February vacation: Life-size dinosaurs, igloos, U2 cover band at Quincy's Winterfest

Peter Blandino, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·2 min read

QUINCY − Families looking for South Shore staycation fun during February break, look no further than Winterfest, the annual celebration on the Hancock Adams Common. This year's celebration will feature a family-friendly slate of new and returning attractions.

Winterfest is scheduled for 1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19. Some of the events will take place outside, others in heated tents and still others inside city hall and the Church of the Presidents.

What's new at Winterfest this year?

New to the Presidents Day lineup are igloos, a “selfie station” where people can pose with past commanders-in-chief, an aerialist performance presented by the Boston Circus Guild, a kid-oriented dinosaur show featuring life-sized Mesozoic monsters by Dinoman, puppet shows by Pumpernickel Puppets and a grand finale concert by U2 cover band Joshua Tree from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.

Warm weather made Quincy's Winterfest more like a spring event last year, but hundreds were drawn to the Hancock Adams Common for family fun.
Warm weather made Quincy's Winterfest more like a spring event last year, but hundreds were drawn to the Hancock Adams Common for family fun.

Returning attractions include two presentations by the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, one about birds of prey and the other about reptiles. Other familiar acts include stilt walkers, ice sculptures by Ice Man Craig, a fire show by Boston Circus Guild and musical performances by The Birch Swart Band and The Brendan Ryan Band.

No charge, but some attractions are ticketed. How to reserve your spots

All events are free, but some require tickets, which can be reserved before and during the festival. Families can reserve up to four tickets per show. The two Trailside Museum shows, the aerialist performance, the puppet shows and the dinosaur shows all require tickets.

To get tickets in advance, visit the "game tent" between the Church of the Presidents and city hall between noon and 1 p.m.

A scene from last year's WinterFest.
A scene from last year's WinterFest.

Food, drink, parking and weather contingencies

Craig’s Café will sell food, including chili, clam chowder and beverages. What’s Up, Cupcake will be selling desserts.

The Hancock Adams Common is outside the Quincy Center T station. There is limited street parking in the area. The Kilroy Square Garage charges $1 an hour and is about a 7-minute walk from the event.

The event will be held rain or shine, though some attractions may be moved under tents or indoors depending on the severity of the weather.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy's Winterfest on Hancock Adams Common on Feb. 19