Lowla's Favorite Things

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.

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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.

Start Warming Up for Winterfest!

February starts tomorrow, which means that Lowell’s annual winter celebration Winterfest is coming up fast! On Friday, February 21 from 5-10pm and Saturday, February 22 from 11am-10pm, Lowell’s downtown will become a bustling center for wintry activities (or, if the weather remains the same, spring-like activities). This year’s Winterfest will be a mixture of old traditions and soon-to-be favorites for the whole family.

Returning Food Picks

Just like last year, culinary masters from around Lowell will showcase a variety of foods for all taste buds. Winterfest's Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Bowl Contest returns on Saturday, February 22, with new soup entries, all battling for the title of best soup, and there are some real strong contenders:

• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell

• YouthBuild Lowell Culinary

• Chowder Factory

• Nennie's Cafe

• Purple Carrot Bread Co.

• Panela Restaurant

• Fuse Bistro

• Life Alive

• Coffee and Cotton

• Cobblestones Restaurant

Food trucks like Empanada Dada, Shuck food truck, Chez Rafiki’s, The “Pig Rig,”Chicks and Dogs, and Souped Up will also be street-side, so there’s always a chance to warm up with some great food. Of course, no Winterfest would be complete without dessert. The all-you-can-eat chocolate festival will return on Saturday, February 22 from 11 am to 4 pm at St. Anne's Episcopal Church.

Family-Friendly Fun

Besides food, there are lots of activities for all members of the family to enjoy. The fan-favorite carousel will be back to take the young and the young-at-heart for a ride. A real horse-drawn wagon will also take families for a ride at Lucy Larcom Park, and the ice rink at JFK Plaza will be back for festival-goers to show off their skating skills. Performers will showcase their amazing talents at Winterfest. Cirque de Light’s stilt walkers and fire dancers will provide great free entertainment for the whole family on Friday and Saturday, while Vince the Bubble Guy will appear on Saturday from 3-5pm to delight all with bubble magic.

New Music

This year’s music will bring something new to Winterfest. The group Lux will perform at Winterfest for the first time, delivering “ funky / jazzy / quirky / entertaining / engaging” tunes well into the evening. Also joining the lineup this year will be the Boston-based band The 1999, performing a variety of hits across all decades that are sure to get everyone dancing. Down on Farragut, a trio of local musicians, will play classic rock and favorites.

Winter Market

Every year, the winter market showcases local makers and food vendors, and every year Lowell’s creative artisans bring something new and unique to the table. For those looking for one-of-a-kind fashion accessories or maybe just some sturdy mittens for the winter chill, the winter market is the perfect place to find something fun while supporting local artists.

Regardless of how you spend your Winterfest, what’s most exciting about the upcoming event is the opportunity for people of all ages to explore amazing events, have fun with each other, and find something new to enjoy. Whether it’s a recurring favorite activity or a new find, it’s worth bracing for the winter chill and heading to downtown Lowell to be a part of the fun.

For more information and a schedule of events, go to https://www.lowellwinterfest.com/

A Glimpse Ahead to the Fast-Approaching Winterfest

As the New Year is throwing the Northeast with it coldest winter punches, New Englanders could use a reminder of the positives occurring in the cold months.  Luckily for us, Winterfest is just around the corner.  On Friday, February 22nd from 5-10pm and Saturday, February 23rd from 11am-10pm, there will be opportunities for folks of all ages to enjoy the festivities together. 

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Musicians

Winterfest is known for bringing something new to the city every year, and this year will be no exception.  There will be a mix of fresh tunes to hear this February.  The Squires of Soul are a Lowell-based funk and soul band who implement unique instruments into their songs, such as the harp and vox egg.  Lily Black is bringing their talents from Boston to Lowell and introducing the city to their very own genre, punk/pop indie dance. 

There will also be fresh spins on old classic songs performed by cover bands, such as the “call out of work the next day” band, Hal Holiday & The Tones.  To wind down from the excitement of Hal Holiday, the Evan Goodrow Band will be soothing the crowd with their soulful pieces. It’ll be quite the challenge for you to not feel good or sing along with this years musician lineup! 

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Food + Drink

Your taste buds will be as pleased as will your ears at Winterfest.  Food vendors will line the streets with comfort food and other delectable eats.  The soup competition will also be making its annual appearance at the event, with anticipated flavors such as sweet coconut and savory chicken.  Judges, who have a great love for the city, and for great flavor, will be coming together to determine the year’s best soup.  There will also be beverages available for all ages!  

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Family Fun

There are also plenty of activities queued for familial fun and for younger event-goers.  Face painting and games will be readily available, and the fan-favorite carousel will be taking riders for a spin.  In terms of “spinning”, the outdoor ice rink on JFK plaza will also be back to allow people of all ages to show off their skating skills.  After taking a whirl on the ice, families will get to meet with special royalty and character visitors. Families can also hop aboard the hay wagon ride at Larkin Park any time between 12-3pm on the 23rd.

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The Tangible and Intangible Take-Away

With an extensive line-up of jewelry, snacks, and accessories at the winter market, you will definitely want to bring your wallet to grab one of these special products.  Rosie’s Cafe can offer your palate a feel-good, breakfast food experience. For those looking to get their hands on something exceptional, Environerd Studios offers eco-friendly games for everyone to enjoy. While you’re snacking and playing, you mustn’t forget about your furry friends! Your four-legged loved ones can peruse items from Morgan’s Dogdana. 

Amidst the endless shopping available to you, what is priceless and most important are the lasting memories and fun you’ll experience by stopping in at Winterfest.   

Winterfest Returns to Downtown Lowell

Winterfest weekend is here! Come visit us Friday and Saturday, February 23rd - 24th, and spend some fun time with your family and friends! There will be plenty to do for all ages creating memories that will last for years to come.

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Friday, February 23rd is the opening day of Winterfest, beginning at 5 o’clock. The official opening will start at 6:30 PM with the procession of the King and Queen of Winterfest. From 5-9 PM, there will be a craft beer showcase. The Winter Market as well as live music opens at 5:30 The Lodge that will continue throughout the night. The ice rink and bouncehouses will be open, and both nights will feature a fire show from The Fire Gypsy.

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Saturday's events will begin at 11 AM with the Chocolate Festival at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and the Winter Market. There will also be a soup competition at the Masonic Center from 12-3 (or until the soup runs out!) The Family Fun Zone opens at 12 PM and will be located in the JFK plaza along with the ice rink and bouncehouses which will be open from 12-9 PM. You will also have a chance to take pictures with the King and Queen of Winterfest and Lowla Bear.

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Both The Lodge and The Cabin are heated tents and will create magical winter beer gardens. The Lodge will be located in JFK Plaza and have multiple restaurants and food trucks to enjoy. The Cabin will be located in Lucy Larcom Park and will have live music, 5 local food trucks, craft beer from local breweries and a wine bar from Lowell’s own Tutto Bene Wine Cellars. For more information on any events happening this weekend, click here.