With the winter season upon us you may want to bunker down until the flowers start to bloom but I say bust out that bunker and embrace what the season has to offer. There are events dedicated to help you do just this – Winter carnivals and festivals. And though there’s this saying, don’t be left out in the cold, no really…you want to. Bundle up, get out there and have some fun!
Here are my top 5 WinterFest events to visit this season:
Biddeford WinterFest –Biddeford’s annual WinterFest is set for February 9-11, 2024. WinterFest is a cabin-fever busting weekend of events and activities celebrating community and all things winter fun, from sledding and skating to musical performances and delicious comfort food.

Run of The Mill Winter Carnival – Piggy backing on the Biddeford Winterfest is The Run of the Mill’s own version of fun at their “Chill Out” Winter Carnival. Bundle up to enjoy J-Train and the ice bar outside. Warm up, fuel up, and enjoy live music from Sugar Box inside!

Winterfest in Westbrook -Westbrook’s annual Winterfest is set for March 2, 2024, at Riverbank Park. Inflatable Bounce Houses & Slides, Horse & Wagon Rides, Live Music, Ice Carving and S’more Station Snowman, Caricature Artists, Face painting, Fire Rescue & Police/K9 demonstrations, Fire Hula Hooper’s, Stunt Jugglers, Games, Food &More!

Carnaval ME Portland – Portland’s annual Winter Carnival tbd in March. An enhanced focus on kid’s activities thanks to partnerships with Dunkin’, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Sub Zero Ice Carvings, Maine Academy of Modern Music, favorite mascots, face painting, arts & crafts stations, and more.

Winter Carnival at Gilsland Farm – Falmouth’s annual Winter Carnival is set for February 17, 2024 . Don’t miss there annual celebration of winter weather and wildlife! Visitors of all ages are invited to learn, create, and play at a variety of indoor and outdoor activity stations. Join and explore snow science and art, feel animal pelts and artifacts at the winter wildlife touch table, practice identifying & following animal tracks, participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, plus cocoa, facepainting, and more!

Carnivals are for all seasons and I say Winter is the BEST time to stay and play!


