Contributed Story | Leinani Farnsworth, Heart of Biddeford
It’s that time of years again!
Locals and visitors of all ages are invited to the annual Biddeford WinterFest, a cabin-fever-busting weekend of outdoor fun, live entertainment, and community connection, returning Feb. 6–8, 2026. This year’s theme, “Unplug & Play,” highlights free, family-friendly, screen-free activities on Adams Street in downtown Biddeford.
Now in its 13th year, WinterFest is a collaboration between local organizations, volunteers, and the City of Biddeford. The festival traces its roots back to 2012, when then-Mayor Alan Casavant and longtime community volunteer John Maxson first imagined building a sledding hill in the middle of downtown. More than a decade later, the tradition continues to bring hundreds of residents together each winter.
Friday, Feb. 6 — WinterFest begins Friday evening with adults-only (18+) sledding on Adams Street from 6–7:30 p.m. followed by an après-sledding gathering at Brickyard Hollow from 7:45–9:30 p.m, hosted by Biddeford Recreation. The evening event includes sledding, complimentary food, door prizes, and a cash bar, with $10 tickets required in advance.
Friday night also features a 7:30 p.m. performance at City Theater featuring Piano Men – The Music of Elton and Billy, starring Joey Boucher. The show celebrates the legendary music of Elton John and Billy Joel through a high-energy piano-driven performance. Boucher brings powerful vocals, storytelling, and crowd-favorite hits to the stage in a concert-style experience. Tickets for the performance are available for purchase on the City Theater website.
Saturday, Feb. 7 — WinterFest continues with Winter Fun Time, the true heart of the celebration, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the heart of downtown Biddeford. Centered around the beloved sledding hill on Adams Street, this free, family-friendly event brings the community together for a full day of classic winter fun. Hosted by New Life Church, with activities provided by Biddeford’s Recreation Department and local organizations, the day features sledding, giant outdoor games, a Gaga Ball pit, mascots, and more! Families can also enjoy free food throughout the event, including pizza, hot dogs, walking tacos, popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate.
Live entertainment and activities take place throughout Winter Fun Time, including:
- Main Stage performances from Nine Tigers Kung Fu, dance demonstrations and more.
- Sparks’ Ark Animal Services demonstration inside the former Courthouse on Adams Street at 11:30 a.m. and 1:p.m.
Attendees can also meet Crusher, the Maine Celtics mascot, and WinterFest’s own Francoise, and take part in a free raffle featuring bikes, gift cards, and other donated prizes—making Winter Fun Time a can’t-miss day of winter fun for all ages.
Families are invited to a free screening of Balto at City Theater from 3:30–5:30 p.m., sponsored by McArthur Library. Saturday evening, City Theater will also host comedian Juston McKinney beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Maine native who has appeared on The Tonight Show, McKinney is known for his sharp, relatable humor and high-energy performances. Tickets for the comedy show are available for purchase on the City Theater website.
Also on Saturday, the inaugural “Big Chill” takes place at the Pepperell Center beginning at noon. Coordinated by Heart of Biddeford, the event features a business expo, art gallery, music, and local food and drinks available for purchase throughout the day. The Big Chill wraps up with a free, public dance party from 8–10 p.m., open to everyone with no tickets required.
WinterFest 2026 is a snow-or-shine event, with both outdoor and indoor programming planned throughout the weekend. “We’re thrilled to have the community return to the downtown to bust that cabin fever,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford – one of the planning partners. “We know that the community will also enjoy a great day of shopping and dining throughout the downtown.”
Sunday, Feb. 8 – The celebration wraps up on Sunday with one final, free event. The West Brook skating rink on Pool Street will be open for free skating and skate rentals on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (weather permitting) offering a fun and relaxed way to close out the WinterFest weekend.
For schedules, updates, and event details, visit BiddefordMaine.org/WinterFest. Please contact asstdir@heartofbiddeford.org for more information or questions and concerns.
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 