2025 Deep Freeze Festival Greetings
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone taking part in the 18th annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, hosted by Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society.
This annual festival brings the community together to celebrate our nation’s rich mix of cultures as well as all that winter has to offer. I am certain that the many activities and performances planned for this year’s edition, which pays tribute to Alberta’s rich agricultural heritage, will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
I would like to commend the organizers, volunteers and artists for their hard work and dedication. Events such as this are a wonderful reminder that Canada is truly a multicultural nation, made stronger and more resilient by our diversity.
Please accept my best wishes for a memorable experience.
The Honourable / L’honorable Randy Boissonnault
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages of Canada
Dear Honoured Guests,
As Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Arts on the Ave’s 18th annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival.
For 18 years Arts on the Ave has brought Edmontonians together in celebration during our coldest season. As the first festival of the year, Deep Freeze brings the community out of hibernation to enjoy food, friends, and art with a dash of winter magic.
This year’s theme, Barnyard Blitz, pays tribute to Alberta’s farming heritage while also celebrating our diverse cultural communities across the province. Edmontonians from all walks of life come together for a weekend celebrating community. Explore incredible ice sculptures, eat tasty treats, and marvel at the gripping performances for two days of non-stop winter fun.
A big thank you to all the Arts on the Ave staff and volunteers who have made this year's festival a success. You are at the heart of this celebration, helping to bring together local artists, small businesses and community members.
Please accept my warmest welcome and best wishes for continued success.
MP Blake Desjarlais
Member of Parliament - Edmonton Griesbach
Dear neighbours and friends,
Congratulations and my sincerest gratitude to Arts on the Ave and their team of dedicated volunteers for bringing the 18th Annual Deep Freeze Festival to our community! This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of winter and the many cultures that make our community strong and resilient. I encourage each and everyone of you to come together, participate in the Deep Freeze magic and share stories for now and years to come.
Thank you, Merci, Hiy Hiy
Chers voisins et amis, Félicitations et ma plus sincère gratitude à Arts on the Ave et à son équipe de bénévoles dévoués pour avoir organisé le 18e festival annuel Deep Freeze dans notre communauté ! C'est l'occasion de se plonger dans la beauté de l'hiver et dans les nombreuses cultures qui font la force et la résilience de notre communauté. J'encourage chacun d'entre vous à se rassembler, à participer à la magie de Deep Freeze et à partager des histoires pour aujourd'hui et pour les années à venir.
Merci, Merci, Hiy Hiy
Honourable Tanya Fir
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Welcome to the 18th Annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival!
Alberta's rich agricultural history is being recognized with this year's festival theme: Barnyard Blitz. Much of our province's art and culture is influenced by, or deeply connected to, the agricultural story and experience within Alberta. Spotlighting the connection between art, agriculture and community allows festival goers to celebrate an important piece of what makes Alberta's cultural landscape so unique.
Deep Freeze has become a well known event. Throughout the festival, you and your family will experience local art, hands-on activities, delicious food and a continuous celebration of the diverse cultures that form this great province. What a fabulous way to kick off Edmonton's 2025 festival calendar!
I applaud Arts on the Ave for organizing this unique event and thank the sponsors and hundreds of volunteers that helped make this festival a success.
Stay warm and enjoy the festival!
MLA Janis Irwin
Member of the Legislative Assembly – Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Welcome to the 18th annual Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival here on Treaty 6 territory!
Thank you to our neighbours in Alberta Avenue for welcoming us all into their community again this winter, and throughout the year. As always, Deep Freeze Fest is a fabulous opportunity for us to show our support for the neighbourhood, for Arts on the Ave, and for the artists who so generously share their work with us.
This year’s theme, “Barnyard Blitz,” is all about celebrating Alberta’s rich agricultural history. Born and raised in small-town Alberta, I’m quite proud of my own rural roots, and I’m excited to celebrate this theme with you all! And once again, I can’t wait to showcase with the city and province the incredible and diverse cultural traditions that make Alberta Avenue one of my favourite neighbourhoods, and one that I’m so proud to represent.
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 Amarjeet Sohi
Mayor of Edmonton
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 2025
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival!
I’m thrilled to live in a city that has such a vibrant arts community, full of diverse and creative individuals. This event brings families together from every corner of the city to celebrate all that our winter city has to offer - from food to music to art, and everything in between!
I want to thank Arts on the Ave for once again putting on an exceptional festival that helps us come together to appreciate the incredible work of many Edmontonian artists and experience diverse cultural traditions.
Enjoy the festival!
Councillor Ashley Salvador
City Councillor, Ward Métis
Happy Deep Freeze Festival, everyone!
It’s that special time of year for this festival to light up our city! Every winter, its performers, art installations and activities bring smiles to the faces of the whole community, and this year promises to be no exception. Although winter can be challenging at times, Deep Freeze reminds me of just how lucky I am to live in Edmonton and how proud I am to be a resident of Ward Métis.
Alberta Avenue is an extraordinarily diverse, creative and welcoming community. This event invites everyone to come and discover the fantastic businesses, residents and community organizations that call it home. As we explore the Avenue over the next two days, I hope you all take the opportunity to cheer on the 500 participating artists who are bringing joy and warmth to our winter days.
A special thanks to the Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society for helping the Alberta Avenue Arts District thrive. And thank you to the amazing volunteers and community members who support their work.
I hope you all enjoy these days of festival fun!
Chief Dale McFee
Edmonton Police Service
As a winter city, we know that winter is more than just a season, it’s a way of life.
The Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival embodies the spirit of our vibrant winter city, inviting us to embrace the magic of community, creativity, and cultural celebration even on the chilliest days.
It’s amazing to see the Alberta Avenue District transformed into a stunning winter wonderland with so many heartwarming activities. From the captivating art and live performances to axe-throwing and deep freezer races, and the fun “Barnyard Blitz,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Edmonton Police Service is proud to be a part of events like Deep Freeze because they play a vital role in enhancing community safety and well-being. By bringing neighbours together in shared public spaces, we strengthen bonds, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of belonging for all.
Thank you to the Arts on the Avenue, the dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and countless organizations whose hard work and vision make this beloved festival possible. Your efforts inspire and enrich the lives of so many Edmontonians.
Enjoy the festivities, and let’s celebrate winter together!