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Get ready for fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

Jan 10, 2023, 12:02 PM | Updated: Jun 10, 2024, 2:13 pm

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Photo: Visit Bear Lake

This article about the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is Bear Lake’s biggest annual winter event happening this year January 27-29th.


The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. This year the event will be held from January 27-29 at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort and Event Center in Garden City, Utah. 

Many of these events are free, but some contests require an entry fee. Donations are also encouraged for The Family Place, a child and family support center in Logan, Utah. Here are some of the things you can look forward to this year! 

three people holding snow tubes at winterfest

Photo: Visit Bear Lake

Friday’s Bear Lake Monster Winterfest Activities

9 am – 3 pm: Monster Winter Sports & Trails Day

Test out the latest winter equipment, from snowmobiles and tubes to snowshoes, fat tire bikes, and cross-country skis. Hot cocoa and snacks will also be provided! 

5 pm – 8 pm: Bear Lake Monster Winterfest Social & Monster Taste of Bear Lake

Socialize with others attending the weekend events with the whole family, and taste local restaurant specialties for only $3 per person! There will also be pre-registration for the 5k run, Monster Plunge, and Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Saturday’s Bear Lake Monster Winterfest Activities

Winterfest Net Of Cisco Fish

Photo: Visit Bear Lake

6 am – 12 pm: Monster Cisco Disco & Tournament

Grab your net and meet at the east side of Bear Lake at dawn (note: a fishing license is required to participate). Bring your biggest little Cisco fish to the Utah State Park marina between 11 am and noon for a prize! This contest is free to enter. 

A free breakfast of fried Cisco and scones will also be served near the boat ramp at Cisco Beach from 7 am-9 am, with dipnets to borrow. 

The contest is free to enter, but donations are welcome to benefit The Family Place. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony. 

10 am – 4 pm: Winterfest Village Market & Food Trucks

Shop from local artisans at a heated tent at the Bear Lake State Park Marina. Be close to all of the action and support local businesses at the same time! 

10 am: Monster 5K Run/Walk

Run or walk with other participants for 5K (approximately 3 miles), starting at the Bear Lake State Park Marina. Make it fun and dress up in a costume! 

Pre-register for this event from 8:30-9:30 am. The cost of participation is $30 for adults and $20 for kids, which includes a beanie and finisher medal. 

1 pm: Monster Plunge

contestants for the cold plunge line up at winterfest

Photo: Visit Bear Lake

Arguably the weekend’s highlight is the cold water Monster Plunge, where participants dress up in costumes to jump in the lake and raise funds for The Family Place! Industrial heaters and warm showers are available for participants. Prizes will be issued to groups and individuals wearing the best garb! 

Check-in is between 11 am-12 pm. Early registration is encouraged, so you are more likely to get the right size sweatshirt. The cost to participate is $35. 

10 am – 2 pm: Monster Chili Cook-off

Collect your ingredients, gas stove, tarp, tables, and chairs, and get ready for the Chili Cook-off! Cooks are asked to make 3 gallons of chili for this event. Registration is free, but be sure to read the fine print for the rules and regulations before participation. 

Judging will occur at 1 pm based on four categories: aroma, consistency, color, taste, and texture. There is also a public choice award for the cook who receives the most tips. 

11 am – 12 pm: Monster Cardboard Boat Regatta

Gather a crew, choose a theme, and race your vessel made entirely out of cardboard in the lake! Build your boat at home and bring it with you, or build it with others during Friday night’s social at the Sunrise Resort and Event Center. Awards will be given for the most creative design, the “prettiest” boat, and more. 

Pre-register before the event online (only 30 spots available). There is a $30 entry fee which includes a Winterfest hoodie.

5 pm – 7 pm: Monster Disco Dance & Awards Ceremony

Join others at the Sunrise Resort and Event Center for an award ceremony for the Cisco Disco Fish Tournament, Chili Cook-off, Cardboard Boat Regatta, and Monster Plunge! Monster raffle tickets will also be called during this time. 

Sunday’s Bear Lake Monster Winterfest Activities

8 am – 11 am: Cody’s Sweet Cream Pancake Breakfast

Wrap up the weekend with all-you-can-eat pancakes at Cody’s Gastro Garden. Breakfast also includes 2 eggs and 2 strips of bacon. The cost is $5 for kids or $10 for adults.

Related reading: 

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL News Radio in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL News Radio, its parent company, or its staff.

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Get ready for fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest