Categories: Things To Do

A free film festival will take over Edmonton this weekend and here’s what to expect

There’s an outdoor film festival in Edmonton that’s free for everyone to enjoy.

The International Festival of Winter Cinema is officially in its ninth year, this being its third year its in its new location: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park. This festival is currently running in partnership with the Silver Skate Festival, a 10-day family-oriented festival in Edmonton, combining arts, culture, sports, and recreation, ending this upcoming Monday, Feb. 16.

This festival itself recognizes and celebrates local and international cinema with winter, alpine, and polar themes of any style or genre. Combined with the unique location (the outdoors), this festival makes for a great movie night with a captivated audience.

What to expect

First off, you’ll have to trek into Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park and find Picnic Site #2 to find the screen you’re looking for.

Don’t forget about bundling up, although the weather has been great lately, I wouldn’t worry too much. A light jacket could probably do well. If you get cold, however, you can browse its exciting silent auction, featuring various items, experiences, and local gems.

Need a snack? The festival’s got that covered, too. You can get items from its delicious concession with a purchase by donation.

The first weekend of this festival ran Feb. 6 to 8, but you can expect a whole bunch of new movies this weekend, Feb. 13 to 15. To see the full schedule, complete with synopses for each and every film, check it out on the festival’s website.

If you’re looking to see some movies for free and get a taste of what local cinema has to offer, don’t miss out on this weekend!

International Festival of Winter Cinema

When: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, to Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park — 13221 Buena Vista Rd. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

Recent posts:
10 things to do this Family Day in Edmonton
A multi-venue music festival in Alberta is heating things up this winter

Recent Posts

You can paddle through B.C.’s glowing waters on this guided bioluminescence tour

If you've ever looked at the shoreline and thought the water was tinged with a…

18 hours ago

A spooky new escape room is taking over all four floors of this Edmonton library

An all-new edition of this exciting library escape room!

20 hours ago

This Alberta tattoo show will have over 200 artists, competitions, and live entertainment

The Windy City Tattoo Show is making its way to Lethbridge this September, and it…

21 hours ago

There’s a music festival in Edmonton taking over the downtown with over 125 artists

Featuring some of the newest sounds in underground music.

22 hours ago

One of Alberta’s oldest pioneer settlements is less than an hour away from Calgary

If you head towards the Rockies from Calgary, keep your eyes peeled for a spot…

22 hours ago

B.C.’s largest Culture Days celebration is bringing over 50 free events to Richmond

Richmond's 17th annual Culture Days marks the largest celebration of its kind in B.C., and…

22 hours ago