The Ice Dance Music Festival returned January 29-31, 2026, at Appleton’s Hilton Paper Valley Hotel with a potent progressive bluegrass lineup led by The Infamous Stringdusters. Hosted by Feed The Dog, the fest delivered three days of dynamic performances spotlighting virtuosic string bands and genre-bending acts.
Alongside the headliners, festivalgoers enjoyed sets from Neighbor, Big Richard, Heatbox Quartet, Ifdakar, Useful Jenkins, Possessed by Paul James, Chicken Wire Empire, and many more. The intimate indoor setting continued to earn praise for capturing the spirit of winter’s chill with warm, high-energy string music.
Tickets for the event were available as General Admission and VIP passes, with on-site hotel accommodations at the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel providing convenience for attendees traveling from outside Appleton. This fourth annual edition solidified Ice Dance as a must-attend winter fest for string band aficionados looking to start the year with fresh sounds and tight jams.
Stay tuned as the festival organizers promise more updates and potential additions for upcoming years. For those who missed it, expect future Ice Dance Music Festival announcements early each new year, celebrating bluegrass innovation and community.
Source: The Infamous Stringdusters Top Feed The Dog’s Ice Dance Festival 2026 Lineup