This month, Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival returns to celebrate prairie winter life and create winter experiences for Edmontonians of all ages. It’s the Silver Skate Festival!

From February 10 to 20, 2023, William Hawrelak Park will host this festival. Over the years, it has evolved from a small skating event to a large-scale winter extravaganza.

In fact, visitors from all over the world come to town every February just to partake in the festival's activities.

Today, the festival combines sports (especially skating), arts and culture, culinary arts, and recreation.

Sounds exciting, right? Take note of what you can expect from the said event this year.

What to Expect

Each year, the festival transforms Hawrelak Park into a winter wonderland with fun for the entire family.

And this year is no ordinary year. There will be live music, a winter triathlon, fire sculptures, family fun zones, artistic installations, and a Heritage Village.

But that’s not all of it… 

The enthralling light show that concludes the Silver Skate Folk Trail is returning in 2023. 

On certain nights, the folk trails will host a ‘Fire Sculpture Burn’ by a team of fire artists, so make sure to stick around to see it. It’s also a great opportunity to warm up against the cold February sky.

Of course, it wouldn't be a winter event without their famous snow sculptures, which will be on display in Hawrelak Park from February 11th until it lasts (well, when Mother Nature says it’s spring).

You can also sample local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries at the said park. You can do these either inside the heated tent where live music will be performed or outdoors in a snow-walled courtyard with fire pits and entertainment.

The Silver Skate Festival is a family-friendly event, so it’s no surprise that it will also offer numerous activities for kids.

About that, there will be a family ski event on the 13th of February, some sporting challenges for the family, and a film viewing at the Canadian winter cinema.

With so many activities on offer, it's easy to see how the festival will be well-received not only by locals but also by visitors, especially since it is free of admission.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar and enjoy the winter season in Edmonton with the Silver Skate Festival’s 10-day events.