WinterFest Amherst

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

❄ 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/

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.

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

Queue-it

✨ 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!