Winter Festival

Save the date for the largest winter event in Connecticut!  The 20th Annual Winter Festival Event will be held at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, CT on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, February 8, 2026.   Enjoy winter activities and outdoor recreation at one of our most spectacularly wintery state park locations....  the appropriately named Burrrrr Pond State Park.  It's a place and time where families can truly experience the fun and beauty that a Connecticut winter offers.

Activities include ice fishing with Fish with CARE (all supplies provided), story times, Search and Rescue dog demonstrations, hiking, ice sculptures, marshmallow roasting, bonfires, furs & pelts displays and live animals.  Food will be available for purchase on site.  Bring your family and friends, bundle up*, and join us for a great day of outdoor winter activities and fun!  

This annual event is hosted by DEEP's No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program in partnership with Fish with CARE.  

*Note:  The temperatures at Burr Pond State Park are often far colder than other areas of Connecticut as it is located at a higher elevation.  The wind coming off the pond, when frozen, can make the temperature feel as if it is 10-20 degrees colder. As with any outdoor event, all attendees should dress appropriately for the weather, including a hat, gloves or mittens, scarf, layers and a warm winter coat - preferably windproof and waterproof.  We recommend that parents dress small children in snowpants/winter gear to protect them from the chilling wind.  If the ground/pond is frozen, we also recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good traction to avoid slipping.  

Parking: Limited on-site parking is available at Burr Pond State Park and at the Burr Pond Boat Launch Ramp.  Additional off-site parking is available during the event at the nearby Burrville Fire Training School located at 606 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington and at RBC Bearings Aircraft Products Inc. located at 2788 Winsted Road, Torrington. Shuttles run between the event and these parking locations throughout the day during event hours.  Please note that the last shuttle leaves Burr Pond for the off-site parking areas at 3:00 pm.