FREDERICTON (NB): After 2 years of cancellations, New Brunswick’s most anticipated winter celebration, FROSTival, will return to the Fredericton Capital Region from January 19 – February 5, 2023.
Managed by Fredericton Tourism & Events, FROSTival is made up of more than 150 events over three jam-packed weekends, including the Fredericton Capital Region’s best indoor and outdoor experiences.
"FROSTival really has something for everyone" says Stacey Russell, Fredericton Tourism. "From families, cultural enthusiasts, foodies, and everyone in between, there’s a broad mix of both indoor and outdoor events. Plus, we’re very excited for some new partner events that have been added to this year’s celebrations".
FROSTival Weekend #1 will welcome back Fredericton’s Shivering Songs Festival (January 18 - 22). Experience intimate performances by world-class musicians and storytellers in one-of-a-kind heritage venues in the heart of Downtown Fredericton. This year’s performers include Juno nominated Jenn Grant, Instagram sensation Canada.gov.ca, Ontario’s Hayden at Wilmot United Church, and Fredericton’s own Grand Theft Bus.
The 2023 FROSTival schedule features some brand new events, including outdoor group expeditions hosted by The Landing, Indigenous Art Worskshops led by Mawi’ Arts, Cocktail Making Class, Drag Bingo, and a Silent Disco. Big Axe Brewery will host Winterfest, showcasing all the Nackawic area has to offer, and Fredericton Junction will celebrate the season with their series of Winter Functions in the Junction.
FROSTival 2023 will also see the return of dozens of popular events including Dine Around Freddy, UNB Astronomy Nights, Adult Science Night, Chinese New Year Gala, self-guided family scavenger hunts, and the Wostawea Cross Country Ski Races. And of course, longtime FROSTival partners such as Crabbe Mountain, The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and the Playhouse are offering an exciting assortment of activities and performances each weekend- including snowmobile races, family art workshops, and a Motown Tribute show.
“FROSTival continues to grow every year” says Russell. “This is a great initiative that comes at a time of year where Frederictonians and New Brunswickers are looking to get out of the house. Every year community partners introduce new and innovative events to FROSTival’s line up, and this year is no exception”.
What to expect this year at FROSTival:
FROSTival kicks off January 18 with United Way’s Songs of the City at the Fredericton Playhouse as part of Shivering Songs. Live performances will continue throughout the weekend as part of the festival, and the inaugural Shivering Songs’ Vinyl Expo will be held at The Cap on Saturday afternoon. Families can enjoy a movie feature at the NB Sports Hall of Fame, Sliding and Skating parties in Oromocto, Never Ever Days at Crabbe Mountain, or a Family Art Workshop at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. After dark offerings include UNB’s Astronomy Night and the Maritime Gospel Concert.
Weekend #2 offers Snowmobile Racing at Crabbe Mountain, Chinese New Year Gala at the Playhouse, and an opportunity to try out indoor roller skating with the Sunshine Rollers! Mactaquac Provincial Park will host a Winter Escape with outdoor activities for all ages, including their new, magical Forest Skate Trail! Saturday night will also feature the FROSTival Art Battle, Faded Flannel: A tribute to the grunge era at Grimross Brewing, and Drag Bingo at Trailway Brewing Co, plus multiple happenings at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, such as Writing Night and a Whisky Nosing and Tasting.
The third and final weekend of FROSTival showcases endless entertainment, including a Silent Disco at Charlotte St Arts Centre, a Girls Night out Dinner & Show at the Delta, a production of “The Play that Goes Wrong” at Tom Morrison Theatre, Lisa LeBlanc’s Chiac Disco at the Market, and a rendition of Billy Joel’s the Stranger by Classic Albums Live at the Playhouse. Additionally, you can take part in Adult Science Night at Science East, go on a starlit Snowshoe with the crew from Nashwaak Watershed Association and Ducks Unlimited, or take the whole family to the Nashwaaksis Fieldhouse for the FROSTival Family Fun Festivities!
All of this and so much more- with 7+ hands on art workshops available each weekend, and dozens of sports events happening in and outdoors across the region, there is no shortage of fun this FROSTival. Nature New Brunswick’s self-guided FROSTiwalks will be hosted at Killarney Lake and Oromocto Wetlands throughout FROSTival, and Hanwell Recreation Centre is offering free cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals for the duration of FROSTival as well- great opportunities to get out and explore the Fredericton Capital Region!
Throughout FROSTival, indulge yourself in a taste of the Capital Region with Dine Around Freddy (Jan 19 - Feb 5). This year features 24 restaurants serving up curated three-course meals at only $39 per person.
Make it a winter weekend getaway! With Fredericton Tourism Stay and Play Packages, you can book your accommodations, receive special perks, and a bonus $50 in Downtown Fredericton Dollars or Business Fredericton North Dollars.
Managed by Fredericton Tourism & Events, FROSTival invites everyone to embrace the wonder of winter in the Fredericton Capital Region! A full schedule of FROSTival events can be found at https://frostival.ca/en/event-listing or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FrederictonFrostival.
Media Contact:
Stacey Russell
Fredericton Tourism & Events
stacey.russell@fredericton.ca
(506) 260-6958