Winter festival takeover: Here’s a look at what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend

Ice sculpting ahead of the Deep Freeze Festival in Edmonton. (Jan. 14, 2026) (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)

The warmer weather will not be putting planned winter festivals on ice – or maybe it will?

From live ice carving competitions to giant ice slides, it’s not time for a midseason meltdown just yet. Here’s a list of what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend.

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Ice Ice Baby

It’s time to celebrate all things snow and ice with two winter classic festivals returning to Edmonton this weekend.

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival takes over Alberta Avenue – from 90 to 95 Street and 118 Avenue – on Saturday and Sunday.

Presented by Arts on the Ave, admission is free to this fest celebrating the vibrant arts and multicultural community that make up Alberta Avenue District. Snowshoeing, wagon rides, deep freezer races, ice sculptures, and a giant family-friendly ice slide are all part of the exciting lineup of events.

The Deep Freeze theme is “Under the Stars.” Find the full schedule and map online, and find out how to support the festival through volunteering and donations.

Speaking of ice sculptures, 10 professional ice carvers from across Canada will be competing downtown at Ice District Plaza until Saturday for Chiseled - Edmonton’s Ice Carving Exhibition.

Presented by Activate Arts Alberta, it’s free to watch as these elite carvers turn giant blocks of ice into art with chainsaws and chisels. Three of the carvers are from Edmonton. They will be in action until 10 p.m. on Friday, and return to compete at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The Speed Carving Challenge on Sunday was cancelled by organizers due to weather-related concerns.

The finished frozen sculptures will be on display until Feb. 1. You can vote for your favourite to win a People’s Choice Award online.

A Song and Dance Kind of Weekend

If you are looking to spend your weekend indoors with a little bit of music and flair, bring your jazz hands down to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for Broadway Across Canada’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

The Broadway hit is finishing the third and final year of its North American Tour this summer, with a stop in Edmonton until Sunday. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets can be purchased online.

And from Tony Awards to toe-tapping tunes, the RiverCity Bluegrass Festival runs from Friday to Sunday at the Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre. The fest will have a lineup of eight bands, including mandolinist John Reischman and his Juno-nominated Old Acoustic group.

There will also be a workshop for young musicians with the Kid Fiddle Academy on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a performance of what they learned at 1 p.m.

Register for workshops and buy tickets online.

Pets, Weddings and Robert Burns

Maybe those three things don’t belong in one sentence, but they are all being celebrated this weekend in Alberta’s capital.

Discover all things pets at the Edmonton Pet Expo on Saturday and Sunday at Hall E at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The expo goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and tickets range in price from a child admission at $12 to a family pass for $46.

The Edmonton Wedding Fair will be taking place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Connect with wedding professionals and get inspo for the big day. There will be two fashion shows at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Learn more on the event’s website.

The birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns will be marked and celebrated at Rutherford House on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of bagpipes, the sight of traditional dancing, and the taste of Haggis at the birthday bash. Regular admission rates apply.

Hockey Highlight

The Edmonton Oilers will face-off against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Rogers Place. They lost their last game against the New York Islanders 1-0 on Thursday.

The Edmonton Oil Kings will also play at Rogers Place on Sunday as they take on the Tri-City Americans. The puck drops at 7 p.m.