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.  

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 winter activities and fun!  

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

Please check back after January 1st to learn more about the activities and events taking place at the 2026 Winter Festival, as well as a list of other participating partner organizations.  

*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.