Another Year - Another Reason to Celebrate!
From kids' activities to a Craft Beer lovers dream...Winterfest has you covered!
#Winterfest 2017
From kids' activities to a Craft Beer lovers dream...Winterfest has you covered!
On February 24-25 catch Lowell's annual Winterfest weekend in downtown Lowell, featuring everything from a carousel and free ice-skating to an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival.
Activities include a microbrew showcase, north bowl soup competition, games, activities, the family fun zone and outdoor amusements.
#OVERVIEW
Lowell Winterfest transforms JFK Plaza and Lucy Larcom Park in downtown Lowell into a magical, winterize park. A cold-weather proof festival, Winterfest includes a skating rink in the heart of downtown, lodge, winter market with local artisans and beer garden, heated tents, holiday trees, fire pits and plenty of cozy seating.
Winterfest is one of Lowell's must-experience winter attractions, offering family-friendly activities by day with amazing light shows, delicious food and drinks by night.
#NEW FOR 2017
New this year, the two sites will include more seating indoors and out, a viewing deck next to the skating rink, expanded food options from local eateries and artisans (think amazing hot chocolate, holiday treats and more), twinkling lights and pretty cool events.
Plus, the winter market and beer garden will offer the added bonus of outside firepits and seating will make a perfect base camp for an all-day hangout at Winterfest.
2017 special events will include the annual Soup Competition, Microbrew Showcase, a Glow Party, live entertainment and much more.
Main New Attractions:
#1 - JFK Ice Rink
The centerpiece of this year's Winterfest experience on JFK Plaza is the Ice Rink, a medium-sized ice skating rink. A new Lowell tradition, the Ice Rink is a family-friendly outdoor activity. On-site skate rentals available..
#2 - The Lodge
After a few laps on the Ice Rink, warm up inside The Lodge, an onsite restaurant within a heated tent, comfortable seating and refreshments from local restaurants.
Whether you're skating or just looking for a winter retreat, The Lodge is a place for a relaxing break with a menu of tasty bites. Warm up from the cold with a cup of coffee or grab something stronger. The bar at The Lodge features local craft beers, wine and spiked hot beverages.
While you take a break from the frosty weather enjoy a good book, oversized games and entertainment.
#3 - Magical Winter Beergarden
For the weekend of Winterfest parts of Lucy Larcom Park will be transformed into a magical winter beergarden featuring food, music and craft beers. Find the best Lowell based food trucks, craft brewers and wine merchants and enjoy local bands with the backdrop of illuminated canals.
ADMISSION
General admission to Lowell's Winterfest is
FREE. Admission to the JFK Ice Rink is free as are skate rentals. Convenient, safe parking is available close by.
Admission to special events as follows:
Soup Competition: $5 p.p. (12+ competitors) Tickets available day of only
Microbrew CraftBeer Showcase: $30 pre-sale / $35 day-of (no food included)
Glow Party: $5 p.p. (Cover only) Tickets available day of only
5 Reasons Lowell is Heaven on Earth for Creatives and Lovers of Art
If you're up to take a day trip, or to stay the weekend, here are 5 reasons why Lowell is Heaven on Earth for you. Whether you're the creative kind or you are a lover of art.
5 Reasons Lowell is Heaven on Earth for Creatives and Lovers of Art
Just a few weeks ago, I started a conversation with a dear friend of mine about art. Our goal was to come to an understanding of what art is. You see for me, art is "nice". It's also necessary, and it makes rooms pretty. For my friend, art is paintings. We were joined by another friend who cooked a great meal for us, and as we saw his culinary presentation, we silently commented, "what a piece of art"!
Art is all around us. Art Is The Handmade of Human Good is Lowell's motto and is part of our seal. We embrace it, we love it, and, we live it.
Lowell has as diverse an art and creative community as any. An estimated 800 artists call Lowell home. In Lowell, art is a thread of public connections and is part of our everyday lives.
If you're up to take a day trip, or to stay the weekend, here are 5 reasons why Lowell is Heaven on Earth for you. Whether you're the creative kind or you are a lover of art.
1. Public Art.
With over 12 public art installations that are carefully curated and designed to pay homage to Lowell's rich history and heritage, Lowell is worth taking that trip. Short and long self-guided walking tours are a treat in every season. And plenty of choices to dine and refuel will make for a well-rounded experience.
Image: Markus Haala
2. Western Avenue Studios & Lofts
From contemporary artists like Markus Haala to glass artists like Ivy Pompei, Western Avenue Studios (WAS) and Western Avenue Studios Lofts are a diverse artist community of over 300 artists. Did we mention that WAS is the largest artist community of this kind in the northeastern United States? And with ever-changing exhibits at the Loading Dock Gallery, WAS is surely worth a visit.
