TheBear Lake Monster Winterfest is the biggest winter celebration in the Bear Lake Valley, held every January in Garden City, Utah. This event blends local folklore, outdoor activities, and community fun - all while supporting a nonprofit, The Family Place. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Events: Highlights include the Monster Plunge (a polar dive), the Cardboard Boat Regatta, the 5K Run, and the Chili Cook-off.
Dates & Location: Late January at the Bear Lake State Park Marina and nearby venues like Beaver Creek Lodge.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for winter fun.
Costs: Many activities are free; some events like the plunge and regatta require registration fees ($50 each).
Cause: Proceeds benefit The Family Place, supporting families in the region.
From snow sports to fireworks, this two-day festival offers something for everyone. Whether you're plunging into icy waters or enjoying local food, it's a great way to enjoy winter while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest Complete 2026 Event Schedule
Get ready for two action-packed days filled with outdoor thrills, quirky contests, and plenty of fun for everyone.
Friday Events
Kick off Friday with the Winter Sports & Trails Day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Beaver Creek Lodge and the Bear Lake Overlook. Try your hand at snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Don’t worry about gear - Epic Recreation, Beaver Creek Lodge, and The Sportsman have you covered. Just make sure to dress warmly in layers for the frosty Overlook.
Later in the evening, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, head to the Monster Winterfest Social at Sunrise Resort & Event Center and the Utah State Park Marina. Enjoy family-friendly activities and pick up registration packets for Saturday’s events. While you’re there, don’t miss the Monster Taste of Bear Lake at Sunrise Hall, where you can sample signature dishes from eight local restaurants for just $3 per taste. Be sure to arrive early, as the best bites tend to sell out quickly. For added convenience, a shuttle service will run between Sunrise Resort and the Marina to handle overflow parking.
After an exciting Friday, gear up for even more festivities and challenges on Saturday.
Saturday Morning Events
Saturday kicks off at 10:00 AM with the Monster 5K Run/Walk at the Utah State Park Marina. Packet pickup begins at 8:30 AM, and costumes are highly encouraged to add a festive touch. At 11:30 AM, teams will take to the water for the Monster Cardboard Boat Regatta. Registration costs $50 per boat, with check-in running from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Meanwhile, food lovers can head to the Monster Chili Cook-off from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM to sample and vote for their favorite chili. If that’s not enough to satisfy your appetite, food trucks will be serving hearty meals from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Saturday Afternoon and Evening Events
The afternoon’s main attraction is the Monster Plunge at 2:00 PM, where up to 300 brave participants - decked out in costumes - dive into the icy waters of Bear Lake. Registration is $50 and includes a sweatshirt and towel. Spots fill up fast, so register early to minimize your wait time in the cold. Before the plunge, don’t miss the Monster Raffle from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, offering prizes like getaway packages and outdoor recreation gear.
As the day winds down, enjoy the Monster Dance from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in a heated tent, featuring 80s music and glowing neon vibes. For a cozier option, gather around the fire for s’mores and stargazing at South Jetty from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Finally, cap off the festival with a stunning fireworks display over Bear Lake at 6:30 PM.
Time
Event
Location
Cost
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Fri)
Monster Winter Sports & Trails Day
Beaver Creek Lodge & Overlook
Free
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fri)
Monster Taste of Bear Lake
Sunrise Resort (Sunrise Hall)
$3 per taste
10:00 AM (Sat)
Monster 5K Run/Walk
Utah State Park Marina
Varies
11:30 AM (Sat)
Monster Cardboard Boat Regatta
Utah State Park Marina
$50 per boat
2:00 PM (Sat)
Monster Plunge
Utah State Park Marina
$50
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Sat)
Monster Dance (80s Theme)
Event Tent
Free
6:30 PM (Sat)
Closing Fireworks
Utah State Park Marina
Free
How to Plan Your Visit
Registration and Pricing
If you're planning to participate in the Monster Plunge or the Cardboard Boat Regatta, pre-registration is required - you must sign up online before the event [1]. The Monster Plunge allows a maximum of 300 participants, and your jumping order is determined by your registration time, not when you show up [1]. So, register early to avoid waiting in the cold longer than necessary.
Good news: entry to the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina is completely free for Winterfest attendees. However, individual event fees vary. For instance, the Monster Plunge and Cardboard Boat Regatta each cost $50. The Monster 5K Run/Walk ranges from $25–$30 for adults and $15–$20 for kids, with discounts for early or group sign-ups [1]. If you're heading to the Monster Taste of Bear Lake, you'll pay $3 per ticket to sample dishes from local restaurants. Many other activities, like the Winter Sports & Trails Day and the Monster Dance, are free to join.
You can pick up registration packets for Saturday events on Friday evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) at the Sunrise Resort & Event Center or on Saturday morning at the Marina. Once you're registered, you’ll be all set to focus on packing and planning.
What to Pack
Winter weather demands preparation. Dress in layers, starting with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by waterproof snow pants and insulated gloves. Sturdy winter hiking boots with good traction are a must, and if you're doing the Monster Plunge, pack flip-flops for the marina showers. Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes since changing spaces are limited. Bring an extra towel and warm clothing to store in the heated trailer.
Costumes are a big part of the fun! Whether you’re plunging into icy waters, running the Monster 5K, or dancing at the 80s-themed Monster Dance, get creative with your outfit[1][2]. Also, don’t overlook sun protection - bring SPF 25+ sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. The high-altitude setting increases the risk of sunburn and snow blindness.
