Winnipeg 
The town of Gimli celebrates winter with its Ice Festival this weekend.
Frosty fun and cultural revelries kick off on the evening of Friday, March 1st, at 7:00 pm when the Gimli Recreation Centre comes alive with the clinking of curling stones during the Gimli Ice Festspiel Doubles Curling Bonspiel.
The festival continues on Saturday with an all-day Viking’s Challenge, a 10K, 20K, 30K race, at the waterfront, alongside the curling bonspiel starting at 9:00 am.
The New Iceland Heritage Museum hosts a beading workshop from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and showcases the Winter Expression Photo Exhibition until 4:00 pm; both events require a festival pass. Ice car enthusiasts can watch races from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Artisans and shoppers can mingle at the vintage vendor market at Lakeview Resort from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Kids can delight in face painting and mural creation at the Gimli Art Club by the harbour from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, while the hockey skills competition heats up at the Gimli Recreation Centre from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The day concludes with fireworks and entertainment at 7:00 pm at Lakeview Resort, with free admission or a festival pass.
The final day, Sunday, March 3rd, begins with a hearty pancake breakfast from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Gimli Rec Centre. The festival spirit continues with various events mirroring Saturday’s schedule, including the ICE MAN Motorcycle Ice Racing Demo from noon to 3:00 pm.
A unique Frozen T-Shirt Competition starts at 2:00 pm, and the day’s festivities wind down with the recurring evening events, including the fish toss and outdoor activities at the harbour after 11:00 am.
Throughout the weekend, attendees are also treated to the ongoing Winter Expression Photo Exhibition and The Freeze Outdoor Art Exhibit, showcasing the creative talents of local high school students.
A $5 festival pass provides access to various activities and food discounts, such as hot chocolate, apple cider, and popcorn. Pancake breakfast is available for an additional $2, bannock & tea by the open fire, and maple syrup taffy, all requiring a festival pass. Free face painting and Saturday night entertainment are also offered.
Passes can be purchased at the Festival Headquarters or the Gimli Recreation Centre, with additional free admission to some events at the New Iceland Heritage Museum and Gimli Art Club.
Gimli Ice Festival – 2024
When: March 1 to 3, 2024
Where: Various Venues, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0
How Much: $5
