Downtown Grand Forks to host 'Frosty Forks Fest' with winter activities

The annual festival features a 5K run, 10K fat-tire bike race, and the Average Person Winter Olympics

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Downtown Development Association in Grand Forks, North Dakota is hosting the annual 'Frosty Forks Fest' on February 21, 2026, featuring a variety of outdoor winter activities and a new three-day 'Downtown Snow Daze' shopping promotion. The festival includes a 5K run, 10K fat-tire bike race, skating with the 'Olaf' character from 'Frozen', and the return of the popular 'Average Person Winter Olympics' competition.

Why it matters

The Frosty Forks Fest is a long-standing tradition that brings the community together during the winter months, providing family-friendly activities and an opportunity for local businesses to drive traffic and sales. The new 'Downtown Snow Daze' promotion aims to further boost economic activity in the downtown area by encouraging shoppers to explore local stores and take advantage of special deals.

The details

The Frosty Forks Fest will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The day will start with the 5K run and 10K fat-tire bike race, followed by the opportunity for families to skate with the 'Olaf' character from 'Frozen' from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided by Rhombus Guys Pizza and Happy Camper Coffee, and a DJ will provide music. The highlight of the day will be the return of the 'Average Person Winter Olympics', a lighthearted competition where everyday people showcase their unique winter skills. The weekend will also feature the new 'Downtown Snow Daze' promotion, a three-day shopping event from February 20-22 that will give shoppers the chance to explore local businesses and take advantage of special deals.

  • The Frosty Forks Fest will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The 'Downtown Snow Daze' promotion will run from February 20-22, 2026.
  • The 5K run and 10K fat-tire bike race will start at 10 a.m. on February 21, 2026.
  • The skating event with 'Olaf' will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 21, 2026.
  • The 'Average Person Winter Olympics' competition will begin at 1 p.m. on February 21, 2026, with closing ceremonies and awards expected to start at 4 p.m.

The players

Downtown Development Association

The organization hosting the Frosty Forks Fest and the new Downtown Snow Daze promotion in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Svea Benefield

The vice president of marketing for the Downtown Development Association.

Jill Proctor

The CEO of the Downtown Development Association.

First Community Credit Union

The sponsor of the Frosty Forks Fest.

See Dick Run

A local business participating in the Frosty Forks Fest.

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What they’re saying

“We're always collaborating and listening to the downtown businesses. They usually (sponsor) some sort of winter promotion every year, sometimes around Valentine's Day, it just depends. And so, I think, just from our strong partnership and communication with the downtown businesses, they thought that helping amplify our impact by working together was a fun idea.”

— Svea Benefield, Vice President of Marketing, Downtown Development Association (grandforksherald.com)

“Honestly, it's just a fun way to get outside, enjoy the weather – getting out of the house after January (which) is usually a longer, colder month. The lighthearted competitions, where people can just be silly and fun even as adults, is something that people like.”

— Svea Benefield, Vice President of Marketing, Downtown Development Association (grandforksherald.com)

“Downtown Frosty Forks Fest is one of our favorite ways to turn winter into something to celebrate. From outdoor activities to shopping and more, the weekend is designed for people of all ages to come together, embrace the season and enjoy everything the Downtown Forks has to offer.”

— Jill Proctor, CEO, Downtown Development Association (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The first 100 skaters to hit the ice at the 'Slice and Skate' event on Sunday, February 22, 2026 will receive a free slice of pizza from Rhombus Guys Pizza.

The takeaway

The Frosty Forks Fest and the new Downtown Snow Daze promotion demonstrate how a community can come together to embrace the winter season and support local businesses. By offering a variety of family-friendly activities and shopping incentives, the event aims to bring the Grand Forks community together and boost economic activity in the downtown area.