Edmonton 
This weekend marks the return of Edmonton’s Winter Byzantine Fete!
Arts on the Ave
Embrace the enchanting “Under the Toad Stools” theme at this year’s Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, where a nostalgic journey to Alberta roots intertwines with a celebration of foraging.
This weekend promises a joyous blend of community, art, and winter magic, uniting all in a vibrant celebration when Alberta Avenue and the surrounding neighbourhood transform into an artistic display of lights, sculptures, and larger-than-life installations that will all be free to view and experience.
Presented by Arts on the Ave, the festival, which runs on January 20th and 21st, is an excellent way to get out of the house, get in a walk, get in some education, and enjoy some of Alberta’s premiere local artists. Immerse in Alberta Avenue District’s diverse tapestry, reflecting Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco-African, Indigenous, Latin American, and Asian cultures. Discover artistic, musical, and culinary wonders, and experience Pipon Village’s snowshoeing, open-fire gatherings, and cultural teachings. Revel in the Olde New Year festivities, light installations, ice sculptures, street hockey, and exhilarating Deep Freezer races.
1. Giant Ice Slide, Ice Sculptures and Art Installations
The long-standing favourite, the giant slide is back this year, inviting attendees of all ages to bring their own slip and slides for fun.
As you wander through the festival, marvel at the ice sculptures, a testament to the skill of renowned sculptors Barrie Collier, Stephen Chung, and Kelly Davies. Their creations, ranging from singular ice blocks to intricately fused designs, showcase a blend of artistic mastery and architectural precision.
Discover the Winter Forest Fibre Art Installation by Naomi Pahl. Here, re-purposed wool blankets and sweaters transform into an interactive textile winter scene, inviting you to rearrange pieces and weave your own narrative.
The Chinese Lanterns in the alleyway between 94 & 93 Street on 118 Avenue provide a mesmerizing photo opportunity, setting the stage for Lunar New Year celebrations and highlighting the collaborative work of Ruth Jeang, Cheryl Boos, and Steven Teeuwsen.
2. Vikings, Heritage Village & Wagon Rides
What’s more magical than a horse and wagon ride along the streets where stiltwalkers, clowns, caribous, trolls and Vikings rule?
3. Cool Runnin’s Deep Freezer Races
Credit: Arts on the Ave
Festival guests can get a unique chance to race others around the snowy streets.
The Cool Runnin’s Deep Freezer Races from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday place you in an actual deep freeze to be pushed by your racing partner.
The freezers glide along with ease through skis on the bottoms, and if you don’t feel like a race, you can get a lot of entertainment from just spectating the uniquely Edmonton races.
4. Fireworks
Arts on the Avenue
What is a festival without fireworks? Be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment and enjoy the creative colours filling the night sky behind the Alberta Avenue Community League on Saturday at 6 p.m.
5. Pipon Village
There will be a great variety of art in Pipon Village, but there is also so much more! The Village is a way to honour the traditions and cultures of Indigenous people in Canada by showcasing not only the arts but also the history, the fun and games, and the food of Alberta’s Indigenous peoples.
Immerse yourself in traditional storytelling, mesmerizing art demonstrations, the rhythmic melodies of Métis fiddle music, and the vibrant beats of First Nation hand drumming. Explore the talents of Indigenous artisans selling unique crafts, and indulge in the simple pleasures of sipping tea and savouring hot bannock, freshly prepared over the fire.
Engage in traditional games, learn through drumming and cultural arts workshops, discover the art of sash weaving, and appreciate a Métis exhibit, all contributing to a rich, communal celebration of heritage and warmth.
6. Good Eats!
Arts on the Ave
On both days, from noon until it’s gone, the Village Pig offers a medieval experience with delicious fire-roasted suckling pig, served on a bun with home-baked beans at the Campfire Canteen Food Truck.
Join the Hot Dog & Marshmallow Roast on Saturday from noon to 8:00 pm and Sunday until 6:00 pm, where you can roast your own hot dogs and marshmallows at fire locations around the site.
Experience the traditional Cabane à Sucre on both days, where warm maple syrup on snow is a must-try. Additionally, freshly roasted chestnuts provide a true winter treat on the streets.
The Campfire Canteen Food Truck, available on both days, offers a culinary adventure with items like gourmet grilled cheese, kubi dogs, poutine, and perogies.
On Saturday, La Petite Cuisine De Mémére at the Alberta Avenue Community League serves French Canadian dishes like Tourtière & les frites, split pea soup, and sugar pie from noon to 9:00 pm. Sunday welcomes Olga’s Fine Food with Ukrainian flavours, including borscht, the Malanka platter, and Baba’s glazed doughnuts, available from noon to 6:00 pm.
7. Live Shows & Local Heroes Film Festival
The Deep Freeze Festival brims with cultural vibrancy across multiple venues.
The Edmonton Short Film Festival showcases Alberta Indigenous filmmakers at Big Bear Yur at 92 Street & 118 Avenue, featuring films like “Kaashkitamaashoo” by Chantelle Marie Anderson and “Mary Mackagonne” by Sean Smith. Other highlights include “Memories” by Adriel Rosenfeldt, “Raven Steals the Light” by Daniel Foreman, and “Running Rabbit” by Bret Kenworthy.
At The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, the weekend is packed with performances ranging from Julien Constantin’s World Music to Calvin Vollrath’s Fiddles. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts echoes this diversity, featuring acts like the Prairies Funk-O-Fone Duo and Marten Borch’s Folk.
The Hearth hosts an Arts on the Ave fundraiser with diverse acts like Chantal Marie et L’Onde Sonore and the Chawacheen World Music, including a Tourtière Showdown.
Heritage Village & Prairie Homestead takes visitors back to the 1900s with blacksmith shops and country kitchens, while crafters showcase their skills.
The Snow Globe Pavilion at 93 Street & 118 Avenue (Parking Lot) features a range of performances, from hoop dance and storytelling to Ukrainian dance ensembles, alongside fundraising events.
You can also warm up with board games and roleplaying at Pe Metawe Games, at 11805 – 94 Street.
8. Artisan Markets & Exhibitions
The Deep Freeze Festival features an art exhibition and sale at The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts and The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, spanning January 20-21. The exhibition at Nina Haggerty is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Showcasing Edmonton’s local talent, the festival exhibits diverse mediums like painting, mixed media, and sculpture by artists such as Amy Skrocki and Catherine McMillan.
Alongside, the Artisan Market at Nina Haggerty offers unique items from local artisans, open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and until 6 p.m. on Sunday, featuring a range from jewelry to knitted goods.
Additionally, Collins Studio Gallery presents “The Eight – Stop, Drop, and Paint 2023” at 11741 – 94 Street, capturing the spirit of the Kaleido Family Arts Festival. This exhibition, featuring live-created artworks by artists including Tim Rechner, is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
Trip Planning – Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fete
What: Edmonton’s first festival of the year celebrates the beauty and enchantment of winter. This year’s theme is Under the Toad Stools, featuring ice sculptures, light and lantern installations, workshops, and more!
When:
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fireworks at 6:00 pm
Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm — Schedule
Where:
90–95 St & 118 Ave, Edmonton
