There are tons of fantastic things happening around Edmonton this January that are totally free and fun to check out!
From all kinds of incredible winter festivals to a free evening at the Art Gallery of Alberta, we’ve put together a list of eight things to do in Edmonton this month that won’t cost a dime.
Free admission at the Art Gallery of Alberta
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What: Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. The AGA offers free admission from 4 p.m. until close on the last Thursday of every month.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
When: Last Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m.
Check out the U of A Observatory
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What: Catch incredible views of our solar system at the University of Alberta’s Observatory. Every Thursday, the observatory opens to the public, and visitors are welcome to drop by any time during select visiting hours. (The observatory closes if the temperature falls to -20°C or lower.)
Where: Department of Physics, Astronomical Observatory — 11335 Saskatchewan Drive NW
Go ice skating
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What: Lace up those skates and wear your warmest winter jacket. Skating during the winter is perfect, and there are several spots across Edmonton to do just that. It’s some of the best fun you can have during the winter in the city, and you can even find free skate rentals at a few City locations!
Where: Various locations
Flying Canoë Volant
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What: This festival honours French Canadian, Metis, and Indigenous traditions and is one of Edmonton’s biggest winter celebrations. The Flying Canoë Volant is loosely based on the French Canadian legend of the Flying Canoë. Take in stunning, illuminated scenes and live performers for a memorable night in Edmonton’s French Quarter.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 28 to 31
Where: Mill Creek Ravine and La Cité francophone — 8627 Rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91st Street NW)
Cost: Free
Winter City Weekends: Ice Grooves & Swing ‘n Skate
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What: Join the Edmonton Arts Council in January and February for Winter City Weekends at City Hall Plaza! Skate and dance along to live DJs every Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. On Saturday afternoons inside City Hall, show off your best moves to some swing, big band, soca, salsa and more. If you’d rather be outdoors, the music will be broadcast directly outside for ice skaters at City Hall Plaza.
When: Fridays and Saturdays throughout January and February
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Go tobogganing
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What: Whether you’re an adult or a child, tobogganing is one heck of a way to pass the time during the winter, and there’s finally snow on the ground! Check out our roundup of some of the best tobogganing hills in Edmonton to visit for some sliding fun.
Check out some ice sculptures in the ICE District
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What: Chiseled, Edmonton’s international ice competition, is back in the ICE District after last year’s hiatus, and it looks to be bigger than ever. Watch seven internationally acclaimed ice carving teams hack and pick away at their chance for the top prize. This year’s event will also feature ice carving demonstrations, as well as your chance to try ice carving at Dr. Wilbert McIntrye Park in Old Strathcona
When: Competition runs Saturday, Jan. 24 to 26, with demonstrations on Tuesday, Jan. 27 to 29
Where: ICE District: 10220 104th Ave. NW and Dr. Wilbert McIntrye Park: 8331 104th St.NW
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Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
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What: Step into Alberta Avenue District for the Deep Freeze enchanted forest and see a mystical creature, vivid blooms, bright-hued mushrooms, and woodland animals — all hand sculpted by their world-renowned ice, balloon, and lantern artists. There will be light installations, ice sculptures, cultural stories, street hockey, the famous annual Deep Freezer races, and other winter artistic panache.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18
Where: 118th Avenue and 90th to 95th Street NW
Cost: Free