Welcome to Deep Freeze

A message from Christy Morin, Artistic Director & General Manager

Christy Morin, Founder / Executive Director, Arts on the Ave

Our theme this year is “Under the Stars,” and we are reminded that this place holds a story. Just a few blocks away, Edmonton’s river valley opens up—from Mill Creek Ravine to the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Boisvert’s GreenWoods Conservation Land, Métis Crossing, Elk Island Park, and so many more sacred spots. The land carries those who came before us and those still to come.

Our family has grown this year. My little grandson now looks up at the same stars my great-grandparents once did. The world is full of mystery and wonder, and we are part of it together. No one is left out.

Thank you for being our festival and community guests, and thank you to our incredible team, generous volunteers, committed sponsors, and donors who make this festival possible. If this festival matters to you, please consider helping to carry it forward so it can remain free and open for everyone.

Enjoy this beautiful weekend with your family and friends. You are always welcome under these beautiful stars.

Christy Morin
Executive Director, Arts on the Ave

P.S. It takes many hands, hearts, and dollars to keep us going. Please consider the opportunity to give Arts on the Ave a financial donation on a monthly basis and receive a tax receipt for your much needed support.

Thank you

Bienvenue à Deep Freeze

Alain Bertrand, Francophone Program Coordinator

La journée francophone est le samedi le 17 janvier ! | Saturday, January 17 is Francophone day!

Bienvenue à Deep Freeze: Un festival byzantin !

Année après année c’est toujours un grand bonheur pour moi de vous souhaiter la bienvenue à Deep Freeze, cette fête qui célèbre les joies de vivre dans une ville nordique !

Depuis bientôt deux décennies, Deep Freeze : A Byzantine Winter Fête continue d’être une expérience fantastique, un paradis hivernal, un environnement nordique où règne le froid de l’hiver. Se voulant être une célébration de nos divers héritages culturels, Deep Freeze présente un large éventail de musique traditionnelle, francophone, ukrainienne, Métis et des Premières Nations… Culture, divertissements, tradition…et surtout l`fun, tout y est !

Venez vous imprégner de la jovialité de notre culture hivernale ! Offrant un large éventail d’activités récréatives et éducatives, Deep Freeze en a pour tous les goûts et pour tous les âges !

Alain Bertrand
Coordonnateur du programme francophone

Welcome to Deep Freeze: A Byzantine festival!

Year after year, it is always a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Deep Freeze, a celebration of the joys of living in a northern city!

For nearly two decades, Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival has continued to be a fantastic experience, a winter wonderland, a northern environment where the cold of winter reigns supreme. Intended as a celebration of our diverse cultural heritage, Deep Freeze presents a wide range of traditional music, including Francophone, Ukrainian, Métis, and First Nations music. Culture, entertainment, tradition...and above all, fun—it's all here!

Come and soak up the cheerfulness of our winter culture! Offering a wide range of recreational and educational activities, Deep Freeze has something for everyone, regardless of age!

Alain Bertrand
Francophone Program Coordinator

Laskavo prosymo do Deep Freeze

Festival Team, Ukrainian Programming

Sunday, January 21 is Ukrainian day!!

Celebrate 2026 with us at the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival! Embrace traditions, enjoy vibrant performances, and revel in our cultural feast. Thank you, dear patrons, for joining us in welcoming the New Year. 

Happy Malanka!

Warm regards,
The Festival Team

Святкуйте 2026 рік разом з нами на нашому зимовому Бизантійському фестивалі «Deepfreeze»! 

Обмінюйтеся традиціями, насолоджуйтеся яскравими виступами і розквітайте в нашому культурному святі. Дякуємо, дорогі учасники, за те, що приєдналися до нас у вітанні Нового Року. Щасливої Маланки!

Щиро Вітаємо! 

Tanisi! (Hello)

Pipon Village Program Team

We are delighted to welcome you to the winter village, Pipon, recognized in the language of the Nehiyawak, Nehiyawan a dialect of the Cree. Pipon Village represents Indigenous (FNMI) cultures, gathering in honour of our heritage. Enjoy wintertime in the Pipon Village, come, share and tell stories.

In the spirit of friendship and unity, our program team extends a warm welcome to each of you. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where our traditions and histories are acknowledged and cherished.

Let's celebrate our shared journey, learn from one another, and build a community that is strong, vibrant, and deeply rooted in our ancestral knowledge.

Tānisi nānāskomowin kākiyāw e tohteyin anohc kīsikahk wākōhkōmānithk pe mōcikihtāyān e ki miyāwitamowin ekwa achimostawewak ōta amiskwaciy wāskahikan pīpon ōtenāwihtāw

With warm regards,
Pipon Village Program Team