Silver Skate Festival 2027
Edmonton's oldest winter festival glides back home. Silver Skate — a free, ten-day celebration of winter sport, art, and culture — returns to William Hawrelak Park for 2027 after several years at Laurier Park. Skate the city's largest pond, wander a garden of snow sculptures, and watch the nightly fire burn. A top search for Edmonton winter festivals, free family events, and things to do in February.
Event Details
Dates: February 5 – 15, 2027
Location: William Hawrelak Park
Admission: Free — donation-supported
Info: silverskate.ca
About the Festival
Rooted in Dutch winter traditions (the tale of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates), Silver Skate has grown over three-plus decades into an all-embracing celebration of prairie winter life. It blends free public skating, world-class snow and fire art, live performances, Indigenous programming, and winter sport.
Highlights
Free public skating on the city's largest outdoor pond
Snow Sculpture Garden to watch international carvers at work
Fire Sculptures & nightly burn where you can write out a wish or fear and watch it go up in flames
The Folk Trail highlighting roving performers and winter wandering
Heritage Village & Indigenous programming — storytelling, installations, and a Winter Walking Ceremony
Winter sport featuring the Mammoet Winter Triathlon, Ice Duathlon, and Barnebirkie kids' ski, plus ice bikes, sledge hockey, and fun zones
Getting There & Good to Know
Hawrelak Park sits in the river valley off Groat Road. Parking fills fast on weekends, so ETS transit or carpooling is smart. Dress for a full day outdoors: warm boots, layers, and skates if you've got them (or rent a pair on-site). Watch for slippery conditions.