Skip to Main Content

View All Blog Posts

2018 SocialICE Insider's Guide: All Things SocialICE

SocialICE 2018 Insider's Guide: All Things SocialICE

Meet the Ice Bars

This year, SocialICE will feature nine uniquely themed ice bars all serving signature, one-of-a-kind specialty drinks, live DJ entertainment nightly, life-sized ice sculptures, and much more. 

To view the participating bars and restaurants and their unique themes, and to watch the SocialICE 2018 Specialty Drink Teaser video, click here

P.S. Check out the official event map to see the specific ice bar locations. Plus, the SocialICE letters are now on the Peace Plaza! Have you seen them? 

Vote for your Favorite Ice Bar 

Visit the the information kiosk during SocialICE and vote for your favorite bar. The winning bar will be awarded 2018 SocialICE Ice Bar Champion and receive the SocialICE Ice Bar Champion's Cup! Catch the reveal of the 2018 Champ at 8:30pm on Saturday.


Entertainment

There is truly nothing like dancing to your favorite popular and classic hits surrounded by beautiful illuminated ice sculptures with a signature drink in hand. This year’s live DJ entertainment is brought to you by Apollo Music Group. So, who’s going to be performing?

DJ Eklipse

Thursday, 2/8, 5-9PM

With a passion for music and performance starting at the age of eight it is no surprise that Charlie Tornquist/DJ Eklipse eventually found himself DJing. DJ Eklipse was born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and DJs events throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas year round. He specializes in turntables and has participated in several DJing competitions throughout the state. DJ Eklipse is also a member of GenerationNOW Entertainment which is a prestigious Minnesota DJ company with disk jockeys that include the official Minnesota Timberwolves DJ and the personal DJ for Prince.

DJ Supafly

Friday, 2/9, 5-10PM

DJ SUPAFLY is an open format DJ who loves to mix various styles of music for his crowd. With his great experience in mobile DJ work, he has gained the musical knowledge from all genres to rock the party for any age group and generation. DJ Supafly recently opened up for Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and CNCO.

DJ INDy

Saturday, 2/10, 5-10pm


Minneapolis based, but internationally known, DJ INDy has had a passion for mixing music since he was 5 years old. Born into a family owned mobile DJ business, he continued to stretch his talents by becoming an intern at the CHR radio station (101.3 KDWB) in Minneapolis and DJing in nightclubs every Friday night at the age of fifteen.  INDy was voted “DJ OF THE YEAR” by Twin Cities Night Clubs.com. INDy actively travels across the country performing for many clubs and private events. He has released two CDs that have sold over 8,000 copies collectively and continues to perform at many Minnesota nightclubs as well as out of state bookings. INDy has performed for national acts including: DJ SPLYCE, DJ SKRIBBLE, COOLIO, TONE-LOC Montell Jordan, along with many celebrity events.


How to Win at SocialICE

Back again, the #SocialICE Photo Contest is bringing you six chances to win! We want you to "Show Us How You SocialICE", so tag Downtown Rochester, MN in your event photos and ice-tastic selfies on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #SocialICE to be entered to win up to $50 in gift cards. As we mentioned, there are six chances to win; that’s $300 in giveaways!

Don’t forget, this is your only opportunity to capture these moments. SocialICE is only here for three days, so capture it before it’s gone and win at the same time!

For more details and contest rules, click here.


Event Day Tips

It’s all in the details. We’ve got you covered.

Parking

Downtown Rochester offers plenty of parking options on both street parking and in the city ramps. Street parking and city ramps (excluding Mayo Clinic ramps) are free after 5 pm and on the weekends (no overnight parking). Click here for more information. The Rochester Downtown Alliance encourages all to plan a sober ride to and from the event.

Grab a Bite to Eat

New this year is the option to grab a bite at the event! Select ice bars will be serving grab-and-go menu items. Downtown Rochester also features many bars and restaurants all within walking distance from (and to) SocialICE; many of them connect via Skyway. Visit our Eat & Drink page for a full list.

SocialICE is a busy time downtown. We recommend planning ahead and making reservations if possible.

Shopping

Like bars and restaurants, Downtown Rochester also features many unique shops all within walking distance. Visit our Shop page for a complete list.

Feel the Heat

It looks like there won’t be a melting structures this year! Temps are looking perfectly chilly for SocialICE weekend. Dress warmly and stay long! Or, be brave and rock shorts and a tank top like 2nd Street Joe. Your choice! If you happen to forget your cold weather gear, visit the fire pits on 1st Avenue for a quick warm up! 

Restrooms

A heated restroom trailer will also be on 1st Avenue directly across from Wells Fargo.

Remember, SocialICE 2018 is happening this weekend, February 8, 9, & 10. For a full event schedule and more details, visit our website, check out the SocialICE Facebook event page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter for all the fun.