Saskatoon 
Saskatoon’s WinterShines Festival returns from February 14 to 21, 2026, bringing a week of winter activities, community events, and culinary competitions to the city.
Nutrien Wintershines Festival
Held at Market Square at River Landing and various Saskatoon locations, the festival promises exciting activities for the Family Day weekend and February Break. The festival offers free outdoor entertainment, including wagon rides, scavenger hunts, kick sledding, indoor workshops, and fun tattoos.
Signature attractions include large-format ice sculptures, a super-sized igloo installation, sleigh and wagon rides, scavenger hunts, live drumming, board games and interactive art sessions. Both indoor and outdoor options are offered throughout the eight-day event.
What to See and Do
Ice sculptures form a central feature of the festival. Artists Doug Lingelbach, Marina Cole and Julio Martinez will create large-scale works on site. Lingelbach, originally a wood carver, has transitioned into ice carving. Cole, active in chainsaw wood carving since 2016, has competed internationally and placed fourth in a competition featuring more than 20 artists. Martinez, who began ice carving in 2003, has represented Mexico at the World Ice Championships in Alaska and competed in Poland, China and Canada.
Hands-on experiences include Little Chipper Ice Carving Workshops and an Ice Inukshuk art session as part of “Sparkle in the Square.”
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Outdoor activities include shinny games, Schlockey (a box hockey variant), giant Jenga, kick sleds, snowshoe trails and pony rides from February 14 to 16 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wagon rides are scheduled for February 16 (2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.) and February 21 (2 p.m.–5 p.m.).
The Wide Open Soup Cook-Off takes place Sunday, February 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Gather Local Market. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the YXE Soup Cook-Off scheduled for February 18 at TCU Place. Participating chefs include Megan Delos Reyes of Riverside Country Club, Ross Graham of In a Pinch Perogies & Catering, Oluwafemi Olugasa of Calories Restaurant and Bakery, Chalsea Marud of Loqui, Marissa Ferguson-Gayle of Simply Delicious Jamaican Treats, Pablo Benitez of Flanagans Steakhouse, Robert Tingey of Dakota Dunes Casino, Quinn Badrock and Dean Fraser of Leopold’s Tavern, and Sydney Hamlin.
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Evening programming includes telescope stargazing with Tim Yaworski on February 14, 19 and 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sonnenschein Way.
Indoor activities at Gather Local Market feature the Winter Story Cabin, movie screenings, face painting, a Paint Night with Jess on February 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the Riversdale Chinatown Mahjong session on February 21 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m..
The Living Sky Lion Dance will mark Lunar New Year celebrations on February 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gather Local Market. This indoor performance is ticketed.
What’s New
The 2026 edition introduces several competitive and ticketed components, including the 3×3 Ball Hockey Tournament and expanded puzzle and culinary competitions.
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The Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge, set for February 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., requires teams to assemble identical 500-piece puzzles under timed conditions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams
The 3×3 Ball Hockey Tournament on February 21 will see teams of four—three players and one goalie—compete outdoors at Market Square. Participants must be at least 14 years old.
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Where is the Event?
WinterShines events are primarily held at Market Square (208 19th St W, Saskatoon), with additional activities at venues including Gather Local Market, TCU Place, The Banks Courtyard, and Sonnenschein Way.
When is the Event?
The festival runs from Saturday, February 14 to Saturday, February 21, 2026, with daily outdoor activities from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Specific event times vary, including competitions and workshops throughout the week.
What is the Cost?
Most outdoor activities at Market Square, including snow park games, scavenger hunts, and ice carving exhibits, are free.
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Certain events require registration or ticket purchase. Ticket options for the cook-off are priced at $20 for an individual ticket, $35 for a two-pack, and $70 for a four-pack. The Living Sky Lion Dance, Paint Night with Jess, and the 3×3 Ball Hockey Tournament are ticketed events. Additional workshops may also require advance registration.
Wintershines is all about embracing the season and enjoying the splendour of the outdoors during winter. Take advantage of this fabulous occasion and let your wintery spirits soar!
