Lowell – The City of Lowell is delighted to announce the return of WinterFest, set to take place on Saturday, February 28 in the heart of Downtown Lowell.

This year’s event falls just shy of Lowell’s official incorporation date, March 1, 1826.

To celebrate, the City is planning an action-packed, one-day Winterfest event Saturday, February 28, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. This free, family-friendly, cold weather classic celebrates music, art, and community while shaking off the winter blues.

The festivities kick off with activities starting at 12:00 PM and continuing throughout the day until 10:00 PM.  In addition to celebrating on Middle Street, Palmer Street, and in the Rockland Trust lot, the wintery fun expands this year to include Merrimack Street.

In honor of Lowell’s Bicentennial, a special guest will stop by to help us mark the occasion: Celebrity Chef Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo’s Bakery. Mr. Valastro will craft a one-of-a kind birthday cake for the City and will host a showcase of Lowell’s finest bakeries in the main tent on Merrimack Street.

Saturday, February 28, boasts a day of festivities to remember, including:

• Anne’s Chocolate Festival from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Curling and air hockey on Merrimack Street, beginning at 12:00 PM
• The Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Competition at the Masonic Center, beginning at 12:00 PM
• The Experience Lowell Arts Market, produced by Mosaic Lowell, 12:00-8:00 PM
• Live music in the Rockland Trust Music Tent from 12:00-10:00 PM
• Fold-a-Lowla Workshop at Arts League of Lowell from 12:30-2:30 PM
• A showcase of Lowell’s bakeries hosted by Buddy Valastro from 3:00-6:00 PM
• Live ice carving on Palmer Street
• Fire performances throughout the event
• LED swings, photo opportunities, interactive art and roving performers, all day
• The 4th annual WinterFest Scavenger Hunt, all day
• Mosaic Lowell’s Youth Mural Competition with voting open all day

Throughout the duration of the festival, a Bicentennial Cake sculpture will be on display in front of St. Anne’s Church. The cake was refurbished for display in Lowell by YouthBuild of Greater Lowell, and a custom topper was created by Refuge Lowell. On your way to the St. Anne’s Chocolate Festival, stop by the Bicentennial Cake to admire the craftmanship of Lowell’s emerging carpenters and artists.

While you’re gearing up for the Saturday fun, check out the Nordic Jam Sessions, busker pop-ups at various restaurants and eateries in Downtown Lowell. These mini-concerts will take place on Friday, February 27, and continue throughout the day on Saturday, February 28. Look for a Lowla Bear in front of these locations – and stop in for some tunes. The Call for Art for Lowla Bears to be placed in front of these locations is still open, and artists of all experience levels and mediums are invited to submit their work at bit.ly/Lowla-Art.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Lowell native, reflected on this momentous occasion, “Lowell’s story is one of opportunity, hard work, and hope, and it is the same story that shaped my family and shaped me. From my grandparents who immigrated here in search of opportunity, to my parents who built their careers and our lives in this city, Lowell has always been a place where perseverance is rewarded. Two hundred years later, while the city continues to evolve, its heart remains the same: a community where families from every corner of the world can put down roots and build a future. I am proud to join our community in celebrating the Mill City’s Bicentennial and the people who make Lowell the great place it is.”

“This WinterFest is especially important, serving as a celebration of 200 years of our great City,” remarked Mayor Erik Gitschier, “Festivals are a key piece of Lowell’s cultural offerings and economic development as a City, and WinterFest is no exception. We encourage everyone to join us on Saturday, February 28th to mark this momentous occasion.”  

City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate WinterFest as the kickoff to the City’s Bicentennial year, and bring some midwinter fun back to downtown Lowell for all to enjoy. The City of Lowell is proud to welcome Buddy Valastro to host the local bakery showcase as we celebrate 200 years of community in Lowell. We look forward to seeing all residents come out to enjoy the festival.”

“There might be a lot to like about Lowell but there’s going to be even more to love about it during the Bicentennial celebration thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our private sponsors. Their donations will allow us to celebrate with celebrity chef Buddy Valastro during Saturday at WinterFest, Grammy Award-winning country star Lee Brice and friends on March 26th at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, the biggest July 4th fireworks Lowell has ever seen and an October street festival to cap it off, all at no charge to attend. Just bring your Lowell pride and a spirit of community,” shared Mike Kuenzler, Shelagh Mahoney and Steve Panagiotakos, the Lowell Bicentennial Fundraising Committee.

With all of the added activities, the City of Lowell is proud to welcome Suffolk in the City to cover WinterFest. Suffolk in the City is a partnership of Suffolk University and New England Cable News, providing opportunities for Suffolk students to produce and present live news stories on NECN. The City of Lowell is excited to continue partnerships with local media outlets to enhance access to WinterFest, through InsideLowell, the Lowell Sun, Lowell Telemedia Center, and WCAP.

In support of making the fun accessible to all, family quiet spaces will be available to the public during the event. These spaces are open to neurodivergent individuals, nursing parents, or those who may need a break. More information regarding the family quiet spaces will be available online.

The City of Lowell continues to prioritize public safety and emergency preparedness. The City is actively working with the City’s Emergency Management team to decrease the risk of elopement or wandering children, enhancing protections for our most vulnerable residents.

For more information about WinterFest, visit lowellwinterfest.com or contact the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at (978) 674-4260.