Image: Mary hart
3. ALL Art Gallery and Gates Block
It's winter now, but you might have spotted artists like Bill Bradbury last summer on the streets of Lowell, painting illustrations, cartoons, streetscapes or other scenic views. Bill is one of about 230 artists at ALL. ALL of course stands for Arts League of Lowell, a community of artists established in 2004 to celebrate and foster creative community in Lowell. ALL is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Lowell, within walking distance from parking areas and garages.
And while you're visiting ALL, stock up on art supplies and more at Van Gogh's Gear, the best art supply store in Lowell.
4. The Brush Art Gallery
Right down the street from the ALL Gallery is The Brush Art Gallery. The Brush is a staple for art in Lowell. Rotating exhibits from diverse artists and amazing community outreach to schools and other partner organizations make "The Brush" a one-of-a-kind place to visit.
5. Creative Economy at its best
In recent years new ventures in Lowell's creative community have emerged and have given a new and exciting spin to what creative community means in Lowell. Be it Uncharted Gallery, a kind of fusion of art and bistro that will excite your mind with the art on display and your taste buds with the culinary creations served, or Gallery Z, a café and artist collaborative- Lowell's innovative, creative economy is expanding its offerings daily.
Also stay tuned for part II/III of this series and check out these places while you wait: The Hearing Room / Art Up at the Lowell Community Health Center / Whistler House Museum of Art/ Decatur Art Way
9 Reasons to visit Lowell this fall
The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us and so are lots of great things to do in Lowell. Here are our 9 top picks why you should visit Lowell this seasons. There's A Lot To Like in the city!
1. City Of lights
Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Saturday, November 26, from 12 - 7PM. ! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, AND the crowd favorite, our Annual Hot Chocolate Competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza -- The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting -- which marks the City's official start to the holiday season!
2. Dine Out Lowell
There is no question that Lowell is the cultural hub of the Merrimack Valley. This Fall, Dine Out Lowell is your opportunity to experience Lowell's culinary culture. From November 26 to December 4, 2016 come and experience the vast variety of restaurants and menus. From casual to fine dining, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of "Happy Hour Parking" in the Joseph M. Downes Garage in the Canalway Cultural District.
3. Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll
Celebrate the Halloween season in Lowell at the Annual Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll, Saturday, October 29, from 12 - 3PM. Enjoy downtown trick-or-treating, costume contests, kids games, and get spooked at Monster Bash's all ages annual haunted house!
Image by Tory German
4. Mill No. 5
Mill No. 5 is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment. You can find unique gifts and items in one of the 11 eclectic shops, or shop for locally and artisan food, cheese, wine and more. Different markets happen weekly, and between the café, lounge and movie theater there is always something going on. Mill No. 5 is located in Lowell's Hamilton Canal District, with conveniently located parking in the Edward J. Early Garage.
5. Western Avenue Studios - Open Studios
So much to see at First Saturday Open Studios at Western Avenue Studios! - Every month artists open their doors to the public from 12 - 5PM, so that you can come browse their latest works - you'll be amazed at what you find. Talk to artists about their work and what inspires them. It'll take you more than one visit to check out all the art you'll find at Western Avenue.
6. Take a walk along the Greenway
Reserve your spot for this popular Merrimack River Hike & Picnic, Saturday, November 19, from 9AM - 2pm. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this fantastic 8 mile hike along the Merrimack River. More info >>>
7. Angkor Dance Troup Event
Angkor Dance Troupe is collaborating with Merrimack Repertory Theatre to produce an original piece first performed during a Cultural Exchange at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia called Pin Panhchapor (The Harp and Five Colors of Harmony). The production will take place November 18 and 19, 2016. Tickets are available here.
8. Fall Foliage in Lowell
Fall could easily be renamed to "Instagram Season" here in Lowell. Fall foliage is one of Lowell's many hidden secrets. Lowell's foliage season usually begins mid to late-September and extends into late October. The 'peak' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season unfolds. The best places to experience fall foliage in Lowell include Lowell Heritage Sate Park, Dracut-Tyngsboro-Lowell State Forest, The Concord Greenway, Fort Hill Park, And the Canalway and Riverwalks. We suggest you book your stay at one of Lowell's Hotels and plan your trip early!
9. The Canalway Cultural District
The Canalway Cultural District is home to many of Lowell's top attractions. With more than a dozen public art installations, public parks, over 14 annual festivals and events, countless concerts along with performances that range from intimate gallery openings to mayor athletic events year-round. There's A Lot To Like for everyone. Did you know that the Canalway Cultural District offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your personal tastes and budget? The district is home to more than 40 restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance to many attractions. Enjoying a relaxing meal before a show or cap off the evening with cocktails and dessert add to a pleasurable experience in the Canalway Cultural District.
A very public comeback of public art
I admit it, Public Art has been something I kind of always took for granted. More or less it certainly existed everywhere I have lived before.
