The County's Coolest Tradition: Homer Winterfest

It’s that time of year again! The snow is falling, the holiday hustle is behind us, and Winterfest is back in Homer for another year of family-friendly fun. This year’s festival runs from January 23rd to 25th, 2026, and it’s jam-packed with more than 30 events to keep you busy from Friday to Sunday.

If you’ve never experienced Homer’s Winterfest, it’s about time you put it on your travel radar.

WinterFest officially kicks off Friday afternoon with ice sculptures appearing throughout the village, setting the scene for a weekend of winter wonder. Keep an eye out all weekend long for beautifully crafted creations by Ice Farm including live carving returning on Saturday.

Families can start the fun early with The Dusty & Dott Show at the Phillips Free Library from 5:30–6:30 pm. This interactive, imagination-fueling performance blends puppetry, live music, costumes, and storytelling and is open to all ages.

Feeling hungry? Friday night is stacked with comfort food classics. The Fish Fry Dinner & Buffet runs from 5:30–7:00 pm at the Homer Elks Lodge, while food and drinks are also available at the American Legion.

At 6:30 pm, gather around the WinterFest Bonfire near the Paul Hill Community Building. Fireworks light up the sky at 6:50 pm and it's a show you wont want to miss. 

Friday night also marks the Community Arts Challenge Grand Opening at the Center for the Arts, with live performances in dance, drama, music, and poetry alongside the visual arts exhibit. This year’s theme, HOME, feels especially fitting.

Cap the night with Live DJ Philly C’s at the American Legion from 7:00–9:30 pm, or spin the prize wheel at Super Cream’s Snowflake Prize Wheel Night from 4:00–8:00 pm.

Saturday starts early with the Pancake Breakfast from 8:00–11:00 am at the Paul Hill Community Building, hosted by the Homer Fire Department.

From 9:00 am to noon, kids take over at the WinterFest Children’s Events at Homer Elementary School. Expect crafts, games, face painting, free fingerprinting, and the return of crowd-favorite Dan the Snake Man.

New this year, the 1st Annual Snow Kickball Tourney brings friendly competition to the Village Green from 9:00 am–12:00 pm, while ice skating runs from 9:00–11:00 am at Vernum Park.

Through out the day get your shop on at the Homer Intermediate & Junior High School, where you can browse a collection of antiques and handmade goods from local artisans. Whether you're hunting for a vintage treasure or a one-of-a-kind craft, you'll find something special.

At 11:00 am, don’t miss the wildly entertaining Human Dog Sled Race, followed by live ice carving at 11:30 am near the fire station. Lime Hollow Nature Center is hosting a Build a Bird Feeder Station near the bandstand for a hands-on, all-ages craft.

The Community Arts Challenge Visual Arts Exhibit continues through the afternoon, while the Chili Cook-Off heats things up with public tasting, judging, and cash prizes.

Food lovers, pace yourselves. Saturday includes:

• Center for the Arts' Chili Cook-Off

• Winter Wingfest & Beer Tasting at the Elks Lodge

• Wine, Spirits & Cheese Tasting at the American Legion

• Winter Clamfest (pre-sale tickets required)

• Chicken BBQ at the Fire Station

• Super Cream’s Homer Trojans hard ice cream flavor voting and cocoa float bar

Highlights include a parade winding through Main Street, free youth bowl at Hi-Lanes, and a dance party with DJ Philly C’s at the Elks Lodge.

Music lovers can end the night at the Center for the Arts with G. Love & Special Sauce, bringing their signature blend of rock, blues, hip hop, and soul to Homer.

WinterFest wraps up on Sunday with a relaxed, family-friendly finish. Start the morning with a hearty Breakfast Buffet at the American Legion from 8:00–11:00 am, the perfect way to refuel after a full weekend of festivities.

At noon, kids can squeeze in one last bit of WinterFest fun with Kids Snowman Bingo at Super Cream on Route 281. This free event has limited seating, so arriving early is a good idea. It’s a simple, sweet way to close out the weekend.

Want to plan ahead or get more details on any event? Be sure to visit the official Winterfest website at www.homerwinterfest.org. The site has everything you need to know, from detailed schedules and event descriptions to  info on how you can participate in some of the fun activities.

Whether you're here for the food, the competitions, the art, or just the sheer fun of it all, Homer’s Winterfest has something for everyone. From figure skating to antiquing, wings to clams, and quirky events you won’t find anywhere else, this weekend getaway is sure to be one for the books. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable winter weekend in Homer!

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