Heartwood Preserve to Host Nebraska Snow Sculpting Championships, Bringing Statewide Talent to Omaha

Heartwood Preserve will transform into a winter arts destination February 13–15 as it hosts the Nebraska Snow Sculpting Championships, a sanctioned qualifying event that will determine which team represents Nebraska at the 2027 U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Held at Heartwood Park, located at 301 S. 145th St., the three-day competition will bring together teams of up to three sculptors to create large-scale snow sculptures using only hand tools. Artists will work with 4-foot by 4-foot by 8-foot blocks of specially made snow, crafted on-site for the event.

The championships are open to both amateur and professional sculptors, with no entry fee to compete or attend. Team applications are due by Jan. 30.

“This isn’t just a local contest; it’s a sanctioned competition that brings the community together to put Nebraska snow art on the map,” said Matt Seeley, Competition Director with Nebraska Snow Sculpting. “Having a qualifying event of this caliber in Omaha gives Nebraska sculptors a legitimate path to the national stage.”

The Nebraska Snow Sculpting Championships have been held in the state only once before, in 2019, making this a rare opportunity for both artists and spectators to experience the craft at a competitive level.

The event is designed to be accessible to the public, with competition and viewing hours scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14. Judging will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. and public viewing of the completed sculptures from 3–6 p.m.

In addition to the competition, attendees can expect professional sculptor demonstrations, Valentine’s Day weekend programming, and a People’s Choice Award, determined by public voting on Sunday morning. Hosted in partnership with Nebraska Snow Sculpting, the event further positions Omaha as a destination for large-scale public art and experiential programming during the winter months. The winning team will earn the opportunity to represent the state at the national competition in 2027.

More information, including competition rules and application materials, is available through Heartwood Preserve’s event listing.