This year the Silver Skate Festival is celebrating 30 years! This family-orientated festival will take place at Hawrelak Park from February 7th-17th. Activities that are rooted in Dutch winter traditions include a variety of winter sports, performances, and culture!
FREE Activities For Families At The Silver Skate Festival
Photo Booth – Feb 7th-9th & Feb 15th-17th
Guests at Silver Skate Festival are invited to have their photo taken for FREE sponsored by Northgate Industries in the Blue Tongue Photobooth!
More details here
Family Fun Zone
There is so much to do when you’re at the Silver Skate Festival and the family fun zone is one of the main places to check out! Activities this year include:
- Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides (on the weekends)
- Hot Chocolate
- Ice Slide
- Check out the snowplow that is used by highway snowplow operators and sign the blades
Urban Poling – Feb 9th & 16th
Urban Poling instructors will be providing basic instruction and tips for families as it’s the perfect activity for all ages and abilities. It is very much like cross-country skiing, but without the skis—or the snow, for that matter. Specialized poles are purposefully planted with each stride. Pushing firmly on the poles propels you forward. The easy-to-learn technique originated as dry-land training for Nordic athletes.
More details here
Check Out Heritage Village – Feb 8th & 9th & Feb 15th-17th
At the Heritage Village, festival-goers get a taste of Canada’s traditional and pioneer history, something that both new Canadians and fourth-generation Canucks will appreciate. Help to cook up some bannock, check out some blacksmithing demonstrations, and enjoy some cabane à sucre ($$).
More details here
Fire Sculptures – Feb 7th-9th & Feb 14th-16th
Throughout each day of each weekend, a team of fire artists will be building a sculpture that will be burned at 7:45 pm on each of those days. Each day features a different team of artists.
More details here
Enjoy Some Live Music – Feb 7th-9th & Feb 14th-17th
This year there is a great lineup of awesome musical performers from all across Alberta! With a variety of musical genres to choose from some of the artists that will be at the Silver Skate Festival include:
- D’orjay The Singing Shaman
- nêhiyawak.
- The Tsunami Brothers
- Swear By the Moon
Cross Country Skiing & Snow Shoeing – Feb 7th-9th & Feb 15th-17th
Instructors from River Valley Programs offer hands-on lessons and free cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals during the Silver Skate Festival. This is the perfect time to give it a try!
More details here
Try Some Winter Sports
This is your chance to try old favourites or experience something new! There will be jam can curling, broomball, hockey, and even a chance to try some speedskating with help from Edmonton Speed Skating Association who will be there with skates and giving you tips on how to skate faster!
More details here
Winter Cinema – Feb 13th-16th
Bundle up and enjoy watching films about winter from around the world on our spectacular snow screen! Different movies will be played each night.
More details here
Watch The Sporting Events
Bundle up and cheer on the competitors participating in the sporting events! Competitions include:
- Winter Triathalon
- Snowshoe Races
- Kortebaan
- Dead Cold Run
- Ice Duathlon
- Fatbike Fest
- Birkie Sunday
See competition dates and times here
Other Activities At The Silver Skate Festival
While you’re there don’t forget to check out the Winter Mark where you can find unique handmade crafts, art and products created by local Edmonton artists, bakers and crafters. This year Helicopter Rides will also be back as well as Ice Castles which is also right at Hawrelak Park. Visit www.silverskatefestival.org for more details.
Hawrelak Park is located at 9330 Groat Rd NW. While there is parking on-site due to the popularity of the Silver Skate Festival as well as Ice Castles you can also take advantage of the FREE Park n’ Ride service on weekends or plan out your ETS destination.