Every February, just when the winter chill settles deep into the mountains, Grand Lake decides to warm things up—with pure chaos and creativity. On or around February 8, 2026, the beloved Winter Carnival and Bed Races return to town, bringing laughter, local pride, and a festival experience that stands out from every other winter event on the calendar.
If you have never watched grown adults push actual beds down a snowy street while dressed in outrageous costumes, now is the time. This is Grand Lake’s wildest, most unforgettable celebration, and it’s exactly the kind of memory that stays with you long after the snow melts.
What to Expect This February
The highlight of the Winter Carnival is, without question, the Bed Races. Teams decorate beds with wheels, build makeshift sleds, and turn ordinary mattresses into racing machines. Then, in front of an excited crowd, they race them across a snow-packed street in the middle of downtown.
Every team has its own theme. You’ll see superheroes, retro ski bums, lumberjacks, and even a marching band of chefs. One person rides on the bed while teammates push. There are rules, but the main one is simple—have fun and go fast.
The crowd plays just as big a part as the racers. People come dressed for the occasion, cheering wildly, tossing snow in the air, and snapping photos of their favorite beds as they glide, crash, or spin toward the finish line.
More Than Just Racing
The Winter Carnival is about more than the race. It’s a full-day celebration that turns Grand Lake into a snowy street fair. Local vendors set up booths with hot drinks, baked goods, handmade crafts, and winter gear. Kids get their faces painted, snowmen pop up on every corner, and live music keeps the energy up all day long.
You’ll find community groups hosting snowball challenges, families entering snow sculpture contests, and pop-up food tents offering everything from chili to roasted marshmallows. It feels like a town-wide snow day, where everyone is invited and no one minds if you have snow in your boots.
Expect to meet locals who’ve raced in the event for years, first-time visitors who heard about the carnival from a friend, and returning fans who block off their calendars every February just for this weekend.
A Perfect February Weekend in Grand Lake
This event draws people in not just because it’s fun but because it captures something real. Grand Lake’s Winter Carnival is a celebration of small-town spirit. There’s no pressure, no need to be fancy, just a chance to show up and enjoy a winter day that feels joyful and silly in the best way possible.
It’s the kind of experience that turns your weekend into a story you’ll tell later. Whether you’re racing a bed or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something playful and unforgettable.
And if you’re planning to come up for the day, consider making a weekend of it. With winter still in full swing, this is the perfect time to slow down, unplug, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies while staying close to the fun.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
When the races are done and the last cup of cocoa is gone, don’t rush back home. Spend the night somewhere that matches the feeling of the day. The Jabberwocky, located nearby in Winter Park, gives you that cozy, relaxed comfort that turns a fun day into a perfect weekend.
It’s the kind of place where you can kick off your boots, throw on something warm, and relive the day over drinks or board games. Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just looking for a solo reset, The Jabberwocky gives you space to breathe and a vibe that fits the season.
Clean mountain air, soft beds, warm interiors, and easy access to the next day’s adventure—there’s no better base after the Winter Carnival than The Jabberwocky.
Book Your Stay Before It Sells Out
Events like this draw in visitors from all over, and rooms go fast. Don’t leave it up to chance.
Secure your stay at The Jabberwocky now and give yourself the full Grand Lake winter weekend. A day at the races deserves a night of real comfort. Let your weekend be as memorable inside as it is out on the snowy street.
Visit The Jabberwocky and plan your February escape today.