If you're driving, a 4x4 or AWD vehicle is essential for navigating snowy roads through Logan Canyon and the Bear Lake Valley [6]. Keep tire chains handy and practice putting them on before your trip. It’s much easier to figure it out at home than on a snowy mountain pass [6].
Getting There and Parking
Once you're packed and ready, plan your route. Bear Lake is about a two-hour drive from Salt Lake City via Highway 89 through Logan Canyon. Check road conditions before heading out, as winter weather can make high-elevation routes tricky.
For Friday’s Monster Winterfest Social at the Sunrise Resort & Event Center, parking is available at the resort, with overflow parking at the Utah State Park Marina. A free shuttle will run between the two locations. On Saturday, most events are centered at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina (940 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028), where parking is available onsite. If you're attending Friday morning’s Winter Sports & Trails Day, head to Beaver Creek Lodge and the Bear Lake Overlook Rest Stop Area, about 15 miles from the lake in Logan Canyon.
For the Friday Taste of Bear Lake, consider arriving early. Parking at the Sunrise Resort fills up quickly, and vendor supplies tend to run out later in the evening.
The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest isn’t just about fun - it’s about making a difference. This festival directly funds The Family Place, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children in the Logan area, as well as Garden City and the Bear Lake region. By taking part in the festivities, you’re helping to support programs that truly matter in the local community.
"Go jump in a lake! and help raise funds for The Family Place charity located in Garden City and the local Chamber of Commerce." – Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
Signature events like the Monster Plunge, Monster Raffle, and Chili Cook-off are at the heart of this mission. These activities not only entertain but also serve as key fundraising opportunities. Proceeds from registration fees and donations go directly to The Family Place, ensuring that every splash, raffle ticket, and bowl of chili contributes to strengthening local families.
Monster Plunge: The registration fee for this chilly dip supports The Family Place [1].
Monster Raffle: Participants can purchase tickets on Friday evening or Saturday morning at the Marina for a chance to win recreation packages and Bear Lake-themed prizes.
Chili Cook-off: Visitors can vote for the "Public's Choice" winner by donating cash at red donation boxes or via Venmo. Plus, $3 tickets for the Monster Taste of Bear Lake also add to the fundraising efforts [1][9].
On Friday evening, The Family Place sponsors the Monster Winterfest Social, offering free family-friendly activities [1][2]. It’s a perfect way to experience the nonprofit’s work firsthand while soaking in the festive spirit. Every event, big or small, plays a role in supporting this important cause.
Conclusion
The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest combines everything you’d want in a winter festival - quirky traditions, a strong sense of community, and a meaningful cause. Whether it’s the thrill of the Monster Plunge or the creativity on display at the Monster Cardboard Boat Regatta, this event turns Bear Lake into a winter wonderland while supporting The Family Place.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, from sampling local food to dancing the night away at the 80s-themed Monster Disco. If you’re eyeing the Monster Plunge, early registration is a must - only 300 spots are available. Mark your calendar for November 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM MT, when registration for the 2027 event opens [1].
Every ticket and registration fee helps local families in Garden City and Logan. As Samantha Coontz, one of the event organizers, says:
"It's a great time to remember we can still have fun even though it's cold".
Bear Lake in winter isn’t just about its stunning views - it’s about bringing people together for a shared celebration.
So, save the date! With free marina entry, activities ranging from free to $50, and the chance to support a local nonprofit, the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is a must-see event that promises fun for everyone [1][3].
FAQs
What is the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, and when is it held?
The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is a yearly celebration in the Bear Lake Valley, filled with activities perfect for all ages. Some standout attractions include the Monster Plunge, the always-entertaining Cardboard Boat Regatta, the flavorful Chili Cook-off, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter sports or take in the area's beautiful trails.
This festival usually happens on the last weekend of January. In 2026, mark your calendar for January 30–31. From fireworks and stargazing to raffles and competitions, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this event is a fantastic way to embrace the winter charm of Bear Lake!
How do I sign up for the Monster Plunge, and how much does it cost?
You can join the Monster Plunge at the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest by signing up online through the event's official website. Keep in mind, registration is capped at 300 participants, so you’ll need to secure your spot in advance. The entry fee is usually $35, but it’s worth checking the official site for the latest pricing and details.
Spots tend to fill up fast, so don’t wait too long - registration closes as soon as the limit is reached. Signing up is simple: just fill in your basic details, pay the fee, and you’ll be ready for an easy check-in on the big day!
What should I pack to enjoy the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest?
To get the most out of the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, it’s important to pack smart. Start with warm, layered clothing - think insulated jackets, thermal base layers, hats, gloves, and scarves. Waterproof, insulated boots are a must for navigating snow and ice while enjoying outdoor activities.
If you’re planning to take part in the Monster Plunge, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, towels, and a change of dry clothes for afterward. For winter sports like snowshoeing or snowmobiling, you can either bring your own gear or look into rental options available at the festival.
A few other essentials to consider: sunglasses to cut down on snow glare, sunscreen to protect against UV rays (yes, even in winter), and a camera or smartphone to snap photos of the stunning winter landscapes. While there will be food vendors at the event, it’s a good idea to bring along snacks and water if you plan to spend extended time outdoors.
