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The family-friendly festival features everything from comedy shows to a two-day children’s fair to ice-sculpting and ice-skating. There will be a hot-drink-making competition and a martini contest. And food – did we mention food? There will be a chicken wing cook-off, a chili cook-off, and much, much more.

Musical performances include an Eagles Tribute Band and Beatlemania. Free outdoor events include Beach Polo at Sachuest Beach in Middletown and a family-oriented Festival Day at Easton’s (First) Beach.

The best way to enjoy all that the festival has to offer at reduced prices is to purchase a Winterfest button ($9). The buttons are available at the Middletown AAA office, the Gateway Center, the Marriott gift shop, all People’s Credit Union branches, Walgreen’s and Shaw’s. In addition to free or reduced-price admission to Festival events, the buttons also provide discounts at more than 60 local businesses.

For a complete schedule and information about the festival, including a list of places to buy buttons, visit www.newportwinterfestival.com or call 847-7666.

Here's a look at what's going on this week!

Friday, February 24

10:30am,12:30pm & 2:30pm Scenic Train Rides- Old Colony/Newport Railroad 19 America's Cup Ave., Old Colony/Newport Railroad 19 America's Cup Ave. Remember the days of old riding in heated vintage rail cars. Enjoy a 70-minute narrated trip through Newport Naval Station and along scenic Narragansett Bay. Regular train tickets: parlor car $13.50/ $12,50, adult coach $10, and child coach $6 with button $12.50, adult coach $9, and child coach $5, 849-0546 for reservations.

11am Working Waterfront Walking Tour-Newport Historical Society-Walk in the footsteps of the immigrants, sailors and merchants who once lived and worked in the lower Thames neighborhood. Tour begins at the Museum & Shop at Brick Market, 127 Thames St., $12/ $10 with button. Weather permitting; space is limited, 841-8770.

11:30am Colonial Site Tour Public & Private Life – Newport Historical Society Tour the 1739 Colony House, built to house R.I. government meetings and the C.1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, Newport's oldest house museum. Tour begins at the Museum & Shop Brick Market, 127 Thames St. $12 / $10 with button. Weather permitting; space is limited, 841-8770.

4:30pm-Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport.- Tour begins at the Museum & Shop at Brick Market 127 Thames St. $12 a person/ $10 w/ Newport Festival button. Weather permitting; space is limited, 841-8770.