Frozen Assets 2026
DATES: Sunday, February 1st – Sunday, February 8th, 2026
WHERE: The Edgewater
Please reach out to Executive Director James Tye for information on sponsorship packages. Information about 2026 Frozen Assets sponsorship opportunities will be coming soon.
Join Clean Lakes Alliance at Frozen Assets!
Every year, Frozen Assets raises the profile of our lakes as one of our community’s greatest assets. The lakes truly are the center of our community all year long — not just in the summer. In the winter, our lakes become our community’s largest parks. Since 2012, Frozen Assets has raised more than $1,200,000 for lake improvement projects, educational programs, and water quality monitoring.
14th Annual Frozen Assets Festival
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) – All events
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – Kites on Mendota and Skydiving Jumps over Lake Mendota
The Edgewater
FREE, open to the public
About the 2026 Festival
Join Clean Lakes Alliance on Saturday, February 7th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Frozen Assets, with Hosting Sponsor The Edgewater! The family-friendly festival at The Edgewater helps connect the community with the lake through free winter activities.
Festival attendees can see figure skating, dance, and science demonstrations. Festival goers can also enjoy free hot chocolate and more!
The day will start with the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk on frozen Lake Mendota. Registration includes a soft t-shirt and a post-race beer/seltzer (21+). Kids 10 and under can participate for free with a registered adult.
Each year, this FUNraiser, FRIENDraiser, and FUNDraiser highlights the year-round value of our lakes, while raising money to protect our waters through lake improvement projects, educational programming, and our volunteer water quality monitoring program.
When the lakes freeze in Greater Madison, they become our largest parks. Clean Lakes Alliance hopes community members and visiting guests can interact with our “frozen assets” and appreciate their importance, even in the middle of the winter.
Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison)
8 – 9:45 a.m. check in
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Winter Warmup with barre3
10 a.m. start
The event that raises funds for our lakes
Join Clean Lakes Alliance for our Frozen Assets 5K and run or walk (or skate) ENTIRELY on a frozen lake!
Take a break from the hilly pavement and bring your stride to the ice. In this 5K, participants will run or walk (or skate) across the ice on iconic Lake Mendota with beautiful views of downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus. The course will start and end at The Edgewater, right in the heart of the Frozen Assets Festival!
Your registration in this event raises important funds for lake improvement projects, water quality monitoring, and education!
REGISTER – 2026 FROZEN ASSETS 5K RUN/WALK, OR SKATE
Your registration to this event includes admission to the 5K, an event t-shirt courtesy of Lands’ End, and post-race beer (21+) courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors! The registration pricing schedule is below:
- $45 for Walk/Untimed Participants
- $55 for Chip-Timed Participants
- FREE for children 10 & under with purchase of adult registration – Discount applied automatically
Best of all, your registration supports work to protect and improve water quality in our lakes!
Packet Pick Up
Early Packet Pick Up #1: Date and time TBD inside The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)
Early Packet Pick Up #2: Date and time TBD inside The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)
Day-Of Packet Pick Up: Saturday, February 7th, 8-9:45 a.m. INSIDE The Edgewater on Level 5 (immediately inside The Edgewater’s entrance from the parking garage on the ice rink level).
Terms & Conditions of Entry
By registering for this event, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Entry. All entrants must read and agree to this declaration.
Weather
Race organizers reserve the right to alter the event location due to factors including, but not limited to, ice conditions and weather. If conditions are deemed inadequate, the event will be moved to an alternate location on land. Participants will be notified of any changes ahead of the event.
Free Post-Race Beverage
All participants 21+ will receive a ticket for a free beer compliments of Wisconsin Distributors. This complimentary beer will be available on the Boathouse Deck from 10:30 a.m – Noon.
Free Frozen Assets 5K T-Shirts
Lands’ End helps us create each year’s collector’s edition Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk t-shirts. They are super soft and are great to wear year-round! Stay tuned to see what’s in store for our 2026 t-shirts. Here’s a look at the 2025 edition:
The Market Café at the Edgewater
The Market Café on the 7th floor of The Edgewater will be open starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th for coffee and grab-n-go breakfast items before the event.
Sponsorships
If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email our Executive Director James Tye at james@cleanlakesalliance.org.
