Moosestompers Weekend 2026: Houlton Maine Winter Carnival, Sledding, Ice Skating & Family Fun
- Gerry Caron
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
❄️🫎 Moosestompers Weekend 2026: Houlton Maine’s Ultimate Winter Carnival for Family Fun 🫎❄️
The Moose is Loose! Every winter, the town of Houlton, Maine transforms into a snowy playground as locals and visitors gather for Moosestompers Weekend, 2026 one of northern Maine’s most beloved winter festivals. Held annually the first weekend of February, this free, family-friendly celebration is packed with classic winter activities, small-town charm, and unforgettable cold-weather fun.
If you’re looking for things to do in Maine in winter, Aroostook County winter festivals, or a kid-friendly winter carnival in Maine, Moosestompers Weekend belongs at the top of your list.
🫎 What Is Moosestompers Weekend?
Moosestompers Weekend is the signature winter carnival of Houlton, Maine, celebrating the season with outdoor recreation, community gatherings, and festive events for all ages. From sledding hills and ice skating to fireworks and snowmobile parades, this event captures the heart of a classic Maine winter.
The festival is hosted in and around Community Park, the John A. Millar Civic Center, Nickerson Lake, and Historic Market Square, making it easy to enjoy multiple events throughout the weekend.
📅 Moosestompers Weekend 2026 – Event Details
Dates: February 6–8, 2026
Location: Houlton, Maine
Primary Address: 94 Randall Ave, Houlton, ME 04730
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.moosestompers.com
Facebook (Official Updates): https://www.facebook.com/Moosestompers
👉 Tip: Event schedules are released closer to the festival—follow Moosestompers on Facebook and watch for flyers in local businesses.
❄️ Signature Events & Winter Activities
🛷 Giant Sledding Hill at Community Park
The famous Soap Box Derby Hill becomes one of the biggest sledding attractions in Aroostook County. Kids, parents, and brave adults line up for fast, snowy runs and nonstop laughs.
⛸️ Ice Skating at the Millar Civic Center
The John A. Millar Civic Center turns into a winter hub for ice skating, with:
Skate rentals available
Concessions on-site
Warm indoor space for families
Perfect for beginners and seasoned skaters alike.
🎣 Ice Fishing on Nickerson Lake
Nickerson Lake hosts a traditional family-friendly ice fishing experience, offering a relaxing way to enjoy Maine’s winter outdoors in a scenic setting.
🏁 Antique Snowmobile Parade
A nostalgic favorite, the antique snowmobile parade showcases beautifully restored vintage sleds, celebrating Maine’s snowmobile heritage and drawing spectators of all ages.
🎆 Fireworks Over Houlton
As night falls, fireworks light up the winter sky, adding a magical finish to an already festive day.
🏘️ Explore Downtown Houlton During the Festival
Between events, stroll through Historic Market Square, where:
Local shops glow with warm window displays
Restaurants serve hearty comfort food
Cafés and pubs offer the perfect place to warm up
Moosestompers Weekend is as much about community and connection as it is about winter fun.
👨👩👧👦 Why Families Love Moosestompers Weekend
✔️ Free admission
✔️ Activities for all ages
✔️ Walkable event locations
✔️ Safe, welcoming small-town atmosphere
✔️ Classic Maine winter traditions
It’s an ideal winter getaway for families seeking affordable Maine travel, outdoor winter fun, and authentic local culture.
❄️ A True Maine Winter Experience
Moosestompers Weekend captures everything people love about winter in Maine—crisp air, snowy landscapes, friendly faces, and a community that knows how to embrace the season. Whether snowflakes are falling or the northern lights make an appearance, this festival delivers unforgettable moments year after year.
🫎 Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendar for February 6–8, 2026, bundle up, and head north to experience Moosestompers Weekend in Houlton, Maine—where winter isn’t something to endure, it’s something to celebrate.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Moosestompers Weekend is the signature winter carnival of Houlton, Maine, celebrating the season with outdoor recreation, community gatherings, and festive events for all ages.
