Downtown Edmonton will have free skating and dancing on these weekends

Edmonton Arts Council is heating up the downtown core with skating and dancing galore.

Winter City Weekends is coming to Edmonton, with fun and festivities at City Hall. In January and February, you can anticipate a long list of DJ performances, free skating, free dancing, and so much more. If you’re looking to get out into the city to start the year, these weekends will have you covered.

What to expect

In addition to the wonderful list of programs for the months of January and February, the City Hall Skating Rink is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Here, you can jump on in with the free skate rental program from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

There are also skate lessons for those who aren’t too familiar with the art. Drop-in lessons are offered on Sundays and Saturdays, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Along with skate lessons every weekend, you can skate and dance along to live DJs every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This lineup of DJs includes great local names like DJ Kena Leon and Tea Cup DJ.

While the DJs take over Friday and Saturday, Swing ‘n Skate will be back on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Inside City Hall, you can show your moves with swing dancing, 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.

Upcoming performers include the Edmonton Swing Band, The Mbira Renaissance Band, and Little Birds Big Band.

If you’re ready to skate into the new year, these weekends will absolutely be the best way to start.

Winter City Weekends

When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, to Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square — 100th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

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