I admit it, public art has been something I kind of always took for granted. More or less it certainly existed everywhere I have lived before.
This really didn’t change a lot after moving to Lowell. I recall a conversation with a friend just a few month ago in which he shared his sheer fascination with the public art collections of Lowell. I felt I had no idea, yet it made me curious, and this conversation caused me to pay more attention to the city I love and call home and the art I [didn’t] see.
I remember taking my kids for a walk to the Concord River Greenway, having no idea that Lowell’s Riverfest Carp is “not” just one piece in a rich Lowell Public Art collection. Suddenly, every time I walked down Market Street I would see Homage to Women through a very different lens, and this once (by me) ignored piece of art did what public art has the power to do: it made me pause, wonder, celebrate, admire, appreciate, be inspired and remember.
There are certainly many people in Lowell who can tell and share more about public art than I would ever try to do. But what I have learned is that public art is important, creates experiences and contributes to everyone’s quality of life. We don’t have to be “into the arts” to appreciate the beauty of public art maybe, just maybe, public art has the power to introduce art to each of us through its different mediums and our individual perceptions.
The last few months have been a comeback of sorts for public art in Lowell. Explore Lowell like a local and find one (or all) of Lowell’s amazing public art pieces. Start here.
The Dutton Street Mural
This week I was able to attend the official reveal of the Dutton Street Mural which was originally created in the late 1970’s by Leo Panas. The Irish-Acre mural is most likely one of the last of its kind and was original designed as part of a larger project of murals in different locations celebrating the immigrant heritage of Lowell.
Veils of Color
Veils of Color for Lowell, the Venice of America by Barbara Poole is a public art installation inside the remaining walls of an old mill along the lower Pawtucket Canal. The installation pays tribute to the textile history of Lowell and in a visually stunning way honors Lowell’s former textile manufacturing industry.
Picture Credit Lowell Cultural Council
Pawtucket Prism
A very exciting comeback is the beginning with the restoration of the Pawtucket Prism. Artist Michio Ihara designed and built the Pawtucket Prism in 1987. After years of disrepair, Michio started restoration of this impressive twenty foot high sculpture that captures the essence of flowing water with sunlight and sound. Originally designed for water to flow through steel tubes moving 40 metal cubes, the redesigned installation will include 32 metal cubes.
Picture credit Michio Ihario
These new and old public art installations are yet another reason to explore Lowell like a local to see all the great things to do and find out what so many people already know: There's A Lot To like here in Lowell
Acknowledgements:
Other more recent public art installations and places include: Decatur Way, The Lowell Public Art Collection, Temporary Instalations included: #LightUpTheLocks, Downtown First Thursdays Light along canal, Human Powered Machines, and many others...
5 Things to do in Lowell before the end of September
As we say around here: There's a lot to like in Lowell every day. There's a lot to do as well. Here are 5 great things to do you don't want to miss before September ends.
As we say around here: There's a Lot To Like in Lowell every day. There's a lot to do as well. Here are 5 great things to do that you don't want to miss before September ends.
1. Lowell Kinetics Race.
For the first time ever, Lowell is home to a race of a different kind. Kinetic Sculptures are all-terrain, human-powered art sculptures, engineered to race over road, water, mud and sand. Kinetic sculptures are amazing works of art; many are animated with moving parts like blinking eyes, opening mouths and heads that move side to side and up and down. These machines of art are usually made from what some people consider “junk” or better put, recycled materials. You don't want to miss these amazing machines on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
Image from owellkinetic.com
2. Whistler House Museum
Still Lifes Exhibit. Ranging from George Loftus Noyes and his post-impressionistic floral arrangement to Arshile Gorky, who painted modernist pink roses. Still Lifes are speaking loudly. This new exhibit starts at eh Whistler House Museum on September 28, 2016.
Image from whistlerhouse.org
3. Lowell Reads Block Party
Food, folks and fun for the whole family right along Decatur Street and the new Decatur Art Way. Join us for a good old fashioned block party featuring—dancing and eating, games and activities for kids, plus an outdoor family friendly movie at sundown. Lowell Reads Block Party is happening September 28, 2016.
Image from facebook.com/events/1636046123352092/
4. The Lowell Challenge
Take The Lowell Challenge, it's a fun way to explore the city and to find out first hand that There's a lot to like! This guide was created by a friend of Lowell and we challenge you to be challenged! Better yet, share your experiences on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know about it by using one (or all) of these hashtags: #Lowell, #LikeLowell, #ILikeLowell, #ThingsToDo
5. Culinary Adventure
One of the greatest ways to Explore Lowell like a Local is to visit and discover any of Downtown Lowell's great eateries. From sushi to farm-to-table, there is a place for everyone. Just head down to Merrimack Street, park in the John Street Garage and find 14 restaurants within walking distance that will make your taste-buds happy.
Written by Tobias Marx, Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.