A HUGE outdoor dance party takes over downtown Edmonton this weekend
Edmonton’s biggest annual spring party returns this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be a wicked celebration of art and music you won’t want to miss.
The Downtown Defrost, a family-friendly electronic music festival, will take over Sir Winston Churchill Square for its 10th anniversary from April 18 to 19.
The all-ages event will feature two stages packed with local and international stars, and tickets are on sale now, though you’d better grab yours before they’re gone.
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“This 10-year anniversary highlights the resilience and growth of Edmonton’s electronic music community,” said Sahib Quraishi, creative director of The Factory and Night Vision, the collective behind Downtown Defrost, in a release.
“We’ve fought to carve out a space where Edmonton artists can thrive alongside international talent, and watching this festival evolve from a grassroots gathering to a renowned cultural event has been incredible.”
The festival takes place from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day, snow, rain, or shine, and is followed by a host of 18+ official afterparties each night at Double Dragon.
The Downtown Defrost
This year’s lineup includes a DJ set from Compton-born Channel Tres and Korean-American Yaeji, both with unique styles that have garnered them acclaim from industry legends and fans.
Neil Frances, an LA-based indie-electronic duo, house music stalwart Justin Martin, and UK drum and bass artist Cesco will also be keeping the party going throughout the two-day event.
Other acts include Vancouver-based DJ and producer Sivz, duo Joluca, and festival co-founder The Librarian. The full lineup and set times can be found online.
The Downtown Defrost
”Our mission is to foster a vibrant electronic music community in Edmonton,” added Gavin Delaney, co-founder of the Night Vision Music Academy, in a statement. “The Downtown Defrost festival exemplifies this by introducing the world’s best talent to Edmonton while providing a platform for homegrown talent.”
Guests can stay energized by checking out the diverse selection of food vendors and visiting the bars on-site. There will also be a Melt Market with over a dozen local artisans and vintage vendors, and children’s activities to keep the little ones entertained.
So if you plan to melt winter away with a wicked dance party, grab tickets soon because they’re selling fast! Single-day and weekend passes can be found here.
The Downtown Defrost
When: April 18 and 19, 2025
Time: 2 to 11 p.m.
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Tickets: Various prices with VIP passes available. Children 12 and under are free. Purchase online
With files from Allison Stephen
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