Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc. (FFI), with support from festival partners Destination Lake Winnebago Region, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, and the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, is excited to host Sturgeon Spectacular February 13, 14, and 15.
This beloved local winter festival was founded in 2016 by Destination Lake Winnebago Region to embrace sturgeon spearing and the unique culture surrounding it. Modern sturgeon spearing, which began in the winter of 1931, created a regional tradition that now marks the beginning of the 16-day spearing season.
Fond du Lac celebrates Sturgeon Spectacular annually, with 2026 marking its 11th year. In its second year, the event added the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championship to the festivities. The following year, the Outdoor Curling Funspiel was introduced—a tournament highlighting the sport on a real outdoor ice rink. In 2024, despite unseasonably warm temperatures, both spearing and Sturgeon Spectacular continued, showcasing classic Midwest tenacity. For 2026, the festival is excited to host an array of family-friendly activities once again, just as Wisconsinites are looking to release some pent-up energy.
“Sturgeon Spectacular has become a perfect way for families to embrace winter and enjoy the outdoors as thousands of anglers take to the frozen Lake Winnebago,” says Fond du Lac Festivals Executive Director, Pete Wilke. “FFI and our partners are bringing back many fan favorites, including the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championship, live ice sculpting, a ‘Snow Land’ kids’ play area, entertainment options for all ages, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the Outdoor Curling Funspiel at its new location—the Fond du Lac Beer Company.”
“Although our mission is centered around family-friendly events,” Wilke elaborates, “we incorporate fun for all ages. On opening night, Copper Box will perform a free concert at THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts. On Saturday, the Fond du Lac Beer Company hosts ‘Spearing & Beering’ activities with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, also known as the Lake Winnebago Shantymen. On Sunday, alongside the finale of the snow sculpting championships, the festival wraps up with a one-of-a-kind ‘Art of the Bloody Mary’ competition and another free performance by Five Card Studs.”
There are many ways to enjoy these traditions and this fun-filled festival. Please visit FDLFest.com/ss for the most up-to-date schedule. Bundle up in your winter best and enjoy all the fun in Fond du Lac this February 13–15!
