Winter in Idaho has a way of sharpening the senses—snow muffling sound, cold air clearing the mind—and nowhere is that more evident than in McCall each February. From January 30 through February 8, 2026, the town once again leans fully into the season as the McCall Winter Carnival returns with its signature mix of art, humor, and high-spirited community celebration.
Founded in 1924 as a way to shake off the winter doldrums, the Carnival began modestly, with ski jumping, snowshoe races, and neighbors gathering simply to see one another. A century later, the spirit remains, even as the scale has evolved. Today’s festival stretches across ten days, allowing events to breathe, visitors to linger, and local businesses to welcome winter crowds without being overwhelmed. It’s a thoughtful rhythm that reflects how McCall itself has grown—still intimate, but confidently seasoned.
At the heart of the 2026 Carnival are the snow sculptures, towering and whimsical works carved by local and regional artists and scattered throughout town. Each year’s theme invites playful interpretation, turning downtown McCall into an open-air gallery where humor and craftsmanship meet under fresh snowfall. Strolling the sculpture route, hot drink in hand, remains one of the Carnival’s simplest pleasures.
Live music fills the air throughout the week, from daytime sets to evening performances that draw both locals and visitors indoors to warm up together. The vendor court overlooking Payette Lake anchors the scene, pairing lake views with savory food, drinks, and a steady hum of conversation. It’s the kind of setting that encourages lingering—one more song, one more bite, one more lap around the sculptures.
Family-friendly events run throughout the day, while evenings bring a livelier energy to restaurants and gathering spots around town. The schedule is intentionally layered, offering plenty for a weekend visit but also rewarding those who stay longer or return midweek. Carnival isn’t meant to be rushed.
The undeniable high point arrives with the Mardi Gras Parade, a joyful collision of floats, costumes, music, and small-town spectacle. Equal parts satire and celebration, it’s the moment when the entire town seems to spill into the streets, bundled up and smiling. Earlier in the weekend, the Kid’s Torchlight Parade sets the tone, reminding everyone that this festival, at its core, belongs to the community.
Beyond the programmed events, the Carnival serves as a gateway to everything that makes McCall a winter destination. Nearby ski hills, snowmobile trails, and frozen-lake adventures pull visitors outward, while cafés, galleries, and shops draw them back in. The balance is intentional: Carnival complements winter recreation rather than competing with it.
For visitors, a little planning goes a long way. Lodging fills quickly, but cancellations are common. Shuttle services help ease parking, and dressing in layers is essential—this is winter, after all. Most events are free, making it easy to tailor the experience to a day trip or a longer stay.
As McCall Winter Carnival looks ahead to 2026, it remains what it has always been: a celebration of winter, creativity, and connection. Whether you come for the sculptures, the music, the parade, or simply the excuse to gather, Carnival offers a reminder that winter in Idaho isn’t something to endure—it’s something to enjoy. VisitMcCall.org