Catch The Excitement At The Annual Binghamton Pond Festival

Happy New Year and welcome to January. Many of us view this month as cold and dreary. Well, you're not far off on that theory. However, there are a lot of things happening in New York's Southern Tier this time of the year to entertain us.

One of those events is actually a three-weekend event from mid-January through the first weekend of February. Yes, the annual Binghamton Pond Festival returns this month.

Held every year at Chenango Valley State Park, just off Route 369 in Port Crane, the 2026 Binghamton Pond Festival will feature many fun events from January 16th through the 19th, January 23rd through the 25th, and January 30th through February 1st.

What Is The Binghamton Pond Festival?

The Binghamton Pond Festival is nationally recognized. It's an amazing event for all ages who love hockey, but it's also an event featuring loads of entertainment for those who may not be big fans of the sport. This has become a major annual event in the Binghamton area.

Pond Fest was created in 2018. According to the organizers, this event was one of the few outdoor hockey events utilizing mechanical refrigeration to manage weather concerns related to outdoor hockey, withstanding warm outdoor temperatures.

The playing surface measures at 220'x110' ice sheet, and was rumoured to be the largest refrigerated outdoor ice sheet in North America. It's a fun event for the entire community. Pets on a leash are welcome, there are on-site food and drink services, and of course, a fireworks show each of the three weekends.

Binghamton Pond Festival Events

This year's event features so much to see and enjoy. Here are some of the events to look forward to:

• Friday through Sunday, January 16 to 18 - Adult tournament and playoffs
  Saturday, January 17 - Confluence Trail Run Series at 1 and 3 p.m. and a Fireworks show at 6 p.m.
• Monday, January 19 - Community Day at the Park and Free Try Hockey for Kids
• Friday through Sunday, January 23 to 25 - USA Hockey-sanctioned Youth Weekend
• Saturday, January 24 - Dance Party from 1 to 4 p.m. and a Fireworks Show at 6 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday, January 30 - February 1 - Adult tournament & playoffs
• Sunday, January 31 - a Fireworks Show at 6 p.m.

There is so much more to this fun three-weekend event. To keep up on what's happening, register to play (provided slots are not filled already) or maybe become an event volunteer, visit the Binghamton Pond Festival website, along with their Facebook page, for the latest information.

It's a fun event to enjoy in January. Come out, watch, and support a great cause. While the event is free to watch, there is a $20 suggested parking donation.