KidsFEST is a free, family-friendly community festival celebrating creativity, learning, play, and connection through arts, culture, performances, hands-on activities, games, community resources, and more. 

KidsFEST will take place on Saturday, May 16th from 12:30-4:30 PM at Haverhill High School (137 Monument St. Haverhill, MA 01832)

Yes! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, there is no cost to attend, and all activities at KidsFEST are free.  A select number of retail and food vendors will have food and goods for sale. 

KidsFEST is designed primarily for children and families, with activities for all ages (toddler through high school)!

No tickets are required. Just come and enjoy the day! 

• Live music performances from local youth bands

• Martial arts and cheer performances

• Touch-a-Truck experience

• Giant art activities

• Free airbrush tattoos

• Free balloon creations

• Haverhill "Claim to Fame" activity stations highlighting historic Haverhill figures

• Character meet-and-greets

• Crafts and games

• Community organization booths

• Food vendors

Yes! A variety of food vendors and treats will be available for purchase throughout the event. 

Yes. KidsFEST strives to create an inclusive and welcoming experience for all families. The fesitval footprint is the courtyard and parking lots in front of the Haverhill High School main entrance, with paved, wheel-chair and walker-friendly surfaces. Accessible parking is available close to the festival area (must show placard to parking attendant). A "Sensory Friendly Zone" away from the main festival area will include an enclosed tent with dim lighting, soft seating, and a variety of sensory tools for children who need a quiet space to recharge. A limited number of noise canceling headphones will be available to borrow. 

KidsFEST is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather creates unsafe conditions. Any weather-related updates will be shared on the website and social media pages. 

Per Haverhill city ordinance (§ 137-21), dogs are generally prohibited on school property, whether leashed or unleashed. Violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $300. Service animals are exempt, and specific comfort dogs may be present with approval, but pets are not permitted on school grounds.

Parking is available in the back parking lots of Haverhill High School, at the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, and on surrounding streets.  The location is also accessible via the free MeVa bus, Route 15. Carpooling is encouraged. 

Yes. Portable restrooms, hand washing stations, and accessible restroom options will be available on-site. 

No. Haverhill Public Schools maintain a strict tobacco-free policy, prohibiting the use of any tobacco products—including e-cigarettes/vaping—by students, staff, and visitors within school buildings, on school grounds, in school facilities, and on school buses. This policy is enforced at all times, including during after-school events and events like KidsFEST.

Yes. Photos and videos may be taken during the festival for promotional and community purposes. By attending, guests acknowledge they may appear in event photography.