WinterFAQs

  • Winterfest is a seasonal skating rink in Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT. Winterfest offers free skating, skate rental and skate lessons. We also have a variety of other programming during Winterfest.

  • Nothing, it's free! Thanks to our sponsors and donors.

    You will have to complete an on-line skate waiver form to enter Winterfest.

  • Winterfest opens the day after Thanksgiving and closes in January. We are open daily from 11am-8pm with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day (there are special hours on this days..)

    Our front page of the Winterfest website will give you information on closings or delayed openings due to poor weather conditions.

  • Free skating lessons are offered on Saturdays in December & January. Lessons are from 10am-11am. More information about lessons can be found on the Winterfest Events page.

  • If you are bringing a large group or a school group, please let is know by emailing Jackie@theiquiltplan.org.

  • There is FREE street parking on Elm (Between Trinity and Pulaski Circle) and Jewell Streets during Winterfest Hartford. (Thank you Hartford Parking Authority!)

    On other streets in the City…on street parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

    Please note: As always in accordance with HPD and DPW all safety violations and/or safety concerns will be addressed accordingly.

  • The Winterfest Hartford rink is located in Bushnell Park, adjacent to the Pump House.

    Driving: For GPS, use 60 Elm Street, Hartford, and you’ll see the rink from Pulaski Circle. Free parking is available on Elm and Jewell Street during Winterfest.

    CTtransit & CTfastrak: Buses stop within three blocks of Bushnell Park. Look for downtown stops along Main Street, Church Street, Jewell Street, or Constitution Plaza.

  • There is no age limit to skate, however, if you are under 16 years of age you must be accompanied by an adult to enter the rink area.

  • Winterfest Hartford costs about $300,000. The iQuilt Partnership works with the CIty of Hartford, sponsors, and individual donors to make this wonderful holiday tradition happen. Donations in any amount make a difference; please consider making one today.

  • Helmets are not provided, but we do recommend them.

  • The smallest size skate is children’s size 9, and the largest is an adult size 15.

  • On weekends there is usually a food truck or two. The Bushnell Park Carousel sells hot chocolate. We encourage everyone to make it a great day of skating and then visiting one of our local restaurants. Hartford.com has a great list of local restaurants.

  • The Winterfest Hartford rink is 100x100.

  • We do not have coat or shoe check available but there are several lockers that can be used. We suggest that you bring your own lock. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

  • Santa will be on site for four days. Check out the event page for more information on photos with Santa.

  • Yes. There are three port-o-potties and a handicapped bathroom. There is a baby changing station in the handicapped bathroom. Please ask the staff at the skate shack for the key to the handicapped restroom.

  • We would love to chat with you about donations and sponsorships. Please contact Jackie at Jackie@theiquiltplan.org.

  • Winterfest is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. This year we will have a few lockers available in the warming shed. You must bring your own lock and everything must be removed when you leave the rink area.

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