How will you spend your weekend? There’s tons of adventure to explore! Here’s what’s on in Edmonton.
Winter Bike to Work Day 2023 | February 10 & 11
Celebrate winter biking with Edmonton’s community of cyclists! Take a detour on your morning commute to join WinterCity Edmonton at the Garneau Lamp (Sw corner of the High Level Bridge, 88 Ave & 109 St.) for coffee and treats.
Silver sKate Festival | February 10–20
Not only is this Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival, it’s chock full of free winter activities for the whole family. Fun in the park includes traditional Silver Skate races, figure skating presentations, birkie ski races, sleigh rides, live musical and theatrical entertainment, snow and fire sculpting, and free snowshoe, skate, and ski rentals. Plus you can try the classic Canadian treat of maple taffy! Head down to Hawrelak Park on Friday night for some fireworks and live music, or explore the Folk Trail, where nomadic performers will be acting out a stories! There’s tons to explore at this festival, so check out their website for more details.
International Festival of Winter Cinema | February 10–19
Running in conjunction with Silver Skate, this film festival is the world’s only free outdoor winter film festival. Celebrating local and international films with winter, alpine, and polar themes, IFWC takes place in Hawrelak park, where you can enjoy films projected onto their signature Snow Screen. This weekend’s screenings includes two short film programs, Winter Sports and Winter on Turtle Island. This festival is perfect for a date night or an afternoon with the family!
Feed the soul Dining Week | February 10–17
Check out Feed the Soul Dining week to learn more about Edmonton’s diverse black-owned food scene! Over 15 different businesses are participating in this event, including El Beso, Café Caribbean, Flava Café, and more. These restaurants are offering special weekly menus with exclusive deals on delicious dishes. Check their website for more details!
Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival | February 10–27
This epic cross-country ski saga is one of only three in the world, based on a Nordic legend depicting the rescue of an infant prince. According to the tale, a civil war endangered the baby heir, sparking the actions of two brave Birkebeiner warriors (or Birchlegs, based on their distinctive use of birch to keep out snow and protect them in battle) to spirit him away across mountain ranges. They travelled on skis for 55 km—impressive even without a baby. The first inspired marathon took place in Norway in 1932, and Edmonton began its own rendition in 1985. The festival has since grown to become the largest classic-style cross-country ski event in Canada, attracting more than 2000 skiers from around the world every year (pre-pandemic). The main event, of course, recreates the legend by strapping a 12-lb (5.5 kg) pack to participants for their imitation princely cargo before they trek the 55-km journey through the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. You can also try the same trek without a pack or even a range of recreational events as short as 500 metres.
Not a skier but still want to join in on the action? Join them for the Vikings’ Feast on Saturday February 11th! Enjoy a delicious dinner, a recap of the day’s events, and a chance to win prizes! Cutlery is optional.
valentine’s Day events | Various
Love is in the air! Kick off your Valentine’s Day early with one of the many events taking place this weekend including a drag pageant or a candle making workshop! Find more Valentine’s Day fun here.
love rocks | February 10–11
Alberta Ballet is welcoming New York’s Complexions Contemporary Ballet to present their show Love Rocks. These dancers are internationally recognized for their innovative style and boundary-breaking abilities. Their show will include 2 pieces: Woke, a physical reaction to daily news using the music of Kendrick Lamar, Logic, and Drake, and Love Rocks, which is set to the music of Lenny Kravtiz! There’s still tickets left, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this legendary ballet company live.
YEG Ice Fest | February 11
Have you ever wanted to try ice climbing? If so, this event is for you! Centred around Edmonton’s urban ice climbing wall, YEG Ice Fest is a celebration of all things winter adventure. Try your hand at ice climbing, backcountry skiing, fat biking, and more! Plus, learn from pros and enjoy music, food, and drinks all day long.
Super Bowl Watch Parties | February 12
The Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday for Super Bowl LVII. Want a front row seat to all the action? Attend a watch party at one of Edmonton’s restaurants! Find more here.
