Planning a visit to the Greater Merrimack Valley? This incredible area is full of history, fun, and creativity. And what better way to experience that than with the annual events held throughout the year? As you make your vacation plans, consider coming during these annual celebrations, festivals, and memorable moments. Check out our calendar for the exact dates, as they can change from year to year.
Winter Wonderland
Want a fun January afternoon in Concord with your kids? Come to the Winter Wonderland event for family fun. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, s’mores by the bonfire, character meet-and-greets, arts and crafts, a bounce house, and more. It’s a fantastic way to create treasured winter memories with your children.
Winter Carnival
Organized by the Town of Lincoln’s Parks & Recreation department, the annual Winter Carnival is designed to foster a sense of community. This weekend event usually occurs at the end of January and the beginning of February, so it’s a great way to get out during the cold months. Check out local musicians and performers, see ice sculpture demos, go ice skating, enjoy scavenger hunts, and more.
Winterfest
One of Lowell’s most beloved traditions, Winterfest is a weekend festival that typically happens near the end of February. You’ll find downtown Lowell absolutely bustling with a full schedule of live entertainment, local shopping, ice sculptures, and tons of food vendors. Speaking of food, a can’t-miss part of Winterfest is the Soup Bowl Competition where you can try an assortment of delicious soups and chowders created by local restaurants.
Patriots’ Day
If you come to Lexington for Patriots’ Day, you’re in for a treat. Even more so if it’s during the MA250 semiquincentennial celebration! Visit Lexington in April for a long weekend of reenactments, parades, and special events in honor of the first battles of the American Revolution.
Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
Come witness the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere reenacted on the eve of Patriots’ Day. Riding on his trusty horse, Paul Revere races to the Hancock-Clarke House, shouting for all to hear that the British are coming.
The Sunrise Youth Parade
The Sunrise Youth Parade is organized annually as a part of Patriots’ Day celebrations. It provides younger members of the community the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the weekend.
Patriots’ Day Afternoon Parade
Don’t want to get up for the sunrise parade or reenactment? Luckily there’s also an afternoon parade that’s always highly anticipated. This two-mile parade starts at East Lexington and marches along to finish at Worthen Road. The parade even includes floats from several culturally diverse organizations displaying their work and art.
Lowell Summer Music Series
If you love live concerts, the Lowell Summer Music Series provides a summer-long music showcase. From June through September, you’ll have no shortage of shows scheduled to perform at Boarding House Park. For 34 years the Lowell Festival Foundation has booked incredible artists at the outdoor venue, creating a summer tradition beloved by locals and visitors alike. From original compositions to cover bands across different music genres, there’s no shortage of great performers to experience on a warm summer evening.
Lowell Folk Festival
Do you love folk music? Every year during the last full weekend of July you can experience one of the largest free folk festivals in the country with the Lowell Folk Festival. Folk musicians, dancers, and performers come from around the world to perform for the festival attendees and share music and culture. There are also food booths showcasing Lowell’s ethnic cuisines, including Portuguese, Brazilian, Greek, Polish, Asian, and Latin dishes. If you love crafting, there’s a folk craft area in Lucy Larcom Park that includes demonstrations of cultural arts.
Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
Held in September, the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race isn’t your average competition. Teams race their human-powered, all-terrain artwork across streets, water, mud, and sand while spectators cheer them on. It’s an incredible and unique sight, and you’re even invited to bring your bikes and ride along so you don’t miss a minute of the action. While you’re at this free event, enjoy a full day of activities like lawn games, live music, face painting, dancing, and street performances.
Lexington Porchfest
Held at the end of September, the Lexington Porchfest is a fun grassroots music festival with a great community vibe. Over 80 musical acts play upon porches offered up by the community, making the town a patchwork of different stages and songs. This free festival is a great way to explore the town and discover new music you’ll love.
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Lowell was the home and inspiration to renowned beat poet Jack Kerouac. He’s so beloved by the city that every year there’s a festival over the weekend of October. Fans of his poetry and literature come from across the United States and around the world for Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, and you can join in the festivities! Tour locations described in his novels, sit in on panel discussions, readings and poetry competitions, listen to jazz and folk music, watch films, and so much more.
City of Lights
Looking for some holiday cheer after Thanksgiving? Go to downtown Lowell for the annual City of Lights. This spectacular family-friendly gathering starts off the holiday season and welcomes Mr. and Mrs. Claus with a festive parade. City Hall, JFK Plaza, and more are lit up with festive lights, creating a magical holiday experience. Don’t forget to vote in the annual hot chocolate and window decorating contests as you explore downtown.
The Greater Merrimack Valley is truly an exciting destination to visit year-round with the different annual festivals, concert series, and special events. Decide which ones you want to attend this year and plan out your vacation so you can experience local fun and festivities.