Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival has an exciting seasonal lineup

Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival is returning for its 36th year.

The Silver Skate Festival is a 10-day family-oriented festival in Edmonton, combining arts, culture, sports, and recreation. From skating on the city’s best surfaces to gazing upon the magnificent fire sculptures, this festival has it all. You can even participate in one of many competitions, like Western Canada’s Oldest Winter Triathlon.

If you’re up for the challenge, this festival will have you sliding and skating all week long.

What to expect

For 2026, the festival will be held in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, and we couldn’t be more excited.

At the Silver Skate Festival, skating is a must. There are more than a couple of ways to go about it. You can participate and compete in the Ice Duathlon or Winter Triathlon, or just skate on one of the ice surfaces for fun. And, nothing is stopping you from a bit of competition followed by a casual skate, if you feel like being extra ambitious.

Along the Folk Trail, you can run into dazzling performers and even experience renewal by writing out a fear or a wish to be added to the nightly Fire Sculpture burn. Since 2009, the festival has hosted a fire sculpture installation. During the day, artists construct their sculptures, and during the night, they set them ablaze. This spectacle of light serves as a grand finale to the Silver Skate Folk Trail stories. The fire sculpture burns, celebrating renewal, releasing thoughts that make you sad or any fear or regret that chases love from your heart.

The Silver Skate Festival embraces the cold weather the city provides and celebrates the warmth the people have to offer.

“We challenge you to embrace your environment. Winter is magic, and the outdoor experiences in our city are limitless,” the festival says on its website.

No matter if it’s with friends, family, or just a loved one, this festival is one to visit.

When: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, to Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park — 13221 Buena Vista Rd., Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

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