FROSTival, Atlantic Canada’s largest winter celebration, returns to the Fredericton Capital Region from January 18 to February 4, 2024, offering an array of indoor and outdoor activities.
This festival transforms the region into a lively hub of winter activities, perfect for a family or friends’ getaway. Key attractions include the Shivering Songs music festival where top artists perform in the city’s quaint, historic venues, offering a feast of songwriting and storytelling.
For food enthusiasts, Dine Around Freddy promises delightful culinary experiences with special three-course meals at over 30 local restaurants for only $42 each, showcasing unique Maritime flavors. Outdoor adventurers can head to Crabbe Mountain for skiing and snowboarding, featuring special beginner deals.
Explore the whimsical Winter Wonderland at OG Estate Brewery with family-friendly activities like sliding, skating, and a colourful night walk.
Mactaquac Provincial Park beckons with winter sports and its enchanting Forest Skate.
FROSTival also offers a rich tapestry of arts and culture, including creative workshops, art battles, and live music performances, such as Whitehorse, adding to the festive spirit. With over 150 events, FROSTival is a winter wonderland that promises fun, culture, and adventure for all ages. It’s a perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway to enjoy the enchanting winter atmosphere.
Here are 25 of the best events to check out during the festival (arranged in no particular order):
- Shivering Songs (Jan 17-21): Immerse in a musical odyssey with renowned artists in Fredericton’s enchanting venues, celebrating the art of song and story. The lineup boasts an eclectic mix of artists, including Kevin Drew, Bells Larsen, and Daniel Romano’s Outfit, alongside diverse acts like Thanya Iyer, Les Chanterelles, and Flacko Finesse. It features unique collaborations like Chillteens with FUZE Orchestra, and tributes like the Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Tribute Band, and notable names like Hannah Georgas and Martha Wainwright, among others. Location: Downtown Fredericton. Cost: Varies
- Dine Around Freddy (Jan 18-Feb 4): Savor exquisite three-course meals at $42 in over 30 unique local restaurants, blending culinary delight with intimate ambience. Location: Fredericton Region. Cost: $42/meal.
- Torque Motorsports (Jan 27, 5-10 pm): Experience adrenaline-pumping snowmobile races under Crabbe Mountain’s bright lights, complete with live music. Location: Crabbe Mountain. Cost: $10 spectators, $40 racers.
- Maritime Cup (Jan 27-28): Join the cross-country skiing frenzy at Kilarney Lake Park, uniting 200 skiers in a celebration of winter sportsmanship. Location: Kilarney Lake Park.
- Winter Geocaching (Jan 20, 1:30-4 pm): Discover hidden treasures in Killarney Lake Park with a fun-filled family geocaching adventure. Location: Killarney Lake Park. Cost: Free.
- Winter Wonderland Walk (Jan 28, 11 am-12 pm): Stroll through Fredericton Botanic Garden with naturalist Jim Goltz, exploring flora and fauna, followed by warm hot chocolate. Location: Fredericton Botanic Garden.
- Functions in the Junction (Feb 2-4): Enjoy a winter extravaganza with diverse activities like darts, snow sculptures, and warm gatherings. Location/Cost: Unspecified, a celebration of community spirit.
- Crabbe Never Ever Days (Jan 20-21): A fantastic opportunity for beginners to try skiing or snowboarding, with all essentials provided for just $25. Location: Crabbe Mountain. Cost: $25 + HST.
- FROSTY Outdoor Adventure (Jan 20, 10 am-12 pm): Engage in joyous family activities from snow painting to marshmallow roasting at Fredericton Regional Family Resource Centre. Location: Fredericton. Cost: Free.
- Winter Wonderland Tour (Jan 20, 1-2:30 pm): Traverse downtown Fredericton’s historical winter landscape with the Calithumpians, full of songs, trivia, and poetry. Location: Starts at Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Cost: $10-$15.
- Owls, Stars and Snowshoes (Jan 25, 7-9 pm): Uncover nocturnal wonders at Killarney Lake with Ducks Unlimited and NWAI. Bring snowshoes for an enchanting night exploration. Location: Killarney Lake. Cost: Free.
- OG’s Enchanting Winter Wonderland (Jan 26-28): Experience magic at OG Ales Estate Brewery with sliding, skating, snow maze, and more. Ideal for family bonding. Location: OG Ales Estate Brewery. Cost: Free. OG Illumines Night Walk (Jan 26-27, 6-8 pm): A mesmerizing trail of lights and winter displays awaits at OG Estate Brewery. Enjoy hot cocoa and local treats. Location: OG Ales Estate Brewery. Cost: $5/person, $20/family.
- 2024 Freddy Burns Bash (Jan 26, 7-8 pm): Celebrate Robbie Burns with the FSSAPB and Shanachie Dance Company at Picaroons Roundhouse. An evening of Scottish pride and joy. Location: Picaroons Roundhouse. Cost: $30.
- Frozen Fairways Disc Golf Challenge (Jan 27, 10 am-5 pm): Test your skills or try disc golf for the first time at Odell Park. A winter twist on a fun sport. Location: Odell Park. Cost: $5-$10.
- Family Winter Carnival (Jan 27, 10 am-4 pm): Delight in carnival games, snacks, and creative activities at Carl G Wargaming Inc. Fun for the whole family. Location: Carl G Wargaming Inc. Cost: $10/family.
- “Build a Snowman” DIY, Sip & Sample (Jan 27, 10 am-2 pm): Craft a wooden snowman while enjoying chili, bannock, and hot chocolate at Oromocto Galleria. A cozy, creative outing. Location: Oromocto Galleria. Cost: $15/family.
- Kilted Skate (Jan 27, 1-3 pm): Embrace Scottish heritage with tartan and skating at Officers’ Square. Celebrate Robbie Burns Day in style and fun. Location: Officers’ Square. Cost: Free.
- CAF Arctic Tent Demonstration (Feb 3-4): Learn about Arctic survival from the Royal New Brunswick Regiment at South Side Green. Fascinating and educational. Location: South Side Green.
- Hike to Hot Tent (Feb 4, 12-4 pm): Join BackTrails by Radical Edge for a snowshoe hike to a cozy tent with chili and treats. An adventurous winter excursion. Location: Fredericton area.
- Big Axe Winterfest (Feb 2-3): Nackawic invites you to explore trails and enjoy a snowmobile rally, culminating in live music and refreshments at Big Axe Brewery. Location: Nackawic. Cost: $10 for the event at Big Axe Brewery.
- Oromocto FROSTival Sliding Party (Jan 27, 1-3 pm): Slide down hills and warm up with hot chocolate at Oromocto Community Centre. A delightful afternoon of winter joy. Location: Oromocto Community Centre. Cost: Free.
- Mactaquac Winter Escape (Jan 27, 3-7 pm): Skate through a forest loop with live music at Mactaquac Provincial Park, 19+ only. A unique skating experience. Location: Mactaquac Provincial Park.
- Whitehorse Concert (Feb 2, 7:30-8:30 pm): Experience the genre-blending music of Whitehorse at Fredericton Playhouse. A night of eclectic Canadian rock. Location: Fredericton Playhouse. Cost: $22-$44.
- FROSTival Family Snowshoe Adventure (Feb 3, 1-3 pm): Join Second Nature Outdoors for a guided snowshoe adventure in Odell Park, complete with treats and drinks. Location: Odell Park. Cost: $25-45.
- First Light Distillery Blend Your Own Gin Class (Feb 1, 7-8:30 pm): Create your own gin blend and learn distilling arts at First Light Distillery, 19+ event. Location: First Light Distillery. Cost: $99.99 + tax.