Photo Courtesy Henry Marte
by Lucy Kratman
Bundle up and get ready to embrace the cold – WinterFest is back! The annual festival returns to downtown Lowell on February 21-22, promising two days of live music, delicious food and family-friendly entertainment.
“Lowell is special because of how many different cultural traditions and global inspirations you can find here,” Mayor Danny Rourke, said.“WinterFest affords a great opportunity for different members of our community to share their traditions, be it music or food, or stories with the community.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, February 21, with live music featuring a special appearance by Lowell’s mascot Lowla Bear. Attendees can enjoy live music at the Enterprise Bank Music Tent, featuring performances by The Funrazrs, Cousin Auntie’s Ghost, and Tee and The Gents.
The Experience Lowell Arts Market runs from 6 – 9 p.m. showcasing local handmade goods from artisans such as Artifex Glass, Craic Sauce, and Dali of the Dogs. Meanwhile, Palmer Street will host fire and ice sculpture displays created by artists Micheal Dewberry, Blake Courtney, Kosta Zavras, and Eric Fontecchio.
Saturday’s festivities start at 11 a.m with St. Anne’s Chocolate Festival, running until 4 p.m. The third Annual WinterFest Scavenger Hunt will take place throughout the day, while the Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Competition heats up at noon with a delicious showcase of local restaurants’ best soups and chowders at the Lowell Masonic Center. For $5 at the door, attendees can sample soups and chowders from local restaurants including:
- Seafood Chowder from Courtyard by Marriott Billerica
- Githeri from Wham’s Cafe
- Mexican Street Corn Chowder from Firewater Tavern
- Chicken Tortilla Soup from Dragonfly Cafe
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Fuse Bistro
“Lowell is home to so many talented musicians and chefs,” said Rourke.
Tee and the Gents will perform Friday Night
However, this year, the festival is stretching beyond its traditional music and soups. One of this year’s biggest additions is a silent disco at Derby Park from 12p.m. – 3p.m. on Saturday, which will expand the festival beyond its traditional downtown space.
“We are breaking out of the “footprint” for the first time with live music happening at venues all across downtown,” the Mayor added.
Other musical acts throughout the day include Squires of Soul, The Old Rochelle, Dis N Dat, Daemon Chili, with Evan Goodrow, Alligator Wine, Fee The Evolutionist, and XTine and The Intents ending the night.
The Experience Lowell Arts Market returns for another year, and runs into the evening from 12 – 7 p.m. The Cirque De Light show pulls the curtains back from 3 – 7 p.m. Finish the night with a live DJ, 7 – 10 p.m.
Leading up to the festival, Winterfest’s Facebook and Instagram page have been sharing nostalgic moments with #25DaysofWinterFest, highlighting past events such as the 2001 introduction of the Soup Bowl Competition and the 2005 Custom Snowmen display.
“Seeing people remember all the fun they have had over the years is really exciting,” Rourke said. “We hope the residents and visitors will leave having had a great time experiencing all the great music, art, food and fun.”
For more details or updates, visit Lowell Winterfest’s Facebook or the official event website.
Lucy Kratman is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was produced for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with Inside Lowell.
