The Silver Skate Festival, Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival, has been creating winter experiences in Edmonton for 36 years!

What began as a small annual skating event rooted in Dutch winter traditions has blossomed into an all-embracing celebration of winter sport, art, music, and recreation.

For the past 36 years, the Silver Skate Festival has transformed Hawrelak Park into a mosaic of winter fun for the entire family. While Hawrelak Park undergoes extensive revitalization in 2024-2025 you will find us across the North Saskatchewan River at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park.

Bring your skates and glide along Edmonton's River Valley Parks newest outdoor skating rink, marvel at the artistic talent on display in our snow sculpture garden, join us on the Folk Trail, or learn about indigenous histories and traditions in our Heritage Village.

Friends and families, we welcome you to enjoy all the activities at the Silver Skate Festival which are as diverse as the people who call our Northern community Home.

We invite everyone to rediscover the joy of that first childhood snowfall, or discover that joy for the first time. We challenge you to: explore the river valley... go for a skate... make a snow angel... visit a winter patio... Winter is magic, and the outdoor experiences in our city are limitless!

Our People 

The Silver Skate Festival is made possible by the contributions of many talented and passionate individuals. The festival is governed by a non-profit society, with a Board of Directors committed to encouraging public participation in outdoor winter activities, winter artforms, and spreading winter joy throughout the community. Festival staff work year-round ironing out every single event detail and collaborating with community organizations to help the festival grow. 

Come and Create Winter Experiences Onsite With Us!

We have a multitude of volunteer positions available for people of different ages, skill sets, and interests. Almost all the volunteer positions are outside, yay :) Dress for success and we will take care of the rest!