February 20 – 24, 2025
Get ready to take the plunge at Newport’s Eleventh Annual Winter Swim Festival! From ice-cold swims and whimsical hat competitions to cozy after-parties and hearty dinners around town, this five-day extravaganza celebrates winter in the most exhilarating way possible. Here’s a day-by-day guide to all the frosty fun:
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Noon – 4 PM: Sign in at The EastSide
Kick off the festival by picking up your registration materials and meeting fellow swimmers. The excitement begins here—bring your questions, warm gear, and plenty of enthusiasm!
1 PM – 3 PM: Flagpole Set Up
Head poolside (or should we say “ice-side”?) to help raise the festival flag and set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
3 PM: Potato Gun Salute & Ribbon Cutting (Poolside)
Hear the festive boom of the Potato Gun Salute, marking the official start of the festival. Be there for the ribbon cutting as we usher in another year of winter-swimming adventures.
4 PM: Warm Up at Jasper’s + Swimmer Scout Wall Signings
Once the festivities begin, you can warm up at Jasper’s Tavern. Meet other swimmers, and leave your mark by signing the Swimmer Scout Wall—your name will forever be part of the festival’s history.
6 PM – 9 PM: Dinner Around Town
Cap the day with a delicious meal. Newport offers a variety of tempting culinary options, so be sure to make your reservations early:
- The EastSide, 47 Landing St. | (802) 334-2340
- Dusit Thai, 158 Main St. | (802) 487-9305
- Lago Trattoria, 95 Main St. | (802) 334-8222
- The T Bar, 165-103 Waterfront Plaza | (802) 334-0200
- Hoagies, 58 Waterfront Plaza #7 | (802) 334-0200
- The Tavern on the Hill, 1724 E Main St | (802) 334-9006
- Vermont Pie and Pasta Co., 4278 US-5, Derby | (802) 334-7770
- Le Belvedere, 100 Main Street | (802) 334-2340
Friday, February 21, 2025
8 AM: Sign in Opens at The EastSide
Grab your day’s schedule and prepare for the first official swims of the festival.
9:30 AM: Safety Meetings
- Swimmers meet indoors for essential safety tips.
- Volunteers gather on the ice to ensure everything runs smoothly.
10:00 AM: 25 Meter Hat Competition
Show off your creativity (and sense of humor) by donning your wackiest swim cap or hat. Cheer on competitors as they race across the 25-meter lane!
Lunch
Take a break to refuel. Grab a bite from one of Newport’s many eateries or pack your own. Stay hydrated—there’s more swimming to come.
1:00 PM: 200 Meter Freestyle
Watch experienced swimmers push their limits in this longer-distance race.
3:00 PM: Cocktail Party – EastSide Restaurant
Celebrate your swimming victories (or cheer for the swimmers you’re rooting for) with a festive cocktail party at The EastSide.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Water Women Film Festival (likely at Jasper’s Tavern)
Take in inspiring stories of women who have conquered the open water around the world. These short films remind us that winter swimming is truly a global sport.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Dinner Around Town
Satisfy your post-swim appetite at any of our recommended local restaurants.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
7:00 AM: Sign in Opens
Early risers, this is your chance to get a head start on the big day’s events.
9:00 AM: Safety Meeting
Swimmers stay indoors for briefings, while volunteers head onto the ice.
9:30 AM: 25 Meter Freestyle
Kick off the morning with a burst of energy in this quick sprint.
10:30 AM: 50 Meter Freestyle
Test your speed and stamina in a slightly longer dash across the chilly pool.
Lunch
Warm up with a hearty lunch in Newport—nobody can swim on an empty stomach!
1:30 PM: Group Photo & Ribbon Ceremony
Commemorate the day with a group snapshot and a special ribbon ceremony celebrating the spirit of winter swimming.
2:00 PM: 25 Meter Breaststroke
A slower stroke, but no less challenging—cheer on swimmers as they keep their heads (mostly) above the icy water!
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Jammie and Barr Hill Vodka Shooter Party
Slip into your coziest pajamas, gather around, and enjoy some spirited shooters. A relaxed party to toast the day’s accomplishments.
5:00 PM: Award Ceremony (Banquet Room)
Recognizing our swimmers for their grit, determination, and adventurous spirit!
6:00 PM: Swimmers & Volunteers Low Society Buffet Feast
Wrap up the day with a hearty buffet to refuel. Swap stories, make new friends, and enjoy the warmth of good company.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
7:00 AM: Sign in Opens
9:00 AM: Safety Meeting
Another briefing to keep everyone informed and safe.
9:30 AM: 25 Meter Butterfly
Witness some seriously impressive technique as swimmers tackle one of the most demanding strokes in icy water.
10:00 AM: 100 Meter Freestyle
A test of speed and endurance for those truly brave souls!
11:30 AM: 4 x 25 Relay (Virgins Only)
Newcomers, now’s your time to shine. Team up and show everyone what first-time festival spirit looks like.
12:00 PM: 4 x 50 Relay
Seasoned swimmers take on a relay challenge—cheer them on as they work together to cover twice the distance.
1:00 PM: Award Ceremony & Swimmers and Volunteers Lunch
Join us for a celebratory lunch to honor all of Sunday’s participants and volunteers. Feel free to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
Monday, February 24, 2025
9:00 AM: Stay – Play – Jay – Day
Extend your weekend and head up to Jay Peak for some skiing, snowboarding, or relaxing at the resort. Because why not make the most of winter fun in Vermont?
3:00 PM: Brown Bag Beer Garden & Cocktail Party (Waterpark Fire Pit)
Wrap up the festival in style. Pack your own snacks, grab a drink, and gather around the fire pit to reminisce on the incredible weekend of winter swimming.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Winter Adventure
The Eleventh Annual Winter Swim Festival in Newport promises to be our best yet. Whether you’re swimming, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s plenty of fun and camaraderie to go around. Make new friends, enjoy Newport’s culinary offerings, and create memories that will warm you all year long.
We can’t wait to see you at the edge of the ice—come take the plunge!