Edmonton comes alive this weekend with an exciting lineup of cultural events and seasonal celebrations that promise to warm up the November chill. From sparkling winter festivals to thought-provoking artistic performances, there's something for every taste in Canada's festival city.
All Is Bright Winter Festival Returns to 124 Street
The beloved annual winter festival All Is Bright transforms 124 Street into a magical wonderland this Saturday, bringing warmth and community spirit to Edmonton's arts district. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. between 107 and 109 avenues, completely free of charge.
This year's festival promises the same enchanting atmosphere that has made it a neighborhood tradition, with organizers anticipating good weather similar to last year's successful event. The celebration features roving entertainers throughout the wider neighbourhood, including special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Music takes center stage with performances by The Get Downs at 4 p.m. and the Don Berner Big Band at 6 p.m. on the main stage. The highlight of the evening arrives at 5:30 p.m. with the ceremonial lighting of illuminated art and design works that will brighten the street throughout the coming weeks.
Unique Festival Features and Extended Viewing
Beyond the main stage performances, the festival offers numerous distinctive experiences. Mercurius Curio Shop features a DJ spinning tunes out front, while Duchess boasts a giant gingerbread house that's sure to delight visitors of all ages.
For those interested in body art, B.C. realistic tattoo artist Art Goodoy will be in residence at History Ink Tattoo, working on the spot with the shop's other artists until midnight.
Can't make it to the festival on Saturday? The illuminated window art installations will remain on display through November 22, allowing extended viewing opportunities for those who miss the main event.
Bold Dance Performance Kicks Off 47th Season
Brian Webb Dance Company launches its 47th season with the provocative work BLOT: Body of Line and Thought, which has previously toured Europe and North America. The performance features artists Vanessa Goodman and Simona Deaconscu exploring human connection with microbiological organisms through movement.
Artistic director Brian Webb explains the conceptual foundation: "BLOT is characterized by the two naked dancers who explore the body as an interconnected system, strong and fragile, affected by and affecting nature. It explores the substances of our body, primarily salt which is in our body, in the ocean, in the land. It celebrates this interconnectedness that defines all living forms."
Audiences should note the performance includes full nudity as part of its artistic expression. The single showing occurs at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Roxy Theatre (10708 124 St.), with tickets priced at $40 for adults and $25 for students and seniors available through theatrenetwork.ca.
Broad View International Film Festival Celebrates Women Directors
Now in its fourth year, the Broad View International Film Festival continues its mission to amplify women-directed films with an impressive 2025 lineup. Established in 2021, the festival has quickly become an important platform for female filmmakers.
This year's program includes the local premiere of Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, a music documentary directed by Varda Bar-Kar, along with the world premiere of The Edmonton Storyteller: The Life and Times of Tony Cashman by local filmmaker Clare Mullen.
Film enthusiasts can also catch an encore screening of Cannes Grand Prix winner All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia. The full schedule, festival passes, and individual tickets are available at broadviewfilmfest.com.
The festival extends beyond screenings with the Broad View Script Development Program on Sunday, featuring table reads of winning screenplays by Alexandra Lazarowich at 9:30 a.m., followed by Virginia Abramovich and Katherine Andrews at 1:30 p.m. at Strathcona Community League (10139 87 Ave.). These script readings are free to attend, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the film development process.
With so many diverse cultural offerings, Edmonton proves why it remains one of Canada's most vibrant cities for arts and entertainment, providing residents and visitors alike with numerous opportunities to engage with creative expressions across multiple disciplines.
