If you’re the type to fully embrace Ontario winters in all their snowy, magical glory, then an upcoming festival that takes place not just beside, but fully on top of a frozen lake may be right up your alley.
Ice Follies, which is hosted only once every other year, prides itself on highlighting contemporary local arts and culture against the pristine backdrop of Ontario’s north.
From live dance performances and storytelling to visual installations and artist talks, the two-week-long interactive event, now in its 11th iteration, quite uniquely takes over Lake Nipissing itself, along with other venues in North Bay and, this year, nearby Trout Lake.
While some of us tend to cower away from the season’s frigid temps, Ice Follies celebrates them, with a fitting theme for 2025 of “reflecting on the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the shifting landscapes of our community and environment.”
Works will touch especially on ideas of connection, collaboration and history under this theme, all with a Northern twist that is showcased perfectly in the serene laketop setting.
The event is free for all to attend (guided walking tours are available for $10) and runs from February 7 to February 21. Exhibits are visitable 24/7, with different vibes and experiences during the daytime versus at night.
The schedule includes an after-dark performance by multi-media collective Aanmitaagzi, intimate evening listening parties for sound-based art and oral stories, and a variety of Family Day activities on the shores of Shabogesic Beach.
