Events Description
Waskimo is all about family fun – indoors and out.
The festival honors all Treaty Rights and recognizes the contribution of all Indigenous people and Metis people to the success of Saskatchewan. The festival especially recognizes Canada’s Multiculturalism Heritage. As well the festival wishes to acknowledge Black History Month in February.
Wascana Winter Festival is the longest running winter festival in Regina. Now after reevaluating its mandate the festival has developed three key pillars which are: embracing art, culture and sport/recreation. The pillars of the festival are supported by the social values of fighting racism, seeking a path forward on Truth and Reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous communities and protecting/celebrating Canada’s natural environment. We see the celebration/ exploration of Art, Culture and Sport/Recreation as a means of bringing Canadians together.
The Wascana Winter Festival is back for 2026 – and it’s the 50th anniversary of the event! Events are scheduled from Thursday, February 12 to Monday, February 16 (Family Day).
Activities in Wascana Centre :
- Indigenous storytelling : Local storyteller Calvin Racette will share traditional stories and personal tales on Thursday, February 12 at 1:15 p.m.
- Family Day programming (Monday, February 16) :
- Cultural Performances (Tent at Wascana Centre) :
- Regina Multicultural Council presents an array of cultural groups and performances by local artists beginning at 10:30 a.m.
- The tent will also feature a photo booth resembling the historic Outhouse Racing (two-holer) events associated with the winter festival.
- Sleigh rides, sponsored by Cushman Wakefield
- Cross-country ski trails
- Snow yoga, hosted by the YMCA
- Snow cricket
- Cultural Performances (Tent at Wascana Centre) :
Special concert performances :
- “On Cue” Friday, February 13 at Westminster United Church
- The Regina Jazz Society is planning a Valentine Dessert Auction on Saturday, February 14
- “Craig’s Concert” at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
- The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra will perform at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Sunday, February 15 at 3 p.m.
Story Telling Month
UoR Multipurpose Room
With Calvin Racette
Thu Feb 12 1:15 pm
In conjunction with Saskatchewan indigenous storyteller month, the Wascana Winter festival presents well-known indigenous, writer, educator, storyteller, and speaker Calvin Racette. Calvin is a retired educator who worked for several years in the public education system. He also worked for Gabriel Dumont Institute for many years as a researcher, writer and Instructor. He also did some instruction for First Nations University of Canada as a sessional lecturer.
His presentation will include anecdotes from his teaching experiences, traditional stories, and personal stories from his work as a Métis historian and knowledge holder.
This event will be held on the U of R campus in the Multi purpose room next to the Owl. The event is on Feb 12, 2026 at 1:15. We expect a wonderful time as Calvin shares with us the history and context of Indigenous story telling. All of campus is invited to this event and we look forward to Calvin’s sharing.
South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra
Sunday Feb 15, 2026 at 3:30 pm.
The amazing orchestra will perform a free winter concert at Holy Rosary Cathedral. This event promises to be a cultural treat for the whole family. The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra is a well recognized classical orchestra filled with amazing young musicians.
This concert will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral one of Regina’s premier venues known for is amazing sound and ambiance. We thank the Diocese for this opportunity and look forward to this wonderful event.
On Cue Performance
Friday Feb 13 @ 7:00 pm
On Cue will host an evening of local artists at West Minister United Church on Cue has a long history of supporting local artists and this promises to be no different
The program will see a selection of artists from Regina and area. It promises to be an evening worth your while
Craigs Concert – Wascana Rehab – Main Rotunda
Feb 14 @ 1:30 pm
A new event at the Wascana Rehab Hospital we have partnered with Craig to host a concert for a community that does always get out to venues. Free to all
Regina Jazz Society Sweet Heart Auction & Concert
Saturday, Feb 14 @ 6:00 pm @ Serb Club Avonhurst Mall.
Free Sleigh Rides In Front of Legislative Building
Monday Feb 16 @ 1:00-4:00 pm
Under the Big Tent, and beyond @ Wascana Park – In front of the Legislative building
Monday Feb 16
Open to the Public Free Sleigh Rides in front of the Legislature with readings from Saskatchewan Writers. There will also be demonstrations of Snow Cricket, Public Skating, Cross Country Skiing on groomed trails provided by the Regina Ski Club. Finally tours of the Legislative Building will run all afternoon according to their published scheduling. The Outhouse photo booth will be located outside the tent inside we have entertainers, and other events, out doors we have sports such as; Snow Yoga, Snow Cricket, sleigh rides, skating and a Rugby Tournament playing for the 50th Anniversary Cup.
Special invitations to Regina Immigrant Women, Regian Open Door Society and the Multicultural Council of Sask. This year Saskatchewan Rugby will also play for their first Winter Festival Cup
Various times and locations – all in Wascana Park
Outhouse Racer Photo Booth In Front of Legislative Building
Monday Feb 16 @ 1:00-4:00 pm
Westridge Construction LTD is the proud sponsor this year of the 50th Anniversary photo booth for (Waskimo), Wascana Winter Festival. This is a modified version of the famous Out House Racers from back in the day at Waskimo. We will also feature sleigh rides, Snow Cricket, a Rugby Tourney and a tent with entertainers and a Chai Wallah snack break.
Make your own history have a seat -capacity 2 but others are welcome to stand take your picture and send to our Face Book page.
Winter Events in The Big Tent – Monday Feb 16
| Group | Time | Details | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regina Multicultural Council 2 groups starting at 10:15 finishing at 1:15 | starting at 10:15 finishing at 1:00 | Cultural dance | Margret at RMC office contact |
| Claudia White Hawk Calvin Racette | 1:10-1;40 | Reading from her works | Claudia / Calvin |
| Sask Writers Guild 2 readings 2 writers | 1:45 -2:15 | Poet Laurate Bruce, well recognized writer Alison Lohans | SWG |
| Kegan the Magician | 2:15 –2:45 | Children’s fun Magic tricks | Kegan |
| Gene Packwood , Children’s Entertainer | 2:45 – 3:10 | Children’s songs | Gene Packwood |
| Chai Wallah tea break and Birthday cake | 3:15 to 3:30 | Pakoras and Chai Tea | Dosa Currey Restaurant |
| Regina Jazz Duet | 3:30- 4:00 | Contemporary songs | Peter Champagne Regina Jazz Society |
| Alejandra Coronel Lozano musician | 3:30- 4:00 4:00 – 4:30 | Mexican songs | Local artist |
Who is it for?
All ages – Family
HOW MUCH
Tickets : Free and ticketed events
horse rides are ticketed
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
February 12 – 21, 2026
Venue & Address :
On the lake and throughout Wascana Park











