2026 Deep Freeze Festival Greetings
The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
I would like to convey my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 19th annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, hosted by Arts on the Ave.
This annual event brings the community together to celebrate winter, art and culture. I am certain that everyone in attendance will enjoy the many activities planned for this exciting festival.
I would like to thank the organizers for ensuring the success of this event, year after year. I would also like to thank the volunteers and artists for their role in making this an unforgettable experience for everyone.
I wish you all a wonderful festival.
Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, welcome to the 2026 Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival.
The crisp air, the wonder of imagination and the warmth of community are the hallmarks of this popular annual festival – the first of the year in our capital city! Deep Freeze brings people together to enjoy a wide range of activities, explore the talents of local creators, and connect with the spirit and diverse cultures of the Alberta Avenue District. It is a highlight of the season, and an inspiring way to celebrate the arts in our province and the beauty of winter.
I am grateful to everyone at Arts on the Ave for your advocacy, your commitment to this unique neighbourhood, and your belief in nurturing artistic expression. Thank you as well to the artists, vendors, sponsors and hard-working volunteers for your contributions to making this exciting festival possible.
Have a wonderful time Under the Stars!
Honourable Eleanor Olszewski
Member of Parliament | Députée Edmonton Centre | Edmonton-Centre
On behalf of the Government of Canada, and as your Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 19th annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival.
For nearly 20 years, Deep Freeze has brought warmth, wonder, and creativity to Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue District. This beloved festival celebrates the Olde New Year, blending timeless traditions with contemporary artistic expression, and highlighting the rich cultures that make our city so vibrant.
This year’s theme, Under the Stars, invites us to gather around fires, stargaze, and share stories beneath Edmonton’s winter skies. Visit Pipon Village to enjoy bannock and hear stories of the land, cheer on the Deep Freezer Races, and experience music, dance, and shimmering ice installations. Deep Freeze offers something for everyone — showcasing talent while fostering connection, community, and joy in the heart of winter.
To the Arts on the Ave team and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers and artists: thank you for bringing this festival to life. Your creativity and passion make Edmonton a city of art, culture, and shared celebration.
Enjoy the festival, embrace the spirit of winter, and may Deep Freeze 2026 be an unforgettable experience for all!
Kerry Diotte
Member of Parliament, Edmonton Griesbach
Dear Friends and Neighbours of Edmonton Griesbach,
I’m delighted to invite you to celebrate the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, one of Edmonton’s most unique and cherished winter traditions. This incredible event transforms our community into a vibrant winter wonderland where art, culture, and heritage come together in a spectacular way.
The festival is a true reflection of the rich diversity that makes Edmonton Griesbach so special. The Deep Freeze Festival features stunning ice carvings, lively performances, traditional foods, and family-friendly activities that celebrate Ukrainian, Indigenous, French Canadian, and multicultural traditions—each of which has shaped our community’s identity.
As we gather to welcome the Olde New Year, let’s embrace the spirit of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Festivals like this remind us that even in the coldest season, we can find warmth in shared experiences and community pride.
Wishing you a joyful festival and a prosperous 2026! May this year bring peace, happiness, and new opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the traditions that strengthen our community.
MLA Janis Irwin
Member of the Legislative Assembly – Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Welcome back to Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival here on Treaty 6 territory!
As always, Deep Freeze is a fabulous opportunity for us to celebrate our beautiful communities, our amazing artists, and the wonderful work of Arts on the Ave. For all these reasons, Deep Freeze is one of my favourite celebrations of the year!
Once again, I can’t wait to showcase with our city and province the incredible and diverse cultural traditions that make Alberta Avenue so special. From live music to festive dance, freezer races to storytelling, Deep Freeze truly has something for everyone.
I cherish this unique festival and I know so many in our city and province do too. Thank you to the lovely people of Alberta Avenue for again opening their neighbourhood to so many. I’m just so incredibly honoured and proud to represent our community.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, artists, and all those who’ve played a role in bringing us together for another Deep Freeze. Your hard work continues to keep our communities vibrant and strong.
Happy Deep Freeze Fest, friends! See you on the Ave!
His Worship Andrew Knack
Mayor of Edmonton
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 2026 Deep Freeze Festival!
Edmonton is a city of diverse and creative people who have so much to share. Deep Freeze brings Edmontonians together to connect during the long winter season and to enjoy what the many talented artists in our community have to offer.
And it is a unique opportunity to celebrate the Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco African, Indigenous, Latin American and Asian traditions cultures that have contributed so much
to our city.
A special thank you to the Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society. Your work is providing meaningful educational opportunities and artistic engagement for Edmontonians.
Have a fantastic festival!
Councillor Ashley Salvador
City Councillor, Ward Métis
Happy New Year, Ward Métis!
Every January we gather on Alberta Avenue to embrace the winter season and celebrate the diverse cultures that make Edmonton so special.
Deep Freeze is our first festival of the year that brings with it fun activities for the whole family, incredible food and engaging performances.
It’s events like these that strengthen our community and showcase the special character of our ward. Let’s fill the Avenue with celebration and kick off the new year together.
I’d like to thank Arts on the Ave for your continued dedication to making Alberta Avenue a vibrant and inclusive community, and all the volunteers that make Deep Freeze a reality.
Chief Warren Driechel
Edmonton Police Service
On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service, I'm honoured to welcome you to the 2026 Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival.
This festival showcases some of the best parts of our winter city including its cultural diversity, community, and the aits. Amid the music, food, and memorable deep freezer races, this weekend is also about celebrating the Olde New Year; a time for us to look ahead and set new goals. In the spirit of this festival, I hope in 2026 you take time to get to know your neighbours and turn strangers into friends.
As Edmonton's new Chief of Police, I'm looking forward to meeting people where they are at, and that includes on Alberta Avenue. This neighbourhood is an example of what is possible when residents, business owners, and community leaders come together to promote a safe environment.
I want to thank everyone involved in making this festival a success; I am proud of your dedication and admire your talents.
Congratulations on an exciting Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival and stay warm!