2026 Ice & Smelt Festival
The Ice & Smelt Festival Returns This Winter
We’re excited to announce the return of the Ice & Smelt Festival, happening the weekend of February 27–March 1! This year’s festival will feature a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout town, designed to keep you and your family active and engaged during the winter season.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, February 27
5:00 PM – Owl Prowl (All ages!)
Led by KELT & Maine Master Naturalists at Cathance Meadow Trails. Bring headlamps & traction gear!
Saturday, February 28
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Bryce Muir Exhibit, Merrymeeting Arts Center
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Ice Harvesting Exhibit, Merrymeeting Hall
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Snow Globe Making, MAC Studio
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Hot Beverages & Art, Cathance River Gallery
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Snack Shack Open, Recreation Fields (by Age Friendly)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Movie Night: The Secret of NIMH, Old Town Hall
6:00 PM – Potluck Supper, Watersong Music
7:00 PM – Dance Party, Watersong Music
Sunday, March 1
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Bryce Muir Exhibit, Merrymeeting Arts Center
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Hot Beverages & Art, Cathance River Gallery
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Bowdoinham Fire Dept. Ice Rescue Demos, Mailly Park
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM – Chocolate Inspired Lunch, Nazarene Church
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Take-Out Soup Supper, Bowdoinham Food Pantry
All Weekend Long
- Smelt Fishing at D’s Camps (Weather dependent)
- Ice Skating, Sledding, Snowshoeing at Recreation Fields
- Smelt on the Menu at Three Robbers Pub (While supplies last!)
- Borrow snowshoes, ice skates & XC skis from the Town Office. Contact Jason for details: 666-3101
Bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and join us for a weekend of winter wonder!