
- 9AM: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at Spirit Lake High School Gym in Spirit Lake
- 10AM: Poker Tournament at the Peacock Lounge in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-12PM: Winter Games Apparel Store Open at the IGLA Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-12PM: Winter Games Community Clean Up at the IGLA Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
- 10AM-2PM: Cocoa Connections at the NWIA Humane Society in Milford
- 10AM-6PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
- 11AM: ½ Price Drinks at Snappers in Okoboji
- 11AM-1PM: Soup N’ Slide at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in Milford
- 11AM-2PM: Live Music by the Fish Heads at Mullets in Arnolds Park
- 12PM: Live Music by Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store in Okoboji
- 1PM: Live Music by Scott Kirkhart at Snappers in Okoboji
For the full schedule, visit the official Winter Games website.
If you have any questions about Winter Games weekend, feel free to contact us at Okoboji Realty! Plan ahead, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable Winter Games 2026! We’ll see you there!
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