FAQs
Is there parking available? Participants may pay to park at The Edgewater parking ramp. Parking in the ramp fills up quickly, so arrive early. You may also find street parking or use City of Madison parking ramps.
When can I check-in or pick up my event packet? Participant check-in and registration the day of the event will begin at 8 a.m. on LEVEL 5 of The Edgewater. The 5K will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on frozen Lake Mendota at The Edgewater.
What shoes should I wear? Participants are encouraged to choose their preferred footwear with weather, ice, and snow conditions in mind. Some years, the ice is very slippery, with little or no snow on top – ice traction cleats, spikes, and other gear to prevent slipping is highly recommended. Past runners and walkers have worn spikes, boots, snowshoes, and regular running/tennis shoes. Participants may wear ice skates. Timed participants wearing ice skates will be in their own category.
What is the course like? The 5K course begins off the end of The Edgewater’s pier. Runners and walkers will head out toward Picnic Point, past the Memorial Union, before looping back and finishing at The Edgewater.
Will there be winners? The top three men and women finishers in the run/walk, as well as the top three finishers of the ice skating category, will be recognized with first, second, and third place medals.
Where can I leave personal items during the event? We strongly encourage you to only bring items you will use while exercising. Any bags or gear left at The Edgewater or on Lake Mendota will not be locked or supervised. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What happens if ice conditions are inadequate? Clean Lakes Alliance will make every effort to hold this event, while keeping safety in mind for all competitors. If conditions are deemed inadequate, the event will be moved to an alternate location on land. Participants will be notified of any changes ahead of the event.
What is the refund policy? Registrations are transferrable but not refundable if you become unable to attend.
Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships
Monday, February 3rd – Saturday, February 8th, 2025
Viewing from The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison) and from frozen Lake Mendota
New this year — the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships are coming to the United States for the first time, and it will be a part of our 2025 Frozen Assets Festival! Mark your calendars to visit frozen Lake Mendota from February 3-8, 2025. There will be viewing from The Edgewater Madison and from on the ice! We hope to see you there!
PURCHASE A TICKET – OPENING CEREMONY & RECEPTION ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD
2026 Frozen Assets Festival
Saturday, February 7th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Edgewater and frozen Lake Mendota
FREE, open to the public
All Day Events: (Saturday, February 7th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Kites on Mendota with Wisconsin Kiter’s Club, Lake Mendota
- Snow Snake with members of Ho-Chunk Nation, Lake Mendota
- Free hot chocolate, Grand Plaza
- Free ice skating and free skate rental, The Edgewater Ice Rink and Skate Shop
- Try snowshoeing, Lake Mendota
- Explore how UW-Madison Center for Limnology monitors our lakes in the winter months, Lake Mendota
- Mary B. ice boat on display, courtesy of The Ice Boat Foundation
- Play Plinko (Lake-O), Nolen Gallery
- Spin the Price is Right Wheel, Nolen Gallery
- Winter craft stations, Grand Ballroom
- More events to be announced!
Scheduled Activities (Saturday, February 7th):
- 8 – 9:45 a.m. Check in for Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, 5th Floor Registration Tables
- 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Winter Workout – warm up for the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk with barre3, Grand Plaza
- 10 a.m. Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk begins, Lake Mendota off The Edgewater Pier
- More events to be announced!
About the Festival
Join Clean Lakes Alliance at The Edgewater for the Frozen Assets Festival! We’ll have FREE, family-friendly activities on frozen Lake Mendota! Thank you to our hosting sponsor, The Edgewater, and our other sponsors for making this community event possible.
The Frozen Assets Festival will kick off with the 5K Run/Walk, held entirely on the ice in front of The Edgewater. The rest of the day will include family-friendly activities on the ice and The Edgewater Plaza.
2025 Frozen Assets Festival Daily Events
Monday, February 3rd – Sunday, February 9th, 2025
The Edgewater & Lake Mendota
Monday, February 3rd
- Athlete practice for the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships, 1 – 4 p.m. on Lake Mendota
- Opening Ceremony & Reception for the 2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships, 4 – 6:30 p.m.
- Music and Skate for the Lakes from 4 – 9 p.m. on the Grand Plaza Ice Rink at The Edgewater. Enjoy music and ice skating while raising funds for Clean Lakes Alliance.
