About
Winterfest Hartford
Winterfest Hartford has become a Holiday tradition for families near and far. Started in 2010, Winterfest has traditionally opened the day after Thanksgiving and closes in January.
Winterfest offers free public skating, free learn-to-skate programs, free skate rentals, performances by local artists, and photos with Santa. Winterfest provides an opportunity for everyone, region-wide, to enjoy the City of Hartford’s numerous arts, cultural, and dining experiences, along with wholesome outdoor family fun activity.
There is no other facility in the region like the outdoor skating rink located in Hartford's Bushnell Park, where everyone, young and old, can reap the benefits of fresh air and exercise, and do so free of charge.
The Winterfest rink costs approximately $275,000 to install and operate each year. We see almost 40,000 people at the rink. Winterfest is open every day from 11am-8pm (with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Even and New Year’s Day.)
Besides skating and skate lessons Winterfest has been host to may local groups and artists.
Nightfall
Hartford Steal Drum Symphony
MakerSpace
Mascots including Miles (Hartford Marathon), Bantam (Trinity College), Choppers and Cho Cho (Hartford Yard Goats), McGruff (Hartford Fire Department), Howie the Hawk (University fo Hartford), Sam the Ram (Watkinson School)
SeaTea Improv
Winterfest works with a dedicated group of people and organizations to bring it to Hartford every year.
The iQuilt Partnership, The City of Hartford, Hartford Business Improvement District, Bushnell Park Foundation, Hartford Police, Hartford Department of Public Works, Bushnell Skating Inc., Riverfront Recapture, Picture Perfect Landscaping, Rabbit Ears Inc., Andy Hart Photography, and our very generous sponsors and donors. (See our sponsor and donor page for more information.)
For more specific information on rink operations, sponsorships, and special events please contact Jackie Mandyck at jackie@theiquiltplan.org or by phone 860-614-6077.