Music, movement, arts and culture take over YEG this January with family-friendly winter festivals across the city
Swing’n Skate at City Hall
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm during January and February – Edmonton City Hall
Get ready to dance to live swing, big band, soca and salsa music inside City Hall. This is a free event that broadcasts the music outside as well for skaters to enjoy on the outdoor rink (weather permitting). Free skate rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from an outdoor kiosk. Bring the family!
https://www.edmontonarts.ca/event/winter-city-weekends-ice-grooves-swing-n-skate
Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition
January 15 to 17 – ICE District
Edmonton’s premier ice carving competition, Chiseled, moved from Ice on Whyte to ICE District Plaza in 2023 as a free public event. International artists transform ice blocks into intricate sculptures with spectators watching the creative process unfold. Weather permitting, completed artworks remain on display for several weeks in this dynamic urban setting.
River City Bluegrass Festival
January 16 to 18 – Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre
The River City Bluegrass Festival celebrates acoustic bluegrass music each winter in Edmonton. Hosted by the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society, this annual event features live performances from top regional, national, and international artists, plus workshops and communal jamming sessions welcoming all skill levels. It’s an inclusive opportunity to learn from renowned musicians while enjoying vibrant winter entertainment.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
January 17 to 18 – Between 90 and 95 Street, on 118 Avenue
This multicultural winter celebration features Ukrainian, French Canadian, Indigenous, Latin American, and Asian traditions. Highlights include ice sculptures, live performances, Deep Freezer races, and snowshoeing at Pipon Village. Visitors can enjoy bannock making, cultural storytelling, diverse cuisine, and artistic showcases that blend timeless heritage with contemporary creativity.
Winterruption YEG
January 22 to 25 – Various venues in downtown Edmonton
Edmonton’s premier winter music and arts festival is an inclusive, multi-venue celebration that showcases diverse music genres, comedy, and drag performances. Started in 2019, the festival partners with local businesses and artists to bring vibrant entertainment and free outdoor activities to winter.
https://winterruptionyeg.com/
Flying Canoë Volant
January 28 to 31 – Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter
This family-friendly winter festival celebrates French-Canadian folklore and Métis traditions. The celebration features the legend of The Flying Canoe through interactive cultural demonstrations, relay races, storytelling, music, dance, light displays, and winter activities.
Places To Be
See this month's local flavours, products, and services.
