McCall Winter Carnival
- Dates
- Jan 28 to Feb 6, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Downtown McCall, by Payette Lake
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Nov 5, 2026
McCall Winter Carnival returns to McCall, ID, Jan 28 to Feb 6, 2027. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The McCall Winter Carnival has filled this Idaho mountain town every winter since 1924, when it began with a crowd of 2,000 locals. Today it draws visitors from across Idaho and beyond for snow sculptures around town, local art, live music, food and drink, and a vendor court overlooking Payette Lake, closing with the Mardi Gras Parade, an annual community tradition meant to bring visitors, local businesses and neighbors together in the snowiest season. The 2027 carnival runs January 28 to February 6, with the parade on Saturday, February 6.
How it works
The carnival is free and family-friendly, kept that way by sponsors and by donations: joining the Sharlie Fan Club gets you an 'I Believe in Sharlie' button. The sculptures are spread around town, so the organizer's carnival map is the way to find them, and the full 2027 schedule and live music lineup are published closer to the event. Plan to stay for the final Saturday, when the Mardi Gras Parade caps the carnival.
Who it suits
Suits families and anyone who enjoys a free, small-town winter celebration with snow sculptures, local art, live music and a parade. It is a busy ten days, and the carnival's own first-timer tips warn of crowds, lines, heavy snow and icy walkways, so visitors who dislike crowds or winter walking conditions may find it a lot.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find McCall Winter Carnival on Spotify.
Lineup
Lineup not yet announced. Email me the day it lands.
Getting there
How do I get to McCall Winter Carnival?
The carnival fills McCall for ten days, and the hard part of getting there is the last stretch: when town is busy, left turns are nearly impossible, and visitors and locals describe traffic jammed well outside town and parking close to impossible on the busiest days. The best plan is a route that needs only right turns, looping back to the destination instead of crossing traffic, and a look at the city's interactive parking map before heading in. The drive from Boise runs north on Highway 55 through Cascade. See the options below.
Nearest airport BOI.
By car
The nearest major airport is BOI, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at BOI
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
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Where
Venue
Downtown McCall, by Payette Lake
Camping & Accommodation
Where do most people stay?
Lodging in McCall ranges from lakefront homes and modern downtown condos to a resort, hotel rooms and mountain cabins, and the chamber's lodging list also reaches nearby Cascade and Donnelly. Compare the options below.
What to bring
An outdoor town festival in the snowiest season, with sculptures spread around McCall, a vendor court by the lake and a lot of walking over packed snow and ice.
Full rule
Walk flat-footed, take short steps, step down rather than out, keep your hands out of your pockets for balance and carry only what you can.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.
Quick answers
When is McCall Winter Carnival 2027?
Jan 28 to Feb 6, 2027
Has the McCall Winter Carnival 2027 lineup been announced?
Not yet. The 2027 lineup has not been announced.
How much are McCall Winter Carnival tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is McCall Winter Carnival held?
Downtown McCall, by Payette Lake, McCall, ID.