WinterFest Amherst

Home
United States
Amherst, MA
WinterFest Amherst

Winterfest is our community's way of celebrating the season and bringing frosty fun to the Amherst and the area. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

A full listing of events can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XOTK1I1xxF3UbclFbfeDYDL4yfIj1Ouyvqyu5xiWYxg/edit?tab=t.0

02/24/2026

A massive THANK YOU to the thousands of neighbors who joined us for WinterFest 2026! Seeing our community come together so vibrantly over the course of eight days was nothing short of magical.

The underlying success of WinterFest belongs to the businesses, Town departments, and organizations that contributed to this investment in our community’s spirit. To our incredible sponsors and community partners: we quite literally could not have done this without you.

Your support it provided the programming and the space for so many to connect and make memories together. We are deeply grateful for your collaboration.

Look for photos later this week!

Amherst College Center for Community Engagement (CCE) Amherst Business Improvement District Summerlin Floors Lao Hu Tong Ginger Garden Encharter Insurance Jones Library & Branches Town of Amherst, MA The Mill District Mill District Local Art Gallery Hitchcock Center for the Environment The Center Dance Amherst Cinema UMass Downtown Amherst Massachusetts Fire Department

02/22/2026

❄ Another snowstorm is coming! Please read below for essential town updates, closures, and safety reminders. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.

𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
All non-emergency town offices will be closed on Monday, February 23. All emergency departments will remain available by calling 9-1-1.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗻
UPDATE: The Town of Amherst has officially lifted the Town Parking Ban as of 4:30 pm on Monday, February 23. Regular enforcement for all public parking areas will begin at 8 am on Tuesday, February 24. Any vehicles left parked in the designated parking areas are responsible to pay for parking once enforcement begins.

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Call Craig's Doors at 413-256-0704 for information on available shelter space. The Amherst Police Department is also open 24/7 and individuals are welcome to warm up in the lobby. Space is limited. Find other warming centers and shelters near you by calling 2-1-1.

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
• Please stay off the roads. If you must go out, please drive safe and be aware of plow crews.
• Due to the anticipated duration and rate of snowfall, main roads will be prioritized during snow clearing operations. We are committed to addressing all public roads within Town, but please be advised that there may be several hours between plowing passes on less-traveled roads.
• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks no later than 24 hours after the end of the precipitation. Owners are also encouraged to dig out their nearest fire hydrant.
• Enforcement of sidewalk clearing is done by Inspections Services. Any issues with sidewalks not being cleared can be reported online through the Property Complaint Form or by calling 413-259-3030. PVTA is responsible for clearing out bus stops and can be contacted by calling 877-779-7882.

🔗 For more information and to access select services, please visit our website: https://www.amherstma.gov/

02/18/2026

As part of the Winterfest fun, be sure to spend some time at the Mill District General Store and Mill District Local Art Gallery. They have some free and low cost fun with their daily craft sessions.

02/17/2026

Looking for a wonderful Wednesday ? From Ice Age giants to mindful moments, there is something for everyone tomorrow! Check out the lineup of FREE and low-cost events happening across town:

Ice Age Creatures & More: Journey through time at the Beneski Museum of Natural History! Walk with dinosaurs and discover Ice Age mammals. Includes crafts and interactive fun! (FREE)

Meditation & Mindfulness for Families: Join Perinatal Wellness Partners at the North Amherst Library for a cozy hour of crafts, guided meditation, and peaceful sounds. (FREE)

Snowflake Decorating: Get creative early at the Mill District General Store (runs all day!). (FREE)

Public Ice Skating: Hit the ice at the Mullins Center Community Rink! (11:30 AM – 12:50 PM; Adults $10 / Under 12 $7 / Rentals $7)

Pinecone Gnome Crafting: Create a whimsical winter friend at the Mill District General Store. (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM; $5 per pinecone)

Lego Club: Build your masterpiece at Munson Memorial Library! (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Ages 5-12; FREE)

Dungeons & Dragons: Calling all 6th-8th graders! Embark on an epic adventure at the Bangs Community Center. (Registration required: [email protected]; FREE)

More details at: amherstma.gov/winterfest2026

Amherst Recreation Jones Library & Branches Friends of the Jones Library System - Amherst, MA Town of Amherst, MA

02/11/2026

The days might be cold, but the community spirit is warm at Amherst WinterFest! ❤️ This vacation week, we’re bringing families together for a series of FREE workshops, nature walks, and museum tours. It’s our way of making sure every child has access to fun, educational, and high-energy activities while school is out. Join your neighbors and celebrate the magic of winter right here in Amherst!

- - Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Interactive Reading and Stuff Vet Clinic- Free! Munson Memorial Library on Mon, Feb 16th @ 11:30 - 1:00 PM (No registration required)

- Little Bear Nature Walk w/ The Hitchcock Center -FREE! Mill River Recreation Area on Tues, Feb 17th @ 10:00 - 11:15 AM- Register Here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HitchcockCenterfortheEnvironment #/selectSessions/3737633/filter/session=69022533

- Ice Age Creatures and More- FREE!
Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College on Wed, Feb 18th @ 10:00 - 11:00 AM. (No registration required)

- Meditation and Mindfulness Workshop for Kids and Their Families- FREE! North Amherst Library on Wed, Feb 18th @ 10:00 - 11:00 AM. (No registration required)

- Little Bear Nature Walk w/ The Hitchcock Center -FREE! Hickory Ridge Conservation Area on Fri, Feb 20th @10:00 - 11:15 AM. Register here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HitchcockCenterfortheEnvironment #/selectSessions/3737633/filter/session=69017733

12/16/2025

✨ Get Ready to Sparkle! WinterFest Amherst 2026 is Coming! ❄️

Mark your calendars! The magical, week-long Amherst WinterFest celebration returns from February 14th through February 21st, 2026!

It's the annual renewal of our town’s spirit, bringing together thousands of residents for fun and connection. This celebration features a variety of exciting events for ALL ages, making Amherst the place to embrace the warmth of community in the cold.

Don't Miss the Magic! Stay tuned for the full calendar of events coming soon!

03/03/2025

WinterFest highlights are here! We're so grateful to our sponsors, partners, and everyone who attended. We couldn't do it without you! We're counting down the days until we can celebrate with you again next year.

Address

Amherst Town Common
Amherst, MA
01002

Telephone

+14132593065

Website

http://www.amherstmarec.org/, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XOTK1I1xxF3UbclFbfeDYDL4yfIj1Ouyvqyu5xiWYxg/edit?usp=s

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WinterFest Amherst posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to WinterFest Amherst:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Amherst?