Your Guide to WinterFest 2024
Lowla Bear has been attending WinterFest for a long time, so she’s an expert on the event.
As the festival returns to Downtown Lowell, Lowla has decided to release her “favorite things” guide so you can experience WinterFest like she does! From classic, longstanding activities to new programs, there is something at WinterFest for everyone (even polar bears)!
WinterFest is February 16th & 17th on Middle & Palmer Street in Downtown Lowell.
1. The Music
The Enterprise Bank Music Tent and Derby Park Tent are the “anchors” of WinterFest, and a trip to the festival would not be complete without stopping by to hear some local musicians. 14 different acts will perform throughout Friday and Saturday, with special programming for kids in the Enterprise Bank Music Tent early on Saturday.
Check out the set times here: Schedule — Lowell Winterfest
2. The Experience Lowell Arts Market
Produced by Mosaic Lowell, the Arts Market has quickly become a WinterFest staple! Since 2022, the Arts Market has showcased vendors from all artistic disciplines. For unique wares, stop by the Enterprise Bank Arts Tent from 6-8:45pm on Friday and 12-8:45pm on Saturday. You can preview the vendors here: Art Market — Lowell Winterfest
3. The Soup Bowl Competition
Restaurants and organizations prepare soups to compete for the judges’ choice, as well as a people’s choice award! This year, the Soup Bowl Competition is moving to a new home- St. Anne’s Church in Edson Hall. It’s only $5 per person to try all the soups and tickets can be purchased at the door. Be sure to stop by from 12-2:30 PM on Saturday! Check out the list of competitor and judges here.
4. Axe Throwing
Welcome our newest addition to WinterFest- Axe Throwing with the Axe Shack!
We’ve partnered with the Axe Shack to bring a totally new experience to WinterFest. Stop by the axe booths on Middle Street, in front of Derby Park, where axe-throwing experts will talk you through the best techniques. Players must be ages 10+ and wearing close toed shoes.
Stop by on Friday and Saturday to test your skills! More info here.
5. Fire and Ice Sculptures on Palmer Street
As a polar bear, Lowla obviously loves ice. She’s even been depicted as an ice sculpture at previous WinterFests.
This year, ice sculptures are coming back to WinterFest- and fire sculptures are joining the party!
In addition to sculptures, fire performances will delight audiences of all ages. Throughout the festival, you can watch as artists carve ice into intricate sculptures.
You can experience all of Lowla’s faves and more at WinterFest on February 16th and 17th in Downtown Lowell!
See everything in store for WinterFest weekend at LowellWinterFest.com.