Bloor-Yorkville Icefest brings the '80s back to Toronto

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is bringing a totally rad winter blast from the past to Toronto.

This year’s theme, Awesome ‘80s, features more than 70,000 pounds of ice carved into sculptures saluting the music, art, fashion and films of the decade.

Along with cool sculptures and photo opps, there will be live carving demonstrations and more, including an Icefest Lounge with live DJs. There will also be tasty eats and drinks from Auntie Jo’s Kettle Corn, Beavertails, Davids Tea, Prince Edwards Fries, Wine Rack and Yorkville Crepes.

Maple syrup taffy samples will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. each day for a $2 donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. For a $2 donation, gamers can also check out the Icefest Arcade Tent’s vintage arcade games.

The Icefest scavenger hunt returns this year, with a chance to win $1,000.

Admission is free for the festival, which takes place at Cumberland and Bellair streets from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. Visit bloor-yorkville.com/icefest for more information.

During the festival, Cumberland will be closed to vehicles from Old York Road to Bay Street, and Bellair will be closed from Critchley Lane to Cumberland. Drivers are asked not to park in the closure area starting at 6 a.m. Saturday, any vehicles left there will be relocated. Traffic diversions and delays can be expected in the area each day during the festival.