PURCHASE A TICKET – OPENING CEREMONY & RECEPTION
Tuesday, February 4th
- Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships first race signal, 11 a.m.
- Music and Skate for the Lakes from 4 – 9 p.m. on the Grand Plaza Ice Rink at The Edgewater. Enjoy music and ice skating while raising funds for Clean Lakes Alliance.
Wednesday, February 5th
- Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships first race signal, 10 a.m.
- Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Early Packet Pickup from 3 – 7 p.m. at The Edgewater. Details coming about location inside The Edgewater.
- Music and Skate for the Lakes from 4 – 9 p.m. on the Grand Plaza Ice Rink at The Edgewater. Enjoy music and ice skating while raising funds for Clean Lakes Alliance.
Thursday, February 6th
- Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships first race signal, 10 a.m.
- Music and Skate for the Lakes from 4 – 9 p.m. on the Grand Plaza Ice Rink at The Edgewater. Enjoy music and ice skating while raising funds for Clean Lakes Alliance.
Friday, February 7th
- Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships first race signal, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Early Packet Pickup from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Edgewater. Details coming about location inside The Edgewater.
- Music and Skate for the Lakes from 4 – 9 p.m. on the Grand Plaza Ice Rink at The Edgewater. Enjoy music and ice skating while raising funds for Clean Lakes Alliance.
Saturday, February 8th – Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk & Frozen Assets Festival (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Packet Pickup, 8 – 9:45 a.m.
Pick up your packet on 5th floor of The Edgewater (immediately off entrance from parking garage). - Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships first race signal, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2:30 p.m.
- Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, 10 a.m.
Join us on Saturday, February 8th at The Edgewater to pick up your event t-shirt (courtesy Lands’ End), receive your free beer/seltzer, and participate in the only 5K in North America entirely on a frozen lake – your registration supports work to protect and improve water quality in our lakes.
REGISTER – 2025 FROZEN ASSETS 5K RUN/WALK
- Frozen Assets Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly activities on frozen Lake Mendota and The Edgewater’s Grand Plaza: dance and figure skating demonstrations, free skating and skate rental at the rink, and learn about the science of ice at our science stations. Find free hot chocolate on the Grand Plaza. - Kites on Mendota, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
See large show kites fly high over frozen Lake Mendota off The Edgewater’s Pier. - Kites on Mendota Night Fly, Dusk
See large show kites fly high over frozen Lake Mendota off The Edgewater’s Pier.
Sunday, February 9th
- Skydiving over Lake Mendota, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Skydiving ice jump with Seven Hills Skydiving over Lake Mendota - Kites on Mendota, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
See large show kites fly high over frozen Lake Mendota off The Edgewater’s Pier.
Volunteer at the Frozen Assets Fundraiser & Festival!
Every year, we depend on more than 100 volunteers to help make this free, family-friendly event possible and open to the public. Please reach out to Caitlin McAleavey to sign up as an outdoor activities helper, event assistant, greeter, and more. Help community members connect with our lakes!
Volunteer Details
Dates: Saturday, February 8th, 2025
Location: The Edgewater
Volunteer activities may include: activity attendants, greeters, event set up, event registration, and more!
Group Volunteering
Is your company or organization interested in volunteering at the Frozen Assets Festival? Contact Watershed Engagement Specialist, Caitlin McAleavey, to learn about group volunteer opportunities at caitlin@cleanlakesalliance.org.
Become a sponsor
Help support this community event benefitting our lakes! Sponsorships include marketing exposure throughout the weekend to 6,000+ attendees and tickets to the fundraiser party.
If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email our Executive Director, James Tye, at james@cleanlakesalliance.org.
Thank you, 2024 sponsors!
Contact
Frozen Assets Fundraiser Party
Madison’s most fashionable fundraiser will return in 2026 to The Edgewater in Madison.
Frozen Assets Fundraiser Party details
Date: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
8 p.m. – Midnight
The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison)
History of the Frozen Assets Fundraiser Party
Frozen Assets, held at The Edgewater, is one of Madison’s boldest fundraiser parties, known for its creative themes, unique décor, and the fashion of attendees. The Frozen Assets Fundraiser, along with the Frozen Assets Festival, highlights the status of our lakes as our community’s number one asset. Frozen Assets raised $130,000 for our lakes in 2020.
