Edmonton 2024 Winter Festivals and Events

Whether you're planning a move, planning a family vacation, a business trip, or seeking a romantic getaway to Edmonton, Alberta, the city promises an array of activities and events, even in the midst of winter. While the temperatures may be chilly, the city offers a warm welcome with a diverse range of attractions, from arts and culture to culinary delights, and unique experiences like dragon boat races. Our Edmonton movers have curated a list of the most anticipated upcoming winter events and festivals for 2024, ensuring that the cold season is filled with warmth and excitement for both locals and visitors alike.


Edmonton Events & Festivals in January 2024

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival

January 20-21, 2024. Explore the lively Deep Freeze Festival on Alberta Avenue, featuring cultural displays, ice sculptures, unique freezer races, and a fusion of Ukrainian, French-Canadian, and Indigenous traditions in art, food, and entertainment. Immerse yourself in the winter charm of this vibrant celebration.

Chiseled: Edmonton International Ice Carving Competition

January 18-20, 2024. Edmonton's International Ice Carving competition, now located in the ICE District, showcases the skill of world-class carvers. Witness the mastery of elite artists as they sculpt intricate designs in just thirty-four hours, with the breathtaking results unveiled on the final day.

Chinatown Dining Week

January 18-28, 2024. Explore the culinary treasures of the historic Chinatown during Chinatown Dining Week, an opportunity for both locals and newcomers to discover new favorites. Delight in the diverse range of cuisines that characterize this vibrant neighborhood, with the event highlighting some of Chinatown's culinary gems.


Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

January 19-21, 2024. Fuel your love for adventure, action, and travel at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Experience the thrill of incredible big-screen stories that take you to exotic locations, navigate wild waters, and conquer the highest peaks. Immerse yourself in the world of mountain sports and culture, with each program showcasing about eight different short films. With five showtimes and two distinct programs, each approximately 120 minutes long, the Banff World Tour promises to leave audiences breathless and inspired.


Winterruption YEG

January 24-28, 2024. Get ready for a winter celebration of inclusivity and artistic talent! This multi-venue music and arts festival invites you to don your parkas and dancing shoes, with a diverse lineup including the Latin vibes of Making Movies, Toronto's psychedelic rockers Hot Garbage, Montreal's hip hop artist Waahli, Calgary's buzz metal band Wake, R&B sensation Janette King, and more.


Flying Canoë Volant

January 31 - February 3, 2024. Celebrate the magic of winter nights at Flying Canoë Volant, an interactive cultural event inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and rooted in French Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions. Illuminate Edmonton's Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter, embracing local history and the spirit of Voyageurs in this creative winter celebration.


Edmonton Events & Festivals in February 2024

Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival

February 9-24, 2024. Embark on an adventurous journey at the Canadian Birkebeiner, strapping on your skis for a thrilling loppet experience. Feel the exhilaration as you glide through the final stretch, surrendering to the embrace of a snowy landscape. While the fatigue may be fleeting, the enduring sense of accomplishment and appreciation for this timeless winter sport will last a lifetime!

International Festival of Winter Cinema

February 9-18, 2024. Embrace the magic of winter storytelling at Edmonton's International Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC), a unique celebration that honors local and international cinema with themes of winter, mountains, and polar landscapes. This one-of-a-kind festival, held outdoors in a winter city, showcases films of various styles and genres. IFWC places a special emphasis on movies featuring indigenous people, immigrants, winter life, and those addressing climate change. Immerse yourself in the enchanting blend of film and winter elements at the world's only outdoor winter film festival.


Silver Skate Festival

February 9-19, 2024. The Silver Skate Festival, which is celebrating more than 30 years, is an incredible celebration of sport, recreation, arts, and culture! Some refer to it as a winter paradise, while others describe it as a "true Canadian experience." Here in the heart of Laurier Park, enjoy the breeze on your face while skating on the ice to a catchy mix of Edmonton-based music. Once you're hungry, treat yourself to the incredible culinary adventures!

UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships & YEG Ice Fest

February 16-19, 2024. Experience history in the making at the groundbreaking UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships and YEG Ice Fest! Be part of the inaugural World Cup Finals in Canada, hosted outside Europe for the first time. The ACC Ice Wall, now in the ICE District's Fan Park with its impressive 18-meter climbing structure, sets the stage for an unforgettable 4-day event. Engage in community competitions, attend expert-led clinics, explore gear demos, savor local bites, and peruse the winter market. Conquer the climb, embrace the chill, and mark this extraordinary winter extravaganza as an essential on your calendar!

Winefest Edmonton

February 23-24, 2024. Indulge in a world of flavors at Winefest, where hundreds of wines of varying styles and tastes await. Explore red, white, port, sparkling, and dessert wines from renowned regions, perfectly paired with delectable hors d’oeuvres. This ultimate event for wine enthusiasts offers a chance to discover new favorites, learn about the wines you're sipping, and enjoy delightful pairings with mouth-watering bites. Winefest is not just an outing, but a sensory experience and an ideal group activity or unique date idea, making it a perfect gift or a delightful treat for yourself. Tickets ensure an all-inclusive sampling of wines, hors d’oeuvres, and a takeaway wine glass for the complete experience.


Edmonton Events & Festivals in March 2024

Skirtsafire Festival

February 29 - March 10, 2024. SkirtsAfire, a vibrant theatre and multidisciplinary arts festival, shines a spotlight on women artists, offering a captivating blend of theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual art, spoken word, workshops, and design. Located in the heart of Old Strathcona, the festival unfolds in various venues, with theatre and dance performances at the ATB Arts Barns, comedy, music, and art installations at The Gateway Theatre, and pop-up performances and art installations enriching various businesses on Whyte Avenue. Join in to be entertained and inspired by the diverse talents of women in the arts.


Edmonton Craft Beer Festival

March 8-9, 2024. Discover the essence of the City of Champions at the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival, the premier event celebrating beer, spirits, and food. Alberta Beer Festival's mission is to create the ultimate beer and spirit experience, offering a platform for breweries and distilleries to share their stories, passions, and products with the enthusiastic community of Western Canada. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where craft beverages take center stage, and enthusiasts can indulge in the rich diversity of flavors and stories from local and regional producers.

International BeerFest

March 22-23, 2024. Experience the ultimate immersion in beer culture, history, and traditions at International BeerFest. This event invites BeerFesters to enjoy live entertainment, local cuisine, educational classes, demonstrations, and workshops, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. From captivating performances on the main stage to roving circus acts and enlightening classes in BeerSchool, International BeerFest promises a unique and enriching experience for beer lovers from around the world.